Overview
The majority of students take at least one English course during their undergraduate studies.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study English at Mount Allison?
At Mount Allison, English literature explores texts ranging from fiction to film to gain insight into our world and our place in it.
While courses focus on literary study, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the English language, which will prove invaluable not only in their studies but in any future career or profession.
English is available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- BA honours (66 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
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 or through individual study and research under the supervision of a faculty member.
You will also have opportunities to present and publish creative and critical work.
ENGL 1111 — Literature, the Arts and Humanities
This course introduces the interrelationship between literature and social issues, focusing on the intersection of the discipline of English with other fields in the Arts and Humanities. It examines many of the major forms of English literature as encountered through discussions related to subjects such as the fine arts, religion, philosophy, history, and other fields in the Arts and Humanities.
ENGL 1201 — Introduction to Principles of Literary Analysis
This course, offered in several sections each year, introduces students to critical approaches to the reading of, and writing about, literature. Each section has its own reading list, set by the individual instructor and including a balanced representation of prose, fiction, poetry and drama, taken from a range of historical periods.
ENGL 2301 — Literary Periods, 1800-Present
This course presents an intensive survey of English literary history from the Romantic period to the present as well as training in the research methods of the discipline.
ENGL 2801 — Introduction to Canadian Literature
This course presents an introductory overview of Canadian literature from its beginnings to the present.
ENGL 3611 — Drama, Theatre, and Society
This course examines ways in which drama may both reflect and influence society, using as examples the complex relationship between Restoration comedy and its society, efforts at social engineering in Eighteenth-Century bourgeois tragedy, the role of melodrama in reflecting nineteenth century society and culture, and the "birth" of social drama late in the nineteenth century. In addition, it carries these ideas forward to include study of political theatre of the 1920's and 1930's, as well as works by contemporary social playwrights.
ENGL 3850 — Creative Writing
This full-year course offers workshops in creative writing, concentrating primarily on poetry and short fiction; it may also include some work in other forms such as drama and the personal essay. See the English Department website for the annual deadline for submitting application portfolios.
ENGL 4941 — Selected Topics in Literary Representation of Race, Culture, and Nation
This course examines closely selected topics drawn from English literature dealing with representations of race, culture, and nation.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Janine Rogers
Professor, English
» Mount Allison researcher helps museums reach out to low literacy learners and newcomers
What can I do with an English degree?
Through experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, Mount Allison's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in education and law, while others move directly into careers in publishing and beyond.
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
Alumni Spotlight
Whitney Moran ('08)
BA, honours English, minor in Sociology
Managing editor of Nimbus Publishing and Vagrant Press
"Mount A really felt like a place where I was allowed to finally figure out who I was.â€
» Whitney Moran (’08) helps bring Atlantic Canadian literature to life
What is it like to study at Mount Allison?
Choosing to major in English at Mount Allison was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Engaging with literature has helped me to think about the world more critically and creatively. I have made some wonderful friends through this program, and had the opportunity to learn from excellent professors. I cannot recommend it enough!
Mount Allison has been very special because the small community has allowed me to create memorable, long-lasting relationships. This is a quality that I find within the English program as well. The combination of critical thinking and creativity that it offers has allowed me to develop a multitude of valuable skills that I will continue to carry forward. The professors also care deeply about helping their students succeed.
/current-students/department-english
What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to English?
Drama Studies
Drama Studies provides an education in drama and theatre, introducing students to many areas of the discipline including acting, production, directing, design, dramatic theory and literature.
Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures provides expertise in two languages and knowledge of a third — as well as the literature and culture of the relevant communities.
French Studies
French Studies develops your abilities in the language while increasing your awareness of French, French-Canadian, and francophone literatures and cultures.