Bachelor of Arts, English Major
The mission of the Bachelor of Arts (4-year) is to strengthen your critical and creative thinking by offering a broad range of social, political, and cultural programs of study. A liberal arts education from Athabasca University is designed to broaden your perspective on local and global affairs, encourage community and social involvement, and prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity.
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) provides students with a broad, flexible education that allows them to develop, understand, and disseminate knowledge, to think critically, and to build on these abilities. In addition, the four-year degree fully prepares students for most graduate programs. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a Major are expected to have gained sufficient analytical and critical thinking skills to be able to engage in independent research in their chosen major. Athabasca University does not offer an Honours BA.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (3-year) program who wish to transfer to the Bachelor of Arts (4-year) program must complete a new Undergraduate General Application Form. Previous education will be reassessed and students will be notified of the results.
English Major
As a student in Athabasca University’s English program, you will read a wide range of works from diverse genres, countries, and historical periods, and analyze forms, styles, and ideas in terms of a variety of literary theories, from feminist to postcolonial. You will exercise and develop skills in critical thinking, interpretation, and writing.
Planning your program
Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.
Counselling Services offers an assessment website, "Mapping Your Future: Your Career and Athabasca University."
Athabasca University has developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.
Program requirements
Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.
Although you may change majors, a major must be selected when you enrol in the Bachelor of Arts (4-year) program.
You are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in your program. The English writing skills requirement is waived for students enrolling in the second undergraduate degree.
Program structure
Total credits in the program | 120 |
Minimum credits required | |
---|---|
At the senior (300 or 400) level (including 18 credits at the 400 level) | 75 |
In the major (compulsory) * may be higher depending on the specific requirements of the major | 45* |
Minimum senior-level credits in major (including a minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level) | 30 |
Arts (Humanities and social sciences) | 96 |
| 18 18 |
Science | 6 |
Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University. | 30 |
Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. | 24 |
Minor (optional) | |
Minimum credits in the minor (including a minimum of 15 credits at the 300 and 400 level) | 30 |
Students may not apply a course to both the major and the minor. | |
Maximum credits allowed | |
In any one discipline | 60 |
Applied studies | 18 |
At the preparatory level | 6 |
At junior level in any one discipline | 15 |
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition credits | 9 |
Additional English Major requirements
Requirements in addition to the general program requirements for the BA (4-year) with Major:
- 45 credits in courses designated as major courses including a minimum of 36 senior (300 or 400) level credits (a minimum of 12, 400-level credits).
- 3 junior (200) level English credits in composition, for example ENGL 255.
- 6 junior (200) level English credits in literary genres, for example ENGL 211 and ENGL 212.
- 3 senior (300/400) level English credits in literary theory, for example ENGL 316 and ENGL 423.
- 3 senior (300/400) level English credits in Indigenous literature, for example, ENGL 308.
Electives
Select 30 credits at the senior level in ENGL courses.
Recommendations
To achieve a balanced major in English, students should select courses in British, Canadian, and American literature, within a range of genres and historical periods, as well as courses in topics that are global, non-canonical, or otherwise representative of marginalized or minoritized communities.
Second undergraduate degree
Students are not permitted to obtain a second undergraduate degree in the same field or related field as their first undergraduate degree. Students who have completed a previous undergraduate degree must enter the second undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (4-year) degree and follow these regulations. The English writing skills requirement is waived for students enrolling in the second undergraduate degree.
Helpful links and resources:
Updated March 15, 2023 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)