English
Examine the English literature of the world from a variety of critical standpoints. Research the interactions of literary, political, economic and intellectual culture. Gain a broader understanding of writing. Write poetry, fiction and drama. Edit literary works and journals. Explore timely and important issues through literature. Learn to communicate effectively. Analyze theatrical productions at Greystone and Saskatoon professional theatres. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose English at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is English?
Students in English improve their abilities to read critically and to appreciate the extent, craft and worth of literature written in English. They learn to write clearly, concisely and thoughtfully and to develop a critical intelligence that handles language with precision.
I would recommend that students pursue a degree in English, because such a course of study can literally be life changing and empowering. The sense of empowerment comes from learning to be a better reader, writer and speaker.
Studying literature has made me very aware of other ways of seeing and being in the world.—Gaye Nixon,
B.A. (honours),
graduate student
A Stepping Stone ...
Many graduates go on to do graduate work at the University of Saskatchewan and other universities in Canada, the United States, Britain and Europe. The University of Saskatchewan’s graduate program is first-rate, with over 50 students in the program. It involves intensive seminar teaching and extensive thesis supervision by faculty.
English courses complement specializations in other subjects in Arts and Science and in subjects that lead to professional careers in the agriculture and bioresources, business,education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing.
Career Opportunities
Schools, businesses, industry and bureaucracies are recruiting graduates with superior communication skills. The Department of English plays an important role in the professional preparation of students.
Graduates continue to work in areas related to their studies. Alumni of the undergraduate program have gone on to pursue many exciting careers as writers, teachers, journalists, communications professionals and editors.
U of S graduates of the master's and doctorate degree programs are employed in a variety of areas:
- instructors at post-secondary institutions
- technical writers
- independent consultants in communications
- English language instructors abroad
- literacy program administrators
- university professors
- college faculty members
- high school teachers
- librarians
The U of S Advantage
The largest on campus, the Department of English is both complex and multi-faceted. It is one of Western Canada's forerunners in the development of live, interactive satellite television instruction. The department is also known for its strong publishing record and internship opportunities for honours students.
In addition, it is exploring Canada’s first literary tradition through the introduction of Aboriginal literature courses.
Explore one of the vast options of an English grad by participating in the
Career Internship seminar (English 496.3) offered to students in the honours program! Current placements include such activities as assisting with the editing of the academic journal
Essays on Canadian Writing, learning about the operation of the University Library and working with the Saskatchewan Literacy Network among others!
Choose Your Program!
University of Saskatchewan students choose courses from a range of exciting areas:
- Anglo-Saxon and Medieval
- Renaissance
- 18th/19th Century
- 20th Century
- Critical Approaches
- Commonwealth and Post-Colonial
- Aboriginal
Courses range from Old English to feminist critical theory and include every period, genre and country that produces literature in English. Affiliated courses are in art and art history, drama, french, history, languages and linguistics, music, native studies, philosophy and religious studies.
A Major in English
Students majoring in English can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Three-year
- B.A. Four-year
- B.A. Honours
A Minor in English: Canadian Literature in English
Student who are not English majors can choose to minor in English to develop a specialization in Canadian Literature in English.
Outstanding Students and Faculty
- Students have gone on to publish a variety of works.
- Department members are actively involved with the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild and with the production of the vigorous literary and cultural publications Grain and NeWest Review.
- Professors have won awards for exceptional teaching, such as the U of S Students’ Union Teaching Excellence Award and the University’s Master Teacher Award.
- Professors publish scholarly books and articles as well as poetry, fiction and drama.
I liked the English program because the professors are approachable and there is good spirit in the department.
English graduates are very versatile. —Joel Deshaye,
B.A. (honours),
M.A.
Getting Involved!
English students have the opportunity to join the Literacy Society. Members contribute to the production of literary journals.
Research Facilities
The University Writing Centre offers intensive, individualized instruction in academic writing. Students receive advice throughout the writing process, from developing a topic to revising an essay.
The U of S Library provides extensive access to scholarly information. Staff members help students to find their way through the maze of research materials available to English students in print, in microfilm and on the web.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
Related Interests
If you are interested in English,
you might also be interested in:
Relevant Links
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