Does reading through the English courses being offered leave you feeling as though you want to take as many classes as possible? The Specialist program is ideal for students who want to focus their undergraduate work primarily in English literature. The Specialist program provides an unparalleled opportunity for in-depth and more advanced work in literary studies, while also giving students the room they need to broaden their understanding of the field and explore their interests widely. The Specialist offers superb preparation for graduate work in English literature, but is also an excellent foundation for a variety of career paths.
Requirements for the Specialist Program (Updated Fall 2024)
12.0 credits in English are required, of which at least 3.0 must be at the C-level and 1.5 at the D-level. They should be selected as follows:
- What Is Literature?
- Critical Writing about Literature
- Charting Literary History I ​
- Charting Literary History II
- Introduction to Literary Theory & Criticism
- 0.5 credits from English courses whose content is pre-1900
- 0.5 credit in Indigenous Literatures of Turtle Island.
- 0.5 credit in Canadian literature ​
- 7.5 additional credits in English
If you have already declared your English Specialist (by or before Fall term 2024) you may complete your degree using either the old requirements or the new ones: that is, you can EITHER take 1.0 FCE pre-1900 OR .5 FCE pre-1900 and .5 FCE Indigenous Literatures of Turtle Island.
For more details on program requirements, visit the . Questions about program requirements should be directed to the Program Supervisor, Professor Kara Gaston.
Wondering how our courses are structured and how you might develop your own path through your Specialist program in English? Visit our Routes and Threads page.