COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Trent University is a 15.0-credit General program (or a 15.0-credit joint-major option) designed to develop strong skills in critical reading, writing, and literary analysis. The program introduces students to a wide range of literary traditions and texts while encouraging close engagement with language, meaning, and cultural context. Students complete a required 1.0 ENGL credit at the 1000 level, which provides a foundation in literary studies, followed by 4.0 to 5.0 ENGL credits at the 2000 level or higher depending on whether they are in the joint-major or single-major stream. Within these upper-level courses, students must also complete designated category requirements, including at least 1.0 credit from Category A and at least 0.5 credit from Category B, ensuring exposure to different areas of literary study such as genre, historical periods, theory, and critical approaches. The program emphasizes the development of analytical thinking, persuasive writing, and interpretive skills through seminars and discussion-based learning. In addition to program requirements, students must meet university-wide graduation requirements, including Indigenous studies coursework. Overall, the degree prepares students for careers in writing, education, publishing, media, communications, and other fields that value strong communication and critical thinking abilities, as well as for graduate study in literature and related disciplines.