The English program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University allows you to work toward a bachelor of arts with a major in English and a minor in another subject area.

We offer education in English literature, creative writing, and film studies within the framework of a liberal arts degree program.

Grenfell's English program includes key courses that give you a strong understanding of the essential aspects of literary analysis. The courses are grouped into specific areas of inquiry:

• English Core Courses
• Applied and Experiential Courses
• Nationally-Identified Literatures
• Post-1900 Courses
• Pre-1900 Courses
• Women Writers
• Special Topics

Why study English at Grenfell?

If you love to read and write, the English program at Grenfell will expand your creativity, imagination, and critical thinking. There is a particular focus on creative writing, experiential learning, and diversity and inclusivity. Our professors provide you with the analytical and writing skills required to analyze identity, culture, world events, and your own daily encounters in a thoughtful and engaged manner.

• Explore both classic and modern literature, from medieval epics to contemporary film.
• Work closely with faculty members on experiential and creative projects that get you actively involved in literary communities.
• Better understand the social, cultural, and ideological conditions of people throughout history.
• Grasp the changing views and attitudes related to concepts like beauty and truth.
• Consider the literary canon in relation to shifting ideas of identity, diversity, and inclusivity.
• Be exposed to a diverse range of literary and cinematic voices representing a broad range of identities.
• Understand the joys and sorrows of others and make sense of the events that shape us.
• Learn ways to engage with the world around you from a variety of theoretical perspectives, including gender studies, ecocriticism, race studies, postcolonialism, psychoanalysis, and more.
• Learn from acclaimed writers and thinkers in our Grenfell English Lecture and Reading Series.
• Publish in our creative journal Paper Mill, or work on the editorial board.
• Gain solid communication and critical thinking skills.
• Have an opportunity to study English abroad at MUN’s Harlow Campus.

View a complete list of Grenfell's English program courses.

 

It's personal

At Grenfell, your professors will know you by name. Our low student-faculty ratio ensures that your learning will be personal and relevant. With just over 1,300 students on campus, you’ll make real connections with your classmates, have an opportunity to work closely with faculty members, and become an important part of the Grenfell community.

Our faculty specializes in a breadth of literary areas, including Medieval literature, Renaissance literature, film studies, Canadian literature, US literature, British literature, pride literature, creative writing, and critical theory.

 

Information for first-year students

In addition to the English program requirements, English majors will also complete an eight-course minor in another subject. Minor programs are offered in areas including folklore, geography, and art history.

As a Grenfell student, you can participate in the Student Exchange Program, where you pay Grenfell tuition rates while studying in another NSE member university in Canada or the United States. There are also a variety of awards and scholarships available for students in the English program.

 

Admission

To be accepted to the English program at Grenfell, you must meet the general admission requirements for Memorial University and declare English as your major.

 

Career opportunities

Graduates of Grenfell's English program are equipped to work in a variety of fields and go on to pursue diverse careers such as:

• Teacher
• Lawyer
• Journalist
• Copywriter
• Editor
• Public relations or communications professional
• Civil servant
• Creative writer
• filmmaker

 

Awards and medals

The Madeline Fowler Prize in English

This prize, valued at $100.00, is in memory of Madeline Fowler, whose love of reading was an inspiration to her children. The prize is normally awarded to a senior student majoring in the BA in English and engaged in full-time studies at Grenfell Campus. The award will be made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships and Financial Aid on the recommendation of the program chair of English.

 

The David Freeman Memorial Scholarship in English

This scholarship honours Dr. David Freeman, a widely admired Grenfell English professor whose scholarship and zest inspired a wide circle of students, friends and colleagues. A well-known scholar of the editing of Renaissance literary texts, Dr. Freeman took his scholarship out of the classroom to enliven a broad range of presentations, public readings and dramatic performances. This scholarship is made possible through the family of Dr. Freeman and the efforts of the English faculty at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and friends of Dr. David Freeman. Valued at a portion of the income on the investment, it will be given annually to an English Major in his/her second year of study pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English at Grenfell Campus, who meets scholarship standing as defined by the University and shares Dr. Freeman’s passion for literature. It will be granted by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee of Grenfell Campus in consultation with the Chair, English.

 

The Grenfell Campus Book Prize in English

This book prize was established by a generous donation from the faculty of the English Program, Grenfell Campus. It will be awarded annually at the Student Achievement Awards to a student majoring in English who has made an outstanding contribution to their discipline at the Grenfell Campus. It will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Chair of English, Grenfell Campus.

 

Pike-Thackray Scholarship in English

This scholarship was established by a generous donation from Dr. Holly Pike and Dr. Marc Thackray in honour of their parents: David Pike, Phyllis Pike, Elizabeth Thackray, and Harry Thackray. Valued at a portion of the income on the endowment, it will be awarded annually to an undergraduate student at the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland who is completing an English major and entering the last year of his or her program. Preference will be given to the student with the highest average in English courses required for the completion of the Major. The recipient must meet the minimum academic requirements for a scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Chair of the English Program at Grenfell Campus.

 

University Medal for Academic Excellence in English

The University Medal for Academic Excellence in English is given in the graduating year to a candidate for the bachelor's degree with a major in English who is recommended by the chair of the English program. The award is made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships and Financial Aid.