主教大学

Within the liberal arts environment of Bishop’s University, the Department of English offers a diverse range of courses and programs to help students to develop their critical appreciation of texts of all kinds (literature, film, television, etc.), and to broaden their understanding of culture and its relationship to the individual, from historical and theoretical perspectives. Students of English develop analytical, research, and communication skills that are well-suited to many careers in today’s information economy. Recent graduates have pursued graduate studies and careers in fields as diverse as teaching English, advertising and marketing, film-making, law, politics, publishing, television, education, journalism, and business communications.

The Program

Entering students complete a foundation year, which consists of four core courses designed to develop critical approaches to texts, an historical understanding of the evolution of English literatures, and research and writing skills. Upper level courses are delivered in a lecture format at the 200 level and a seminar format at the 300 level with an added emphasis on student participation.

English Majors (with the exception of students in the Double Major in Secondary English and Education) should normally (in their second semester) choose from one of three Concentrations:

The Literature Concentration offers a well-rounded education that challenges the student to read a diversity of British, Canadian, American, Irish, and Postcolonial literatures. Presentation of the literature of early and more recent periods enables students to read texts in context and to understand more fully the ways in which people in different circumstances have organized their thoughts and their lives. In consultation with their English faculty advisor, students in the Literature Concentration may elect to enter the English Honours Literature program.

In the Film and Media Studies Concentration, students develop a rich awareness of the historical development of film and related moving-image media and apply a range of interdisciplinary theoretical models and critical approaches to understand these media as both individual forms of expression and industrial products promoting social cohesion. They consider how, through the interplay of their representations, these media affect us, build our ideas of the world, and shape our social interactions. Courses are offered primarily through the English Department, but additional courses offered in many different disciplines at Bishop’s (Classics, Drama, Music, religion, Modern Languages, Sociology, Philosophy, History) enrich the program with their different approaches and emphases. Students in the program have the opportunity to write and create their own films in screenwriting and filmmaking courses. They graduate with a rich understanding of the pervasive media landscape in which we all now live, ready to participate in it critically and creatively, as global citizens and active producers. In consultation with their English Faculty advisor, students in this concentration may elect to enter the Honours program in Film and Media Studies.

English Major

1) Literature Concentration

Students in the English Major, Literature Concentration, take at least 48 credits in English, including the Foundation year courses ENG 100, ENG 101, ENG 112, ENG113 (12 credits); ENG 215, “North American Literatures” (3 credits); at least three courses in English Literature before 1900 (9 credits); and eight English electives (24 credits).

2) Film and Media Studies Concentration

Students in the English Major, Film and Media Studies Concentration, take at least 48 credits in English, including the Foundation year courses ENG 100, ENG 102, ENG 112, ENG113 (12 credits).