From classic texts to graphic novels, through various theoretical approaches, literary genres and national literatures, our department celebrates literary expression in all its forms. York’s English Department equips students with the tools to understand, appreciate and discuss literature across historical and national boundaries, while providing the freedom and encouragement to be creative and pursue independent interests.
What makes us unique:
- We look at old texts in new ways, from a variety of cutting-edge and politically relevant perspectives
- We offer a combined Creative Writing and English major, fusing a critical approach to the literature of prior generations with training in how to create and shape the literature of the next generation
- Our approach to world literature blends postcolonial studies, community engagement and social justice in the study of Indigenous, Black and Middle Eastern literature
- Our faculty have received major international awards for their work and are active in the arts as film writers, poets, creative writers, novelists and documentary filmmakers.
Choose from an undergraduate or graduate English degree, Creative Writing or a combined major.
Read our Land Acknowledgment which recognizes the unique and enduring relationship of Indigenous people and their traditional territory.
Discover literary art in all its forms, develop a portfolio of writing, become knowledgeable about the development of literature throughout history and master the ability to write critically and creatively.
Engage with Authors
We host the Canadian Writers in Person Series and the Creative Writing Reader Series where you will be introduced to some of the best contemporary Canadian fiction and poetry. It's a unique opportunity to quiz the authors who pen the very works you're studying.
Specialize your Studies
Our upper year courses offer you an opportunity to specialize your studies in an area which suits your interests and career goals. You can engage in more specialized studies of theories, literary periods, individual authors and genres.
Successful Graduates
Our alumni have gone on to achieve great things in their careers and have received recognition from the writing industry including being finalists for or the recipients of the Governor General’s Award for Fiction, the Giller Prize, the W.H. Smith/Books First Novel Award, the Governor General’s Award for Drama and the Chalmer’s Award for Drama.
Upcoming Events
My professors didn't just see me as a student; they saw me as an active creative and critical thinker who could contribute meaningfully to their academic life and work. Even though they had plenty to teach me, every class (including lectures, but especially the small tutorial groups) felt like a collaborative space where different opinions were honoured and deeply considered. Being in classes like these made me more passionate about my coursework than I could have expected, while improving my analytic skills and writing better assignments felt productive and rewarding. It also made me confident that my professors saw me as a human being, that they were willing to adapt their teaching to my goals and interests.
— John Nyman
Alumnus, Creative Writing '12
