Courses in English at the 100 level offer an introduction to study in English while also satisfying degree requirements for writing-intensive courses in faculties across the University of Alberta. ENGL 102 and 103, the courses most students will take, offer opportunities to engage with a diverse range of literary materials and to begin to learn and practice the interpretive skills, investigative approaches, and research methods focal to English Studies as a discipline. ENGL 125 offers comparable opportunities with specific reference to Indigenous literatures. ENGL 199, available only to Engineering students, concentrates on fostering skills in critical thinking and effective expression.
Please consult the University Calendar for a full listing of our ENGL courses, not all of which are offered in a given year. Our department also offers Film Studies and Creative Writing courses.
Below are our course offerings for the 2017-18 Fall and Winter Term:
ENGL 102 - Introduction to Critical Analysis
How does critical analysis matter to reading and understanding literature, broadly conceived? In this course, we will explore methods of critical analysis through a wide range of texts from different historical periods and cultural locations. In studying language, literature, and culture, students may encounter a diversity of print texts and other media. Students will also develop their abilities to communicate original, evidence-based interpretations of texts in a variety of forms, including writing and oral discussions.
ENGL 103 - Case Studies in Research
How does research matter to reading and understanding literature, broadly conceived? In this course, we will pursue literary research through one or more case studies in literature, print texts, and/or other media and their effects. Research helps us to understand texts in particular locations, histories, contexts, and debates. Students can expect to learn about, and put into practice, the stages in a research process, from identifying a research question or problem, to finding and evaluating useful supplementary materials, and learning about how to place their ideas in conversation with the knowledge they build from research. Note: Before registering, students should check Bear Tracks and the Department of English and Film Studies website or specific section subtitles/focus.
Note: ENGL 103 is a variable content course. Please see our:
ENGL 125 - Aboriginal Writing
This course introduces students to post-secondary studies in English through works by aboriginal writers. It will address aesthetics, concepts, approaches, and debates that inform the production and study of aboriginal literatures. It will analyze the roles literature plays in shaping and reflecting aboriginal identities, communities, and histories. The course will examine several genres that can include traditional stories, fiction, poetry, drama, history, autobiography, essays, and speeches. Materials, themes, topics, and genres will vary among instructors.
ENGL 199 - Essentials of Writing for Engineering Students
This course is designed to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to write expository, analytical, persuasive, and technical prose. Instruction and practice will be integrated with the study of prose models drawn from various sources. A review of basic grammar will be included. In all sections of English 199, the term grade will be calculated out of 100% as follows: out-of-class essays, 65%; class participation and in-class essays and exercises, 20%; a midterm examination emphasizing grammar, 10%; a library assignment, 5%. This term grade will be worth 70% and the final examination will be worth 30% of the final grade. Student writing in the course, including essays and exercises, is expected to total 4,000 words. Students should not buy any texts before the start of classes. Specific titles of all texts will be announced by each instructor at the beginning of classes.