COURSE CURRICULUM

The three-year Bachelor of Arts in English at Cape Breton University is structured to provide a balanced combination of foundational, intermediate, and advanced studies in language and literature. In the first year, students typically take introductory English courses along with general arts subjects, developing core skills in academic writing, reading, and critical thinking while being introduced to different literary forms and contexts. In the second year, the curriculum becomes more focused, with courses exploring major literary genres such as poetry, prose, and drama, as well as studies in literary history and interpretation, helping students understand how texts reflect cultural and social realities. In the third year, students engage in more advanced and specialized courses that emphasize literary theory, critical analysis, and diverse thematic studies, allowing them to examine literature in deeper intellectual and cultural contexts. Across all three years, the program encourages the development of strong analytical, research, and communication skills, along with cultural literacy and an in-depth understanding of literary texts and forms. The curriculum is flexible within the broader Bachelor of Arts structure, allowing students to include electives from other disciplines while refining their expertise in English, ultimately preparing them for careers in fields such as education, writing, media, and law or for further academic study.