Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in English

Summary

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is Otago's most flexible undergraduate degree programme, enabling students to study from a selection of more than 40 arts and social science subjects, as well as papers offered elsewhere in the University. Academic breadth is complemented by in-depth knowledge gained through majoring in one or two subjects with the option of minors in one or two others.

Students are taught by research-active scholars, are expected to undertake a diverse range of learning tasks and are challenged to develop their intellectual independence. Graduates of the programme are well-informed, versatile, independent thinkers with the information literacy, communication, research and interpersonal skills necessary for a career or further academic study. The completed BA is an possible qualification for the PGDipArts in the major subject of the degree.

Why study English?

Language is power. We use language for the whole range of activities that make us human, from passion to politics; we negotiate through language in every waking moment of our lives. Literature is language at its most effective.

English at Otago is designed to fulfil three main aims: opening up the vast and delightful range of literatures written in English; providing a grasp of the concepts and techniques for analysing texts; and improving communication skills of every kind.

By taking English you will find your perceptions sharpened, your understanding deepened and your enjoyment enhanced - for life. Above all, you will equip yourself for a career in almost any sector of society.

Literature in English embodies a high level of creative insight into human behaviours, preoccupations, politics and passions. By learning about language from its best practitioners, students gain critical skills that are valued by employers, governments and educationalists; skills that are essential for people taking an active role in an open society.

Career opportunities

English develops key skills in critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication, which are essential in all workplaces, and are increasingly sought after by employers.

Our graduates are working as editors, copy-writers and in publishing, as creative writers or journalists, teachers, librarians and educational administrators.

English graduates may be found in the public service, as analysts, diplomats, politicians, and policy-makers. Others have become ministers of religion, arts administrators, and broadcasters.

Otago has an excellent record of preparing students for postgraduate study in English and related disciplines, both in New Zealand and overseas. Recent Otago graduates have gone on to study at top Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, St. Andrews, and Harvard, and Otago graduates hold positions at universities in Britain, Australia, and North America.

Programme Requirements

100-level

• ENGL 121 English Literature: The Remix, or ENGL 131 Controversial Classics

One further paper from:

• ENGL 120 Creative Writing: How to Captivate and Persuade
• ENGL 121 English Literature: The Remix
• ENGL 127 Effective Writing
• ENGL 128 Effective Communication
• ENGL 131 Controversial Classics
• LING 111 Language and its Structure

200-level

• Three 200-level ENGL papers
• One of DHUM 201 Digital Humanities: Method and Critique or EURO 202 The Culture of the European City may be substituted for one 200-level ENGL paper

300-level

• Four 300-level ENGL papers
• EURO 302 The Culture of the European City may be substituted for one 300-level ENGL paper

Plus

198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above.

Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts