English

Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Degree options:  

• Bachelor of Arts, honours or major
• Any degree, minor

While the curriculum focuses on literary study, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the English language, which will prove invaluable not only in your studies, but in any future career or profession.

First-year English courses offer you an introduction to different approaches to reading and writing about literature, using texts from a range of genres and time periods.

In second year you may choose from courses focusing on:

• Introduction to literary periods
• Shakespeare
• Canadian literature
• American literature

Third-year courses expand on your second-year choices, including studies in:

• British literature in different periods
• Canadian and American literature
• Gender and literature
• Postcolonial literature
• Dramatic literature
• Creative writing
• Film, genre, and cultural studies

In fourth year you will be able to pursue “selected topics” courses, which allow you to pursue special interests, either through the particular courses offered that year or through individual study and research under the supervision of a faculty member.

If you choose to do an honours English degree, you will have the opportunity to write a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.

You will also have opportunities to present and publish creative and critical work.

Find a list of English courses in the academic calendar – English.

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, and an honours?

Popular career paths for English graduates include:

• publisher
• teacher
• writer
• creative writer in the video game industry
• proofreader
• editor
• public relations specialist
• human resources specialist
• advertising copy writer
• archivist
• legal editor
• advertising executive
• academic researcher/teacher

“I am especially indebted to the small classes. I feel that through these unique learning environments, where there were sometimes less than 10 students in my class, I obtained the most invaluable learning skills and engaged in the most thought-provoking discussions. These are my most cherished experiences at MtA and they have served as my foundation for engaging with a broader academic community. These small classes are so central to the appeal of pursuing an undergraduate degree at Mount Allison University.” 

Tyler Haché (’19)
Honours English
Moncton, NB

“The professors are amazing. When I arrived as a first year student I was terrified to ask for any help, but if you go to them with a question they really will go out of their way to make sure you understand. Not to mention, their enthusiasm is contagious. And you can personalize your degree. Want to concentrate on post-modern literature? Go ahead. Prefer the Romantics? There are courses for that. Want to devote an entire class to Tennyson? Talk to a prof and see what happens!”

Taylor Losier ('15)
English, minor in classics
Quispamsis, NB

“I have been given some excellent opportunities for hands-on learning through research projects and interdisciplinary collaboration. I would recommend the English and religious studies programs to students who are interested in pushing the boundaries of their learning, and who want to challenge themselves to examine the literature and culture that surrounds them.”

Percy Miller ('19)
English, minor in religious studies
Ottawa, ON

“The curriculum is really diverse: it gives you a solid grounding in classical literature, but it also offers courses on work that is often left out of the canon. The program offers traditional period courses, but there is also the opportunity to take courses on literary theory or seminars for creative writing.”

Karissa LaRocque ('14)
Honours English
Aylmer, QC 

“I know you’ve read this a million times, but get involved. Seriously. With the English department alone, I’ve done a summer research project, been a teaching assistant and a teaching intern in addition to helping organize a conference. I have the opportunity to undertake independent studies, my professors are flexible about letting me explore areas at the edges of the curriculum, and I’m getting to write a creative piece for my thesis.”

Sean McDonell ('14)
Honours English
Ottawa, ON

Undergraduate conference
Each year the department sponsors three or four students to attend the Atlantic Undergraduate English Conference where they present their critical and creative work to an audience of their peers.

Creative writing
The department also offers a hands-on workshop-style creative writing course in third year.

You can also get involved with many student-run clubs and societies with a focus on writing:

• Creative Writing Society
• 7 Mondays – undergraduate edited and peer-reviewed journal
• English Society
• Zettel Magazine – student-established arts and culture magazine
• Underbridge Press – student-run publishing organization
• The Argosy – independent student newspaper

Awards and prizes
The department gives out a range of prizes and awards each year, sponsored by generous donors to the University and in memory of retired professors. These include:

• The Graham Atlantic Prize in Creative Writing
• The Alison Watson Beveridge Prize (for the graduating student with highest standing in English)
• Jennie Robinson Quinn Prize (for the graduating female student with highest standing in English)
• Grace Tomkinson Memorial Prize (highest achievement in English in third year)
• Edwin Ernest Graham Memorial Prize (highest achievement in English in second year)
• Bryce McKiel Scholarship (third year going into fourth, major/honours)
• Roger Calkins Prize in Shakespeare Studies
• Carrie MacMillan Prize in Canadian Literature

Faculty spotlight

Dr. Janine Rogers
Professor, English

The Reverend William Purvis Chair of English Literature, primary research area is the field of literature and science

» Mount Allison English professor honoured for research excellence in literature and science