B.A. in English

Program Overview

Kwantlen Polytechnic University's English program fosters critical thinking, literary analysis, and writing skills. Through a supportive learning environment, students explore diverse literary forms, develop strong communication abilities, and prepare for careers in education, journalism, publishing, and more. The program offers unique opportunities such as practicum components and guest speakers, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to succeed in various professional fields.

Program Outline

Kwantlen Polytechnic University's English program: A detailed breakdown

Based on the provided context, here's a detailed breakdown of the English program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University:

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This program allows students to delve deeper into literary works, sharpen their critical thinking skills, enhance their reading and writing abilities, and become adept at responding to social and cultural issues with creativity.
• Objectives:
• Develop excellent communication and critical thinking skills.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of various literary forms and genres.
• Analyze and interpret literary texts from diverse perspectives.
• Refine writing skills for academic and professional purposes.
• Explore the relationship between literature and culture.
• Prepare for a wide range of careers or further academic pursuits.
• Program Description: This program offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes (35 students or less) to ensure close interaction with knowledgeable and passionate instructors.
Students also have the opportunity to apply their learned skills through practicum components in 4th-year courses, gaining valuable experience within the local community.

Outline:

• Content: This program covers a broad range of topics in English literature, including:
• Literary theory and criticism
• World literature
• Canadian literature
• Indigenous literature
• Postcolonial literature
• Film studies
• Creative writing
• Rhetorical analysis
• Composition
• Structure: Students can choose between a B.A.
major or minor in English. Both options offer a variety of courses focusing on different aspects of English literature and language.
• Course Schedule: Please refer to the Kwantlen Polytechnic University website for the current course offerings and schedule.
• Individual Modules: Each module within the program focuses on a specific area of English literature or language.
Some examples include:
• ENGL 1100: Introduction to Literature:
This introductory course examines various literary genres and elements, developing students' critical thinking and analytical skills.
• ENGL 1202 + ENGL 1204: These courses focus on developing strong writing skills through practice and feedback.
• Film Studies: This stream explores different film genres and techniques, analyzing their social and cultural significance.
• Module Descriptions: Detailed descriptions of individual modules and their learning outcomes can be found on the Kwantlen Polytechnic University website.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program employs various assessment methods, including:
• Essays:
Students write essays analyzing literary texts and exploring critical issues.
• Exams: These assess students' knowledge and understanding of course material.
• Presentations: Students present their research and analysis to the class, developing their oral communication skills.
• Assignments: Various assignments throughout the semester assess students' understanding and application of concepts.
• Assessment Criteria: The program utilizes a clear and transparent set of criteria to evaluate student work, focusing on:
• Critical thinking and analysis:
Assessing students' ability to engage with complex literary texts and develop insightful interpretations.
• Writing skills: Evaluating students' ability to write clear, concise, and well-organized essays and other written assignments.
• Research and understanding: Assessing students' ability to conduct research and synthesize information related to course topics.
• Presentation and communication skills: Evaluating students' ability to present their research effectively and engage in meaningful class discussions.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement.
These methods include:
• Lectures:
Instructors deliver information and introduce key concepts.
• Seminars: Students engage in in-depth discussions and analysis of texts.
• Workshops: Students participate in hands-on activities to develop writing and research skills.
• Guest speakers: Industry professionals and scholars share their expertise and insights.
• Faculty: The program boasts a team of dedicated and experienced professors who are passionate about their subjects and committed to student success.
Their expertise spans various areas of English literature, film studies, and creative writing.
• Unique Approaches: The program offers several unique approaches to enhance student learning, including:
• Practicum component:
Students in 4th-year courses have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills through real-world projects within the local community.
• Small class sizes: This allows for personalized attention and fosters meaningful interaction between students and instructors.
• Guest speakers and events: The program regularly invites prominent figures in the literary world to share their experiences and inspire students.

Careers:

• Career Paths: A degree in English opens doors to a diverse range of career opportunities, including:
• Education: Teachers, professors, librarians, educational administrators.
• Journalism: Reporters, editors, content writers, communication specialists.
• Professional writing: Technical writers, copywriters, content creators, grant writers.
• Public relations: Public relations specialists, communication managers, event planners.
• Publishing: Editors, book reviewers, literary agents, publishers.
• Law: Lawyers, legal researchers, policy analysts.
• Community service: Social workers, non-profit administrators, human rights advocates.
• Opportunities: This program equips graduates with valuable skills and knowledge for success in various professional fields.
They develop strong communication, writing, critical thinking, and research skills, which are highly sought after by employers across diverse industries.
• Outcomes: Graduates from this program are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further academic studies in areas such as literature, education, communication, or law.

Other:

• Student Opportunities: Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers various opportunities for English students to enhance their skills and gain valuable experience, such as:
• First-Year Writing Labs:
These labs provide personalized feedback and support to students in developing their writing skills.
• Scholarships and Awards: The program offers several scholarships and awards recognizing academic excellence and commitment to English studies.
• Intersectional Social Justice Essay Awards: These awards promote critical thinking and analysis of social justice issues through essay writing.
• Resources: The program provides access to various resources to support students, including:
• CRC: South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies:
This center offers specialized resources and research opportunities focused on South Asian literature and culture.
• Faculty Listing: Access to information and contact details of faculty members specializing in different areas of English studies.
• Events: The program regularly hosts events, workshops, and seminars featuring renowned authors, scholars, and industry professionals.
This comprehensive breakdown offers a detailed understanding of the English program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, highlighting its curriculum, teaching methods, assessment strategies, career opportunities, and additional resources available to students.