English Department Guidelines

English Department Guidelines

The English Department’s role is shaped by the requirements of the various degree programs offered at this University. These have developed as StFX University has worked out its own role as a liberal arts university, with a calculated balance between specialization and diversity.

Students in various degree programs may choose to take a single “elective” English course. They may choose 12 credits in English courses (a “Pair”) or they may choose 18 credits in English electives. If English is a “minor” in a Major or an Advanced Major program, students choose 24 credits of courses (minor). Students choosing English as the “subsidiary subject” in an Honours program must register in 24 credits in English, with at least 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level. The link to Degree Patterns (see above left) applies to all students taking English as a minor or subsidiary subject; minor students do not have to meet requirements regarding course subject, but students taking English as a subsidiary subject should consult the Degree Patterns. Students registered in the Honours English program will earn 60 credits in English courses which must also meet the degree requirements as described in the Degree Patterns link.

All course patterns will normally begin with either English 100 "Introduction to Literature and Critical Writing” (reserved for Humanities Colloquium students, six credits) or English 111 "Literature and Academic Writing I (three credits). These courses introduce students to the critical tools and methods of literary study, including close reading and argumentative writing. Students will learn about the history of genres (e.g. poetry, drama, and the novel) and forms of literature (e.g. tragedy, realism). Texts may include the earliest writing in English to more recent works in various media. Credit will be granted for only one of ENGL 100 or ENGL 111. Both English 100 and English 111 count as prerequisites for all subsequent English courses.

(updated June 2026)