English Department

The goal of the Department of English at York University is to produce people who will lead productive and satisfying lives. The great literature of the ages can give wisdom and insight into the human condition; it nurtures our understanding, our compassion and all that is highest and best in us, and so in a hundred ways it can help us feed our souls as Christians. 

As a student of English at York University, you will: 

• Develop skills in effective reading, higher-level writing, and critical thinking.
• Broaden your understanding of many types of literature.
• Strengthen your capabilities as a writer.
• Experience highly personal interaction with faculty and other students in upper level classes.

English majors select between two tracks, one focused on literature (English Literacy & Cultural Studies) and one focused on composition (Professional & Media Writing). Both tracks share a common core, and each requires coursework in both literature and composition.


The English Department offers classes in British, American, and world literature; composition; creative writing and poetry; critical theory; and the teaching of English. A Bachelor of Arts in English could lead to a career in publishing/editing; copyrighting and advertising; public relations and professional communication; and English education, to name a few. 

As a York University ​English student, you will also be well prepared for graduate or professional studies in literature, rhetoric, writing, law, communication, and education. The Department of English also cooperates with the Department of Education to offer the Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education (7-12).

We look forward to meeting you!

Be More in the York English Department

Meet Our Faculty

​Dr. Steven Hardy
Professor of English

Courses

Some of the courses you may take include:

• English Composition I/II
• World Literature
• Film Appreciation
• American Literature I/II
• Major British Writers I/II
• Advanced Composition
• Shakespeare
• Novel

• Poetry
• Creative Writing
• Film as Literature
• Literary Criticism
• Intro to Linguistics
• Short Story
• Special Topics in English
• Senior Capstone: Research and Professional Writing

Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society

Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society with an active chapter at York College. Members must meet certain academic criteria to be included in the society. At York University, Sigma Tau Delta hosts an annual writers workshop as well as other activities, such as open mic poetry nights, that promote literature. The society also produces the publication Unvarnished Words.

Sigma Tau Delta strives to:

• Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
• Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
• Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
• Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
• Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
• Serve society by fostering literacy.

Unvarnished Words

 

Department Learning Outcomes

1. The learner will read and analyze literature in a variety of genres.
2. The learner will produce collegiate-level writing.
3. The learner will demonstrate understanding of the various contexts (e.g. social, political, cultural, and historical) that influence literary and other texts.
4. The learner will produce effectively written scholarly research papers.

Learn More About the English Department

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