Karin Beeler, Professor Emerita
Stan Beeler, Professor Emeritus
Dee Horne, Professor Emerita
Blanca Schorcht, Professor Emerita
Kevin Hutchings, Professor and Chair
Robert Budde, Professor
Kristen Guest, Professor
Maryna Romanets, Professor
Troy Bordun, Assistant Professor
Christine Campana, Assistant Professor
Brenna Duperron, Assistant Professor
Monica Mattfeld, Assistant Professor
Taylor Morphett, Assistant Professor
Website: www.unbc.ca/english
UNBC’s English program includes course offerings in Canadian, British, American and International English literatures as well as world literature in English translation, and literary theory. Key areas include First Nations Literature, Canadian Literature, Comparative Literature, Women’s Literature, Feminist Criticism and Theory, literature and media technology, and the relationship between literature and other disciplines. Creative writing and other kinds of writing courses are also available. The program encourages interdisciplinarity between literature, cultural studies, and science or technology. Computer literacy is a priority, as is the delivery of courses on the World Wide Web. The interdisciplinary perspective prepares students for a number of graduate or professional programs (e.g. English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Law, Education, Business) or employment in the public or private sectors.
Major in English (BA)
Joint Major in English and Environmental and Sustainability Studies (BA)
Joint Major in English and History (BA)
Joint Major in English and Political Science (BA)
Joint Major in English and Women's Studies (BA)
Minor in English
Major in English
The major in English requires students to take 18 English courses (54 credit hours) at least 30 credit hours of which must be upper-division courses (300 and 400 level) with at least 9 credit hours of these at the 400 level. Students wishing to take more than 66 credit hours in English must obtain written permission from the Department Chair.
The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English is 120 credit hours.
Program Requirements
Subject Requirement
The major in English requires students to take 18 courses (54 credit hours) of English or approved ancillary courses and must include:
Introductory
One of the following:
| ENGL 100-3 | Introduction to Literary Structures |
| ENGL 104-3 | Introduction to Film |
Foundational Surveys
Both of the following:
| ENGL 211-3 | Survey of English Literature I |
| ENGL 212-3 | Survey of English Literature II |
Theory
One of the following:
| ENGL 200-3 | Gender and Literary Theory |
| ENGL 300-3 | The History of Literary Criticism and Theory |
| ENGL 400-3 | Contemporary Theory |
Lower-Division Requirements
Two of the following:
| ENGL 209-3 | Introduction to Television Studies |
| ENGL 210-3 | Women and Literature: A Survey |
| ENGL 280-3 | Shakespeare |
| ENGL 281-3 | Introduction to Early Modern Literature in English |
| ENGL 282-3 | Introduction to Restoration and 18th Century Literature |
| ENGL 283-3 | Introduction to Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 284-3 | Introduction to Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 285-3 | Modern British Literature |
Upper-Division Requirements
Two of the following:
| ENGL 309-3 | Intermediate Studies in Film or Television |
| ENGL 320-3 | Indigenous Literatures in Canada and the United States |
| ENGL 331-3 | Genres in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 340-3 | International Literatures in English |
| ENGL 350-3 | Comparative Literary Studies |
| ENGL 381-3 | Early Modern Literature in English |
| ENGL 382-3 | Restoration and 18th Century Literature |
| ENGL 383-3 | Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 384-3 | Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 386-3 | 19th Century Literature in the United States |
| ENGL 410-3 | Special Topics in Contemporary Women's Literature |
| ENGL 420-3 | Special Topics in Indigenous Literatures |
| ENGL 430-3 | Special Topics in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 440-3 | Special Topics in International Literatures in English |
| ENGL 450-3 | Special Topics in Comparative Literary Studies |
| ENGL 483-3 | Special Topics in Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 484-3 | Special Topics in Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 485-3 | Special Topics in Modern and Contemporary Literature in the United States |
| ENGL 491-3 | Special Topics in Early Modern Literature in English |
PLUS
Upper-Division Requirement
Seven upper-division ENGL courses (21 credit hours) at the 300 or 400 level
Three upper-division ENGL courses (9 credit hours) at the 400 level
Approved Ancillary Courses for a Major in English
A maximum of three ancillary courses (9 credit hours) may be counted towards the English major requirements, but none may be counted towards an English minor.
| WMST 306-3 | Indigenous Women: Perspectives |
| WMST 311-3 | History of Feminism |
| WMST 411-3 | Contemporary Feminist Theories |
Students planning to continue on to a graduate degree in English should consult with English faculty and/or the receiving institution to assist them in determining which courses are most appropriate in fulfilling the additional 10 courses (30 credit hours) of English subject requirements.
Elective and Academic Breadth Requirement
Electives at any level in any subject sufficient to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, including any additional credit hours necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation on Academic Breadth).
