English Literature

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.

BA 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.

BA 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.

BA 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.

See the BA degree description for information on the core and elective requirements.

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

Department of English

The Department of English offers a unique combination of creative writing and academic courses and provides a remarkably stimulating milieu in which to learn and grow as readers and writers. Whether in an intimate workshop or in a classroom setting small enough to feature lectures as well as discussion, students read literature of the English-speaking world from the past through to experimental and popular works of the present as a means to develop skills as insightful and resourceful readers or writers. Concordia students benefit from the lively cultural and literary life of Montreal, including a variety of international literary festivals such as Blue Metropolis and Voix d'Ameriques.

Admission Requirements

English (BA - Honours/Specialization/Major/Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.

Undergraduate admissions guidelines: For information on international admission, required documents, proof of language proficiency, the university admissions timetable, selection and notification process.