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English Literature (BA)

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Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Major, Minor, Honours, Specialization
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter

Why study English Literature?

Immerse yourself in the words of past poets or contemporary thinkers. With every turn of the page, you have the opportunity to imagine and reflect on lives and worlds different from your own experience, and challenge your assumptions about the meaning of morality and the world from new and unanticipated perspectives. When you study literature, you develop a cultural vocabulary that examines the human condition through history, philosophy and many literary modes from tragedy to satire. It goes without saying that, as a literature student, you'll sharpen your abilities as a critical reader, thinker and writer.

In a curriculum that stretches through time and spans the globe, you will study texts ranging from Old and Middle English to contemporary post-colonial voices from around the world. You'll also study literary theories and models of interpretation, and develop indispensable communication, research, analytic, and rhetorical skills.

After graduation, you will leave with the knowledge and skill for any career that values critical thinking and superior communication skills.

Program highlights

  • Hone your writing skills while learning about literary traditions that span history and the globe
  • Explore courses in all periods, genres, and regions of a global literature, extending as well to Media, Print, Game and Environmental Studies, the Graphic Novel, Fantasy, and more.

Program structure

A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

  • Honours in English Literature (60 credits)*
  • Specialization in English Literature (60 credits)
  • Major in English Literature (42 credits)
  • Minor in English Literature (24 credits)

*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major or specialization.

Courses

United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.

Admission criteria

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

Additional requirements for admission

English proficiency
Some applicants may be required to write an English language proficiency test with the following minimum scores:

  • TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) – a minimum score of 100 with 22 in the writing component
  • IELTS – 7.0 overall with a 6.5 in the writing component
  • DET score of 120 and above with no subscore under 90

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Application deadlines

Fall term

FALL TERM

March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Winter term

WINTER

November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.

We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.

After your degree

Graduates leave with indispensable skills in communication, research and critical thinking, and enjoy careers in teaching, law, journalism, business or advertising. Others pursue graduate studies.

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