Joint Major in English and Environmental and Sustainability Studies (BA)
The English and Environmental and Sustainability Studies joint major equips students with communication skills and knowledge of environmental issues, regulations and policies. The joint major prepares students to have a positive influence on the environment through written and other forms of expression. This joint major is of particular interest to students who wish to pursue a career in environmental writing, creative non-fiction, science writing and/or journalism.
Program Requirements
Lower-Division Requirement
| BIOL 110-3 | Introductory Ecology |
| ENGL 104-3 | Introduction to Film |
| ENGL 209-3 | Introduction to Television Studies |
| ENGL 283-3 | Introduction to Romantic Literature |
| ENVS 101-3 | Introduction to Environmental Citizenship |
| ENVS 210-3 | Environmental Perspectives |
| ENVS 230-3 | Introduction to Environmental Policy |
| FNST 100-3 | The Aboriginal Peoples of Canada |
| GEOG 101-3 | Planet Earth |
| GEOG 202-3 | Resources, Economies, and Sustainability |
| or ORTM 200-3 | Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and Tourism |
Note: CPSC 150-3 (Computer Applications) is recommended for students without computing experience.
Two of the following:
| ENGL 100-3 | Introduction to Literary Structures |
| ENGL 270-3 | Expository Writing |
| ENGL 271-3 | Introduction to Creative Writing |
One of the following:
| ENGL 211-3 | Survey of English Literature I |
| ENGL 284-3 | Introduction to Victorian Literature |
One of the following:
| GEOG 206-3 | Social Geography |
| INTS 100-3 | Introduction to Global Studies |
| NREM 101-3 | Introduction to Natural Resources Management and Conservation |
Upper-Division Requirement
The following nine courses (27 credit hours) at the 300 or 400 level:
| ENVS 309-3 | Gender, Environment and Sustainability |
| ENVS 326-3 | Public Engagement for Sustainability |
| ENVS 414-3 | Environmental and Professional Ethics |
| ENVS 431-3 | Global Environmental Policy: Energy and Climate |
| ENVS 480-3 | Environmental and Sustainability Studies Senior Seminar |
| GEOG 420-3 | Environmental Justice |
| or GEOG 305-3 | Political Ecology: Environmental Knowledge and Decision-Making |
| HIST 360-3 | An Introduction to Environmental History |
| NREM 303-3 | Aboriginal Perspectives on Land and Resource Management |
| or FNST 304-3 | Indigenous Environmental Philosophy |
| PSYC 408-3 | Environmental Problems and Human Behaviour |
| or ANTH 312-3 | Human Adaptability and Environmental Stress |
| or ANTH 405-3 | Landscapes, Place and Culture |
| or ANTH 413-3 | Environmental Anthropology |
Eight English courses (24 credit hours) at the 300 or 400 level:
One of the following:
| ENGL 309-3 | Intermediate Studies in Film or Television |
| ENGL 331-3 | Genres in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 350-3 | Comparative Literary Studies |
| ENGL 383-3 | Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 384-3 | Victorian Literature |
Two of the following:
| ENGL 430-3 | Special Topics in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 431-3 | Special Topics in Northern BC Literature |
| ENGL 480-3 | Special Topics in Science Fiction |
| ENGL 483-3 | Special Topics in Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 486-3 | Special Topics in Literature of the Fantastic |
| ENGL 493-3 | Special Topics in Cultural Studies |
Five additional English courses (15 credit hours) are required to ensure the fulfillment of the 24 credit hour upper-division requirement in English. Two courses may be chosen from the following list of English ancillary courses:
| WMST 306-3 | Indigenous Women: Perspectives |
| WMST 411-3 | Contemporary Feminist Theories |
One of the following theory courses:
| ENGL 200-3 | Gender and Literary Theory |
| ENGL 300-3 | The History of Literary Criticism and Theory |
| ENGL 400-3 | Contemporary Theory |
Elective and Academic Breadth
Electives at any level in any subject sufficient to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours including any additional credit hours necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation on Academic Breadth).
Joint Major in English and History (BA)
The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Arts with a Joint Major in English and History is 120 credit hours.
Program Requirements
One of the following theory courses:
| ENGL 200-3 | Gender and Literary Theory |
| ENGL 300-3 | The History of Literary Criticism and Theory |
| ENGL 400-3 | Contemporary Theory |
AND
Lower-Division Requirement
| ENGL 211-3 | Survey of English Literature I |
| ENGL 212-3 | Survey of English Literature II |
| HIST 190-3 | World History to 1550 |
| HIST 191-3 | World History since 1550 |
| HIST 200-3 | Historical Methodology |
One of the following:
| ENGL 100-3 | Introduction to Literary Structures |
| ENGL 104-3 | Introduction to Film |
Two of the following:
| ENGL 210-3 | Women and Literature: A Survey |
| ENGL 280-3 | Shakespeare |
| ENGL 281-3 | Introduction to Early Modern Literature in English |
| ENGL 282-3 | Introduction to Restoration and 18th Century Literature |
| ENGL 283-3 | Introduction to Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 284-3 | Introduction to Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 285-3 | Modern British Literature |
Two additional courses (6 credit hours) of History at the 100 or 200 level.
