Program Overview
English is a Humanities discipline focused on the study of literature and cultural works written in or translated into English. It examines how ideas are created, shared, and interpreted across time, with attention to their aesthetic, intellectual, and moral dimensions.
Students in the program study literatures from diverse cultures, historical periods, and geographical regions. Courses also include critical theory, genre studies, creative writing, and film studies. Through these areas, students gain awareness of key methods and approaches to literary and cultural analysis.
English courses strengthen analytical and communication skills, enhancing overall competency in critical thinking, close reading, research, and effective writing. English offerings also serve as valuable electives for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education students. As a “major teachable,” the English major and minor are particularly well suited for Education students.
The English minor offers flexibility and pairs naturally with majors such as History, Social Sciences, and Aboriginal and Northern Studies.
Certification Options
Students will complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of coursework. Prior to declaring the major in English, students must complete either ENG.1015 Major Works and Authors in the Twentieth Century, or ENG.1016 Major Works and Authors in British Literature. In exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be waived with permission of the Dean of Arts, Business, & Science.
Depth Requirement:
• A minimum of 12 credit hours at the 2000 level;
• A minimum of 12 credit hours at the 3000 level;
• A minimum of 6 credit hours at the 4000 level;
• At least one Critical Theory course (ENG.4020 or ENG.4021).
Breadth Requirement:
• A minimum of 15 credit hours from Group 1
• A minimum of 12 credit hours from Group 2
Students will complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of coursework. Prior to declaring the major in English, students must complete either ENG.1015 Major Works and Authors in the Twentieth Century, or ENG.1016 Major Works and Authors in British Literature. In exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be waived with permission of the Dean of Arts, Business, & Science.
Depth Requirement:
• A minimum of 12 credit hours at the 2000 level;
• A minimum of 12 credit hours at the 3000 level;
• A minimum of 6 credit hours at the 4000 level;
• At least one Critical Theory course (ENG.4020 or ENG.4021).
Breadth Requirement:
• A minimum of 15 credit hours from Group 1
• A minimum of 12 credit hours from Group 2
Students will complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework. Prior to declaring the minor in English, students must complete either ENG.1015 Major Works and Authors in the Twentieth Century, or ENG.1016 Major Works and Authors in British Literature. In exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be waived with permission of the Dean of Arts, Business, & Science.
Depth Requirement:
• A minimum of 12 credit hours at the 2000 level or higher.
Why Study English (BA) at UCN?
- Develop Critical Thinking and Communication Skills
- Flexible and Diverse Study Options
Career Outcomes and Community
A background in English provides excellent preparation for a wide range of careers, including:
- Administration
- Education and teaching
- Government and public service
- Journalism and media
- Law
- Publishing
- Research
Graduates leave the program with strong analytical, writing, and communication skills that are highly valued across professional fields.
Alumni, Student Spotlights & Related Stories
Program Schedule
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG.1000 | Introduction to Literature | 3.0 |
| ENG.1005 | Introduction to Indigenous Literature | 3.0 |
| ENG.1010 | Thematic Approaches to the Study of Literature | 3.0 |
| ENG.1015 | Major Works and Authors of the 20th Century | 6.0 |
| ENG.1016 | Major Works and Authors of British Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.2000 | Contemporary Canadian Aboriginal Literature 1: Prose | 3.0 |
| ENG.2001 | Contemporary Canadian Aboriginal Literature 1: Poetry & Drama | 3.0 |
| ENG.2006 | Canadian Literature(s) in English: A Survey | 6.0 |
| ENG.2015 | Special Topics | 3.0 |
| ENG.2016 | 20th Century Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.2400 | Introduction to Film: Film Art | 3.0 |
| ENG.2410 | Introduction to Film: History of Film | 3.0 |
| ENG.2415 | Introduction to Shakespeare | 6.0 |
| ENG.2416 | World Literature | 3.0 |
| ENG.2420 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3.0 |
| ENG.3005 | Indigenous Literatures of the Americas | 3.0 |
| ENG.3006 | Indigenous Literatures of the World | 3.0 |
| ENG.3010 | Sixteenth & Seventeenth Century Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.3011 | Pre-1900 American Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.3012 | Post-1900 American Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.3013 | Selected Topics | 3.0 |
| ENG.3016 | Eighteenth-Century and Romantic Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.3017 | Victorian Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.3020 | Director’s Cinema | 3.0 |
| ENG.3021 | Selected Topics | 6.0 |
| ENG.4000 | Special Studies | 6.0 |
| ENG.4001 | Special Studies | 3.0 |
| ENG.4010 | Women’s Literature | 3.0 |
| ENG.4011 | The North in Literature | 3.0 |
| ENG.4020 | Critical Theory 1 | 3.0 |
| ENG.4021 | Critical Theory 2 | 3.0 |
| ENG.4022 | The North in Film | 3.0 |
| ENG.4030 | Poetry and Poetics of the 20th Century | 3.0 |
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG.2415 | Introduction to Shakespeare | 6.0 |
| ENG.3010 | Sixteenth & Seventeenth Century Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.3011 | Pre-1900 American Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.3016 | Eighteenth-Century and Romantic Literature | 6.0 |
| ENG.3017 | Victorian Literature | 6.0 |
Note: Depending on content in any given year, the following courses may count toward Group 1. Consult with a faculty advisor for specific information.
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG.2015 | Special Topics | 3.0 |
| ENG.2416 | World Literature | 3.0 |
| ENG.3013 | Selected Topics | 3.0 |
| ENG.3021 | Selected Topics | 6.0 |
| ENG.4000 | Special Studies | 6.0 |
| ENG.4001 | Special Studies | 3.0 |
| ENG.4010 | Women’s Literature | 3.0 |
GROUP 2: Indigenous, Canadian, and Cross-Listed Courses
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG.2000 | Contemporary Canadian Aboriginal Literature 1: Prose | 3.0 |
| ENG.2001 | Contemporary Canadian Aboriginal Literature 1: Poetry & Drama | 3.0 |
| ENG.3005 | Indigenous Literatures of the Americas | 3.0 |
| ENG.3006 | Indigenous Literatures of the World | 3.0 |
| ANS.2300 | Images of the North 1 | 3.0 |
| ANS.2301 | Images of the North 2 | 3.0 |
| ANS.3300 | Indigenous Women and Literature 1 | 3.0 |
| ANS.3301 | Indigenous Women and Literature 2 | 3.0 |
Note: Depending on content in any given year, the following courses may also count toward Group 2. Consult with a faculty advisor for specific information.
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG.2015 | Special Topics | 3.0 |
| ENG.3013 | Selected Topics | 3.0 |
| ENG.3021 | Selected Topics | 6.0 |
| ENG.4000 | Special Studies | 6.0 |
| ENG.4001 | Special Studies | 3.0 |
| ENG.4010 | Women’s Literature | 3.0 |
| ENG.4011 | The North in Literature | 3.0 |
Note: Not all courses are offered in every academic year.
Admissions
Requirements
- Students who choose a major or minor in English must meet all general requirements for the BA degree, as well as the specific major/ minor requirements.
- Students should meet with a faculty advisor prior to declaring a major or minor, and should always meet with academic and faculty advisors prior to registering for courses.
Estimated Cost
Application Fee
- Domestic Student Application Fee: $50
- International Student Application Fee: $158
Important Dates and Deadlines
Program Start Date
September 8, 2026
Program End Date
June 11, 2027
