English
Qualifications
BA, CertArts, BA(Hons), MA, PhD, GradDipArts
Introduction
The skills English graduates develop in close reading, textual analysis, imaginative thinking, constructing an argument and articulate writing, are skills the information age requires. Even more importantly, English studies promote an active engagement with cultural values. That is to say, the discipline encourages us to examine accepted truths, to question and test them as part of our everyday lives. Doing so fosters open debates about power, knowledge and identity. Such debates are crucial to the ongoing process of developing a culturally diverse society. Like other subjects in the humanities, English studies help us to think about what it means to be human, and to understand the cultural and natural environments we inhabit.
As an English student you will be able to choose from a number of key areas as you decide which courses to take. You may decide you want a broad sampling of courses from a variety of periods; on the other hand, you may decide you wish to specialise in a particular area such as New Zealand literature, creative writing, or Anglo-American literature. There is no need to decide right away; some reflection, however, will allow you to lay the groundwork for your future studies even in your first year.
Recommended background
Prior study in English is important, or in classics, theatre and drama, history, media, gender or political studies at school – but the best background is simply an interest in the many forms of language and culture that surround us every day.
100-level courses
If you plan to major in English it is a good idea to plan carefully so that you cover the courses you need from the beginning. To advance into 200-level English courses, it is recommended you complete any two courses in English at 100-level. Two courses provide essential grounding for your future study in English. These are ENGL 102 Introduction to English and ENGL 117 Writing the Academic Essay.
ENGL 102 Introduction to English focuses on key concepts such as why we read, what narrative is, and how stories have shaped English-speaking cultures. It encourages students to ask why they are studying English and what they hope to understand once they have finished their degrees.
ENGL 117 Writing the Academic Essay teaches students how to write academic essays and focuses on how to form an argument based on one's reading – an essential skill for any subject, and especially for a textually grounded discipline like English.
While ENGL 117 is generally offered each semester, ENGL 102 is usually only available the first semester of the year.
200-level and beyond
As you move into 200 and 300-level courses, your classes will become smaller and you will develop stronger skills in reading, analysis and writing, as well as in time-management (as your responsibilities grow). You will be required to participate more in class discussions, and your ability to read carefully and to make closely reasoned arguments in your essays will be tested.
At 300-level you may decide to specialise in one particular area.
If you are most interested in New Zealand/Australian literature, you will probably have already taken ENGL 105 New Zealand Literature 1. You will want to be sure to take courses such as ENGL 209 Australian Writing and Culture or ENGL 210 New Zealand Literature 2.
If you are most interested in creative writing, you may want to take courses such as ENGL 220 Short Fiction or ENGL 231 Poetry.
If you are most interested in Anglo-American literature, you will probably already have taken ENGL 107 Shakespeare or ENGL 109 American Literature. At 200-level, you could take ENGL 203 The Eighteenth Century Novel or ENGL 243 The Animal in American Popular Culture.
There is, however, absolutely no reason why you should specialise if you decide, as many do, that you are interested in everything.
Further study
An honours degree means you will enter the job market with a higher qualification and it will also enable you to take the first steps to a research career. It consists of four courses, or three courses and an essay or writing project, and involves more self-directed work as you conduct research on topics largely of your own choice.
An honours degree can lead to a Master of Arts or PhD.
Career opportunities
A good degree in English can take you to surprising places. Among our graduates are a New Zealand ambassador, Television One's chief political reporter, a political commentator for a national newspaper, a couple of prize-winning novelists, a prize-winning kidult fiction writer, a prize-winning film-maker, a museum curator, a cultural event organiser for Te Papa, an art gallery manager, a theatre director, a local television presenter, a number of publishers' editors, two members of parliament, and policy advisers in the Treasury, the Education Ministry and the State Services Commission. What these people learned in their English degree impressed employers looking for people who could read, write, speak and think clearly, effectively and creatively.
Take the subject that really interests you, because that is the one you are most likely to get good grades in. Good grades lead to good careers.
Contact
School of Humanities
Telephone: +64 3 364 2883
Email: arts@canterbury.ac.nz