Upper-Division Requirement
Of the 13 English courses (39 credit hours) required for this degree, at least seven courses (21 credit hours) must be at the 300 and 400 level, with at least two of those seven courses (6 of those 21 credit hours) at the 400 level.
| HIST 300-3 | Historiography: The Nature of the Historical Discipline |
Two of the following:
| ENGL 320-3 | Indigenous Literatures in Canada and the United States |
| ENGL 331-3 | Genres in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 340-3 | International Literatures in English |
| ENGL 350-3 | Comparative Literary Studies |
| ENGL 381-3 | Early Modern Literature in English |
| ENGL 382-3 | Restoration and 18th Century Literature |
| ENGL 383-3 | Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 384-3 | Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 386-3 | 19th Century Literature in the United States |
| ENGL 410-3 | Special Topics in Contemporary Women's Literature |
| ENGL 420-3 | Special Topics in Indigenous Literatures |
| ENGL 430-3 | Special Topics in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 440-3 | Special Topics in International Literatures in English |
| ENGL 450-3 | Special Topics in Comparative Literary Studies |
Six History courses (18 credit hours) at the 300 or 400 level
Five additional English courses (15 credit hours) ensuring fulfillment of the upper-division requirement
Two courses may be chosen from the following list of English ancillary courses:
| WMST 306-3 | Indigenous Women: Perspectives |
| WMST 311-3 | History of Feminism |
| WMST 411-3 | Contemporary Feminist Theories |
Elective and Academic Breadth
Electives at any level in any subject sufficient to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, including any additional credit hours necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation on Academic Breadth).
Joint Major in English and Political Science (BA)
The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Arts with a Joint Major in English and Political Science is 120 credit hours.
Program Requirements
Lower-Division Requirement
| ECON 205-3 | Statistics for Business and the Social Sciences |
| or STAT 240-3 | Basic Statistics |
| ENGL 211-3 | Survey of English Literature I |
| ENGL 212-3 | Survey of English Literature II |
| POLS 100-3 | Contemporary Political Issues |
| POLS 200-3 | Canadian Government and Politics |
| POLS 202-3 | Canada in Comparative Perspective |
| POLS 230-3 | International Relations |
| POLS 270-3 | Political Philosophy: Antiquity to Early Modernity |
One of the following:
| ENGL 100-3 | Introduction to Literary Structures |
| ENGL 104-3 | Introduction to Film |
Two of the following:
| ENGL 210-3 | Women and Literature: A Survey |
| ENGL 280-3 | Shakespeare |
| ENGL 281-3 | Introduction to Early Modern Literature in English |
| ENGL 282-3 | Introduction to Restoration and 18th Century Literature |
| ENGL 283-3 | Introduction to Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 284-3 | Introduction to Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 285-3 | Modern British Literature |
Upper-Division Requirement
Of the 13 English courses (39 credit hours) required for this joint major, seven courses (21 credit hours) must be at the 300 and/or 400 level, with at least two of those seven courses (6 of those 21 credit hours) at the 400 level.
| POLS 303-3 | Democracy and Democratization |
| POLS 370-3 | Political Philosophy: Early Modernity to Post-Modernity |
Two of the following:
| ENGL 320-3 | Indigenous Literatures in Canada and the United States |
| ENGL 331-3 | Genres in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 340-3 | International Literatures in English |
| ENGL 350-3 | Comparative Literary Studies |
| ENGL 381-3 | Early Modern Literature in English |
| ENGL 382-3 | Restoration and 18th Century Literature |
| ENGL 383-3 | Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 384-3 | Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 386-3 | 19th Century Literature in the United States |
| ENGL 410-3 | Special Topics in Contemporary Women's Literature |
| ENGL 420-3 | Special Topics in Indigenous Literatures |
| ENGL 430-3 | Special Topics in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 440-3 | Special Topics in International Literatures in English |
| ENGL 450-3 | Special Topics in Comparative Literary Studies |
Five additional English courses (15 credit hours). Up to two of the following ancillary courses (up to 6 credit hours) may be counted among those five additional courses:
| WMST 306-3 | Indigenous Women: Perspectives |
| WMST 311-3 | History of Feminism |
| WMST 411-3 | Contemporary Feminist Theories |
Three additional courses (9 credit hours) of Political Science at the 400 level.
