Canisius College

The English program at Canisius offers an array of literary experiences in both reading and writing.  English majors study the whole range of literature, both fiction and non-fiction, from medieval epic and romance to contemporary novels and plays. 

Writing about literature emphasizes precision in expression, close textual analysis, the understanding of historical context, and the examination of professional criticism.  In addition to requirements in British and American literature, students may choose from a variety of multicultural and interdisciplinary courses such as African-American literature; Native-American literature; film as literature; literature and psychology; the immigrant experience in literature; and women's studies including female writers, poets, and images of women in literature and film. 

The department also offers minors in:

• Theater arts -- a five-course sequence that includes course work in acting and production, as well as in dramatic literature. 
• Writing -- a five-course program that includes writing theory and practice in various contexts and workshops with experienced writers. 
• Creative writing -- gives students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of writing stories, poems, essays and plays, and to hone their technique in a small workshop setting. 

All minors include a three-credit internship for hands-on study in a local business or professional organization.  Students may also complete a dual major with English and another discipline, such as communications, history, political science, modern languages, psychology, art history or music.

The English Department strives to create a community of readers and writers able to think and to act in responsible, enlightened, and informed ways.  Through the study of a range of texts and literatures, students engage in the ongoing debates pivotal for understanding and constructing culture and the self.

The department offers courses on three levels:

• English major courses – these present an array of literary experiences centered upon the study of literature, in fiction and non-fiction readings, and writing
• Literature and writing courses in Area III of the Core curriculum – for non-majors, these courses cover the genres of fiction, poetry, drama, essay, and autobiography, and include multicultural and interdisciplinary topics
• Freshman English Seminars I and II – these are designed to enhance literacy, communication skills, and intellectual development through the study of essays and other literary texts.

Departmental faculty advisers work closely with students regarding course selection and career opportunities. In addition to the classroom experience, internships in local businesses, arts, non-profit, and social service oriented organizations prepare majors for careers in all areas where effective communication and understanding, and empathy are essential, such as teaching, writing, law, social work, mass media, and public relations.

English Honors
English Honors is a flexible program designed to offer interested and motivated English majors the chance to earn honors designation by participating in innovative seminars and working with a faculty mentor in the writing of an original thesis.

The program requires three courses: two seminars and a thesis.   The seminars are unique courses, limited in enrollment, designed by faculty around especially engaging questions, topics, and texts.  Some are interdisciplinary; some involve both critical and creative writing; others are organized around a particular period, theme, critical approach, or major writer.  Typically one English honors seminar is offered each semester.  The honors thesis is a long paper, written on a topic of the student’s own choosing under the direction of faculty mentor, the culmination of a semester’s reading, researching, and writing.  To read more about the Honors program, click here.