COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of Victoria is designed to develop strong skills in reading, writing, critical thinking and cultural analysis through the study of literature across periods, genres and traditions. In the first two years, students begin with foundational courses such as ENSH101 Themes in Literature, ENSH102 Literature in Action, or ENSH103 Writing, Culture, Power, which introduce key approaches to literary study and analysis. They also complete courses in literary criticism and additional lower-level English studies, building a strong base in interpretation and academic writing. A large portion of electives allows students to explore other disciplines, languages and humanities subjects, supporting a broad liberal arts education. In the third and fourth years, students focus on upper-level English courses numbered ENSH300 to ENSH395, where they engage in more advanced literary theory, specialized topics and in-depth textual analysis. They also complete a capstone experience such as a seminar in advanced theory, community-engaged learning, archival research or a field school in literary and cultural studies. These experiences encourage independent research and applied learning. Throughout the program, students refine their ability to analyze complex texts, construct persuasive arguments and understand literature’s role in shaping culture, preparing them for careers in education, writing, media, publishing and related fields.