English Specialist

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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.
 
The Specialist program provides an unparalleled opportunity for in-depth and more advanced work in literary studies, while also giving you the room you need to broaden your understanding of the field and explore your interests as widely as possible. The Specialist offers superb preparation for graduate work in English literature; it is also an excellent foundation for a variety of career paths that emphasize critical thinking and communication skills.
 
Complementary Programs: You can combine our Specialist with a 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
Year 2
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
  • Take ENGB27H3 and ENGB28H3.
  • Plan ahead!  You will need 1.5 credits from English courses whose content is pre-1900; check the department website for current offerings.
  • Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program.
  • Meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to strategize for your degree.

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

  • Take ENGC15H3.
  • Take at least 0.5 credit in a Canadian literature course.
  • Remember that 3.0 credits from English courses must be at the C-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 (go to Jobs & Recruitment) 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 graduate school.
Year 4 or Final Year
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
  • Make sure you’ve completed 1.5 credits 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

Our faculty work in an array of fields, from ecocriticism to aging and dementia to recovering Black Canadian voices.