The primary way human beings communicate is through storytelling. Almost every interaction we have involves exchanging and analyzing stories, ideas, impressions and emotions. Given this fact of human culture, we see English Studies as teaching essential skills for life beyond the university.
In English, we challenge simplistic or superficial modes of thought—or non-thought—by finding out how texts of all sorts work. We learn from the past by reading classic works of literature, such as novels, plays and poetry. We also engage with contemporary culture by considering the texts that shape our current lives, such as movies, television, web-culture, graphic novels, theatre, and other media forms. With analytical reading, research and writing practice, we equip the citizens of the future with the skills of discernment, focus, resilience and adaptability that they will need to build their own careers and communities.
Delivered with an emphasis on dialogue, our courses reflect faculty research interests and the shape of our discipline by being a mix of tradition and innovation. In first year, you can choose from among a number of topics courses. In upper years, you may take courses in British literary history, such as Shakespeare or Victorian literature, as well as choosing from a broader range of subjects such as children’s literature, Canadian and American literature, the graphic novel, postcolonial and indigenous literatures, Harry Potter, fan videos or disaster films.?????
English Studies at Nipissing is an ideal place to prepare you for the job market of the future. In this fast paced world, professionals need the capacity to communicate, to be able to read and analyze texts and people and to be able to identify problems and offer creative solutions. English Studies prepares you by helping you find the independence of thought, resilience and adaptability that will lead you through a range of interesting, satisfying and lucrative careers.
An English degree opens up a diverse range of career paths by giving you a broad base of key skills. Graduates come away with expertise in written and oral communication, critical thinking, research, and analysis.
With those skills, you may pursue careers in areas like journalism, editing, copywriting, translation, or marketing and public relations. Many students choose to continue on to Master and graduate level studies, or to professional schools like law and teaching. With such a great foundation, you will have many possibilities in front of you!
Career and Academic Options
Graduate Studies
Professional School (Education, Law, Library Science, MBA)
Careers in journalism, public service, public relations, marketing, professional writing, and creative writing
