English Major

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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:

1. 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

2. 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
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Policy Analyst (Government or NGOs)
  • Technical Writer
  • Journalist/Blogger
  • Communications Assistant

3. Further Education

  • English
  • Journalism
  • Education
  • Library and Information Science
  • Publishing
  • Law School
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing
Year 1
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair and SELF’s 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)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Watch for the English Department’s Career Paths Panel, to hear from alumni and faculty about their experiences.
  • Volunteer with organizations to expand your interests — you can check listings on CLNx.
  • Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.
Year 2
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
  • Take ENGB27H3 and ENGB28H3.
  • Stick with B-levels, or, if you’ve completed at least 6.0 university credits, in English or elsewhere, plunge into C-levels.
  • Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program.
  • Meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to strategize for your degre

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

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 CLNx [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 CLNx (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 CLNx (go to Jobs & Recruitment).
  • Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field 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 Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
  • Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
  • Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
  • Talk to professors about how to strengthen your application for grad school.
Year 4 or Final Year
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
  • Make sure you’ve completed 0.5 credit from D-level English courses.
  • Check that you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
  • Looking toward graduate school? Definitely take ENGD98Y3.
  • Thinking about a teaching career? Check out ENGD02Y3.
  • 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
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
  • Explore opportunities to mentor new students through SELF’s advising hours and editing workshops.
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership 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’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
  • Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
  • Contact professors about writing reference letters.

Contacts

Did You Know

Many of our faculty are active in writing, filmmaking, and other creative endeavors, inside and outside the classroom.