English Major (HBA)
Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities
Program Overview
English Literature explores the diversity of texts produced in the English-speaking world, across historical periods and geographical boundaries. You will engage with new ways of thinking, speaking, and writing about the world and, in so doing, interact with and change that world.
Our Major program is perfect if you want to combine your interests in literature with another subject area. Some subject areas are in close dialogue with English, enabling you to gain deeper insight into the multidisciplinary facets of our discipline. Or you could combine quite different passions across your programs. Either way, bringing focused exploration of English literature into dialogue with another field of interest gives you valuable perspective and flexibility, helping you prepare for graduate school or other professional paths.
Complementary Programs:
You can combine our Major with a huge range of programs in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Sciences.
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Build on the foundations of effective writing to produce sustained lines of argument
- Use grammar, syntax, and vocabulary appropriate to context
- Develop strong critical reading and critical thinking skills
- Attain deep disciplinary knowledge of authors, literary periods, genres, and regions
- Amplify capacity for respectful forms of communication
Careers for Graduates
- Teacher or Education Curriculum Developer
- Editor/Copy Editor
- Author/Writer/Artist in Creative Industries
- Journalist/Editor/Drama Critic/Film Critic
- Social Media Manager
- Public Relations Specialist/Communications Assistant
- Market Research Analyst
- Policy Analyst (Government or NGOs)
- Technical Writer
- Journalist/Blogger
Further Education
- English
- Journalism
- Education
- Library and Information Science
- Publishing
- Law School
- Public Relations
- Marketing
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Take and .
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
- Use and the to plan your courses and program of interest.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Schedule an appointment with your for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
- Get writing support through the CTL Writing Centre.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair and SELF鈥檚 Mix & Mingle events to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join the Students of English Literature and Film (SELF) and/or Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Society.
- Explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
- Volunteer in DSL鈥檚 Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Watch for the English Department鈥檚 Career Paths Panel, to hear from alumni and faculty about their experiences.
- Volunteer with organizations to expand your interests 鈥 you can check listings on .
- Attend the in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Take and .
- Stick with B-levels, or, if you鈥檝e completed at least 6.0 university credits, in English or elsewhere, plunge into C-levels.
- Use to plan your courses and program.
- Meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to strategize for your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend our annual conference and read the student literary journal The Scarborough Review to get a sense of excellent research and writing.
- Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
Apply Theory to Practice
- Participate in SELF by volunteering in their events or running for an executive position.
- Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus (e.g., apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on [go to Jobs & Recruitment]).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Keep an eye on the department website and social media (@utsc_engdept) to discover our calendar of events.
- Check (go to Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (go to Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 and programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- You will need 1.0 credit from English courses whose content is pre-1900; check the department website for current offerings.
- Take 4.0 additional credits in English courses, of which 2.0 credits must be at the C- or D- level.
- Use to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Aiming toward graduate work in English? Take .
- Have a big project in mind? Think about whether , the Capstone Seminar & Independent Senior Essay, might be for you.
- Consider submitting an essay for the Annual English Undergraduate Conference.
- Compete for the UTSC Library or .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Consider presenting an essay at the English Undergraduate Conference 鈥 watch for the announcement of the conference theme.
- Check the English department website for writing, publishing, and awards opportunities.
- Build on your skills and knowledge through events offered through our department, , the DSL, and the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join the Annual English Undergraduate Conference by submitting a paper on this year鈥檚 advertised theme.
- Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre鈥檚 (ISC) Global Learning programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the .
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the in September.
- Talk to professors about how to strengthen your application for grad school.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Make sure you鈥檝e completed 0.5 credit from D-level English courses.
- Check that you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Looking toward graduate school? Definitely take .
- Thinking about a teaching career? Check out .
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Submit a paper to the Sigma Tau Delta International English Conference.
- Attend the in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Explore opportunities to mentor new students through SELF鈥檚 advising hours and editing workshops.
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚 job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 and for access to full-time job listings.
- Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .
- Contact professors about writing reference letters.