Two additional courses (6 credit hours) of Political Science at the upper division.
One of the following theory courses:
| ENGL 200-3 | Gender and Literary Theory |
| ENGL 300-3 | The History of Literary Criticism and Theory |
| ENGL 400-3 | Contemporary Theory |
Elective and Academic Breadth
Electives at any level in any subject sufficient to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, including any additional credit hours necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation on Academic Breadth).
Joint Major in English and Women's Studies (BA)
The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Arts with a Joint Major in English and Women's Studies is 120 credit hours.
Program Requirements
Lower-Division Requirement
| ENGL 211-3 | Survey of English Literature I |
| ENGL 212-3 | Survey of English Literature II |
| WMST 100-3 | Introduction to Women's Studies |
One of the following:
| ENGL 200-3/WMST 220-3 | Gender and Literary Theory |
| ENGL 210-3/WMST 221-3 | Women and Literature: A Survey |
One of the following:
| ENGL 100-3 | Introduction to Literary Structures |
| ENGL 104-3 | Introduction to Film |
Six credit hours of Women's Studies at the 100 or 200 level.
Upper-Division Requirement
| ENGL 410-3 | Special Topics in Contemporary Women's Literature |
| or WMST 420-3 | Contemporary Women's Literature |
| HIST 311-3 | History of Feminism |
| or WMST 311-3 | History of Feminism |
| WMST 302-3 | Women and the Contemporary World |
| WMST 307-3 | Qualitative Research Methods |
One of the following:
| ENGL 300-3 | The History of Literary Criticism and Theory |
| ENGL 400-3 | Contemporary Theory |
One of the following:
| ENGL 320-3 | Indigenous Literatures in Canada and the United States |
| ENGL 331-3 | Genres in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 350-3 | Comparative Literary Studies |
| ENGL 410-3 | Special Topics in Contemporary Women's Literature |
| ENGL 420-3 | Special Topics in Indigenous Literatures |
| ENGL 430-3 | Special Topics in Canadian Literature |
| ENGL 440-3 | Special Topics in International Literatures in English |
| ENGL 450-3 | Special Topics in Comparative Literary Studies |
Additional Requirements
Two of the following:
| ENGL 280-3 | Shakespeare |
| ENGL 281-3 | Introduction to Early Modern Literature in English |
| ENGL 282-3 | Introduction to Restoration and 18th Century Literature |
| ENGL 283-3 | Introduction to Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 284-3 | Introduction to Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 285-3 | Modern British Literature |
| ENGL 381-3 | Early Modern Literature in English |
| ENGL 382-3 | Restoration and 18th Century Literature |
| ENGL 383-3 | Romantic Literature |
| ENGL 384-3 | Victorian Literature |
Nine credit hours of English courses at the 300 or 400 level.
At least 15 credit hours selected from the following:
| ANTH 401-3 | Anthropological Perspectives on Inequality |
| ANTH 406-3 | Feminist Perspectives in Anthropology |
| ECON 301-3 | Women and the Economy |
| ENVS 309-3 | Gender, Environment and Sustainability |
| FNST 407-3 | First Nations Perspectives on Race, Class, Gender and Power |
| HIST 309-3 | Women in Canada |
| HIST 453 (3-6) | Topics in the History of Gender |
| HIST 454 (3-6) | Topics in Women's History |
| INTS 308-3 | Gender and International Studies |
| NURS 412-3 | Women and Health |
| POLS 403-3 | Social and Health Policy and Administration |
| POLS 434-3 | Resource Communities in Transition |
| WMST 303-3 | Lesbian and Bisexual Lives |
| WMST 306-3/FNST 306-3 | Indigenous Women: Perspectives |
| WMST 312-3/HIST 312-3 | Introduction to the History of Gender |
| WMST 411-3 | Contemporary Feminist Theories |
| WMST 413-(3-6) | Topics in Aboriginal Women's Studies |
| WMST 498-(3-6) | Selected Topics in Women's Studies |
Elective and Academic Breadth
Electives at any level in any subject sufficient to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, including any additional credit hours necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation on Academic Breadth).
Minor in English
The minor in English requires that students take at least six English courses (18 credit hours), at least four (12 credit hours) of which must be upper-division. A maximum of two courses (6 credit hours) used to fulfill program requirements for a major or another minor may also be used to fulfill requirements for a minor in English. The minor must include:
One of the following:
| ENGL 200-3 | Gender and Literary Theory |
| ENGL 300-3 | The History of Literary Criticism and Theory |
| ENGL 400-3 | Contemporary Theory |
Five English courses selected to ensure a minimum of four courses are completed at the 300 or 400 level.
Updated: July 4, 2025