Program Overview

English Language and Literature

The English Language and Literature program offers various undergraduate and graduate programs, including Literature, Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication, Literature and Rhetoric, Creative and Professional Writing, and a Three-Year General English Degree. The program also provides minors, specializations, and a co-op option.

Undergraduate Programs

• Literature
• Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication
• Literature and Rhetoric
• Creative and Professional Writing
• Three-Year General English Degree
  • Minors
  • Specializations
  • English Co-op

Graduate Programs

• MA LIT
• MA RCD
• MA CMS
• PhD
  • Co-op

Course Information

The program offers a range of courses, including:

• This Year's Courses
• Course waiting list
• English Syllabus Archive

Research Areas

The program has various research areas, including:

• Areas of expertise
• Labs and institutes
• