English
Do you enjoy reading? Do you want to enrich your critical understanding of how language works and enhance your ability to express yourself? Students in English come to understand and appreciate the society and the individual that produce a literary work, as well as the work itself. The investigation of politics, culture, art, history and philosophy is part of this understanding — as are learning to write well, think clearly, and make oral and written arguments. Students develop skills in communication, research and analysis in a department that combines scholarship with a serious commitment to undergraduate teaching.
English Literature
Honours in English Literature — 60 credits
An excellent and thorough background in literature, primarily for those planning to follow graduate studies. Students not admitted directly to honours may apply after completing their first 30 credits at Concordia; the honours program does not require an extra year of study. A high level of performance is required to enter and remain in the program.Specialization in English Literature — 60 credits
Suitable for those wanting a strong background in literature as preparation for teaching and other careers. This program is similar to the honours, without the minimum GPA requirement.Major in English Literature — 42 credits
Offers great scope in studying literary texts ranging from medieval to contemporary literature, including works written in Britain and the English-speaking world. It provides the benefits of a general education with a clear disciplinary and methodological focus in the reading and understanding of literature.Minor in English Literature — 24 credits
An excellent complement to other programs of study in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, as it provides cultural and artistic perspectives not always available in other disciplines, and trains students to write clearly and express themselves effectively.
Sample courses include:
Introduction to Literary Study, British Literature from 1660 to 1900, Reading Women Writing, Postcolonial Literature, The American Novel, Contemporary Critical Theory, Poetry/Prose/Fiction
Admission Requirements
English (BA - Honours/Specialization/Major/Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.
Creative Writing
Honours in English and Creative Writing — 66 credits*
The study of literature enhances your ability to write your own prose, poetry or drama, and the creative eye you bring to your own work enhances your critical understanding of the literary achievements of others. This program combines the advantages of the training in literary study offered in the Major in English Literature with the workshop experiences of the Major in Creative Writing. Students in this program are well prepared for graduate study either in literature or creative writing. A high level of performance is required to enter and remain in the program.Major in Creative Writing — 42 credits*
The Creative Writing program offers introductory and advanced workshops in poetry, prose and drama, as well as advanced courses in scriptwriting, editing, publishing, and literature.Minor in Creative Writing — 30 credits*
Provides students who have a secondary interest in Creative Writing with the opportunity to combine creative writing courses and some literature courses with studies outside the program.
Sample courses include:
Creative Writing: Poetry/Prose Fiction/Drama, Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry/Prose Fiction/Drama, Creative Non-fiction Writing, Script Writing for Radio, Screen, and Television, Publishing and Editing, Writing of Children’s Literature, Advanced Studies in Creative Writing
*Portfolio for Creative Writing
Applicants must submit a portfolio of a maximum of 15 pages of their best writing in poetry, drama and/or fiction (short stories or novel excerpts). The portfolio must be accompanied by a brief letter of intent (one to two pages) addressed to the Coordinator of Creative Writing and written with attention to spelling and grammar. The letter should outline the applicant's goals for study in creative writing, and a response to one or more literary works that have shaped him/her.
The portfolio and letter of intent must be submitted to the English Department. For precise instructions, please refer to the Creative Writing Portfolio Instructions on the department’s website.
Admission Requirements
Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.
English and History
- Specialization in English and History — 60 credits
Requiring 30 credits in each subject, the joint specialization encourages students to pursue the links between the study of English Literature and History as a valuable and fascinating pursuit in its own right and as preparation for a career in teaching or in other professions in which reading, research, and argumentation skills are necessary.
Admission Requirements
English and History (BA - Specialization) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.
Professional Writing
- Minor in Professional Writing — 24 credits
Professional writing is in high demand in today's work environment. Professional writers communicate information to a variety of audiences in many forms, including reports, media releases, brochures, and newsletters. The Minor in Professional Writing provides students in any major with training in business, technical, and other areas of written communication.
Admission Requirements
Professional Writing (BA - Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.
Law, journalism, information sciences, education, advertising, marketing, editing and publishing.
See the BA degree description for information on the core and elective requirements.
Undergraduate admissions guidelines: For information on international admission, required documents, proof of language proficiency, the university admissions timetable, selection and notification process.
