Bachelor of Arts - English Studies (PA)

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, Nipissing University see English Studies as teaching essential skills for life beyond the university.

The English Studies program challenges simplistic or superficial modes of thought—or non-thought—by finding out how texts of all sorts work. Students learn from the past by reading classic works of literature, such as novels, plays and poetry. The curriculum also engages with contemporary culture by considering the texts that shape students' current lives, such as movies, television, web-culture, graphic novels, theatre, and other media forms. With analytical reading, research and writing practice, the program equips 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, English studies courses reflect faculty research interests and the shape of the discipline by being a mix of tradition and innovation. In first year, students can choose from among a number of topics and courses. In upper years, they 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 vids or disaster films.​​​​​