Welcome to the English Studies Department at Nipissing
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 vids or disaster films.
English Studies at Nipissing University
Recently offered courses
First-year Topics
- Science in Literature
- Love and Loss
- Monsters, Madness and Malice
- Sport in Literature and Film
- Photography and Literature
Honours Seminar Topics
- The Art of Sacrifice
- Early Modern Cross-dressing
- Cannibalism in Literature
- The Lord of the Rings
- The Canadian Historical Novel
- The Victorian Fantastic
Feeling Creative?
- ENGL 2015 Theatre Production
- ENGL 3126 Writing for Digital Media
- ENGL 3127 Writing for Mass Culture
- ENGL 3516/7 Creative Writing: Poetry and Prose
- ACAD 3006 Mentoring the Writer
- ENGL 4695 Honours Essay
- ENGL 4795 Creative and Critical Writing Honours Essay
Creative Writing Courses
Students wishing to enroll in ENGL 3516 and/or ENGL 3517 must prepare the following application package:
- A letter of application containing all contact information, including student number, and indicating which course(s) student is applying for entry to
- A portfolio of the student’s best work in poetry (5-10 pages, double-spaced) or prose (5-10 pages, double-spaced) or both, as required
- Packages should be submitted, in paper copy, to the Chair of English Studies by April 15
- Students will be contacted by the Course Instructor
English Studies Honours Seminars
The Seminar is a “capstone” experience for students in their fourth year of the Honours Specialization in English Studies. Learn more...
Conspiracy of Three
Creative writers might want to consider getting involved in the “Conspiracy of Three”—a community group of active writers who meet monthly to share their work and to enjoy the work of a featured writer. C3 is a great opportunity to meet creative people in the North Bay community and to share ideas in a relaxed, casual and welcoming setting.
Shakespeare After School
Students in our Shakespeare class regularly present a drama club at the local North Bay Public Library for children age 8-12, which gives kids an opportunity to act in a Shakespeare play. The university student leaders select and adapt a play and take the children actors through a 6-week process of reading, rehearsing and staging a final performance.
Chair
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Program Representative
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Full-time Faculty
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Part-time Faculty
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Mary WhiteI chose Nipissing because of its great reputation for teacher education. When I got here, the university showed me what it means to love being a teacher and a student! The study of literature is a study of both its authors and their worlds. Combining history, psychology, sociology, anthropology and sometimes a little bit of science and business, English Studies is a great way to learn about people!
Meggan GouldBeing a part of the English Department has provided me with the focus and support I needed in order to succeed. I know Nipissing is the right choice for me because of the opportunity to study abroad, the small class sizes, program diversity and the enthusiastic environment. My program at Nipissing is going to get me to where I want to be - teaching English on an international level.
Jenna DemersI chose to come to Nipissing because of the one-on-one interaction you can have with the faculty. Professors here not only know you by name, but they know you as a person. They'll ask you if your dog is feeling better, if you enjoyed the hockey game last night, if you watched the latest episode of Downton Abbey. Professors at Nipissing aren't some enigmatic figures who stand at the front of the hall and then disappear until next week. Professors at Nipissing care; they have time for each of their students. Committing to a degree in English Studies offers you one of the most sought after, résumé-worthy skills: the ability to communicate effectively. Along with your degree, you will become the proud owner of a decent vocabulary that can take you anywhere. There is nothing more persuasive, more significant, or more influential than well-chosen words.
Stevie LyonsI think the greatest asset of the Nipissing English program is the faculty. Thanks to my English professors, my time at Nipissing has fuelled my passion for learning and provided me with tools I will use for the rest of my life. They take the time to get to know the students and want to see them succeed. They are passionate about their jobs and put in the extra effort to support and encourage the students in whatever capacity they can.
English Studies at Nipissing is an ideal place to prepare yourself 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