The English Majors and Honours program encourages students to explore the diverse body of literature in English from a variety of perspectives. Course content and critical approaches range across the discipline and include historical, theoretical, interdisciplinary and genre studies. The program also offers courses in creative writing and linguistics. Students may expect to gain both a sound background in the history of the English language and literature, and a familiarity with the most recent developments in literary practice and scholarship. The curriculum is designed to encourage a progressive acquisition of literary skills. As students earn their degree through their four years, they will progress from introduction to, through development in, toward mastery of, the following: (a) elements of the English language; (b) the research essay; (c) critical reading and literary theory; (d) the terminology of the discipline; (e) knowledge of the periods of literary history; (f) verbal presentations. In order for students to understand the goal of sequencing of courses and skills acquisition, the Department offers the following general descriptions for courses at four levels:
(i) 1000-level courses: Introduction (ii) 2000-level courses: Foundation (iii) 3000-level courses: Coverage (iv) 4000-level courses: Focus
Course Levels and Prerequisites
(i) Courses at the 1000 level are introductory courses that provide a basic framework for critical reading and writing at university. English 1920 and 1950 are general introductions to literature, taught from a variety of perspectives. English 1210 and 1220 are required courses for a major, minor, or honours in English. Detailed descriptions of each year’s courses will be available in the Department’s Calendar Supplement.
(ii) Courses at the 2000 level are either general interest courses or foundational courses that develop the skills necessary for further study in English. The prerequisite for 2000-level courses is at least one 1000-level English course or permission of the instructor.
(iii) Courses at the 3000 level provide detailed study of areas of language and literature. The prerequisites for these courses are (a) at least one 1000-level English course, and (b) at least one 2000-level English course, or permission of the instructor. Some courses require specific 2000-level courses.
(iv) Courses at the 4000 level are designed to give students the opportunity for advanced study of a chosen topic within a specific area of English language or literature. The classes are usually seminars that require active participation and independent study. Students must have completed English 2960: Writing About Literature and at least two 3000-level courses before enrolling in a 4000-level course.
Advanced Studies
Advanced Studies courses are designed to give students the opportunity for in-depth study of a chosen topic within a specific area of English language or literature. The classes are usually seminars that require active participation and independent study. They may be devoted to a major author, a group of authors, thematic or stylistic developments, or critical or theoretical concerns. Detailed descriptions of each year’s Advanced Studies courses are published in the Department’s Calendar Supplement.
NOTE: As per Academic Regulation 1h, all undergraduate degree programs require successful completion of IKE-1040 (new for students beginning or returning after re-application in Fall 2022); one of UPEI-1010, UPEI-1020, or UPEI-1030, and a Writing Intensive Course.
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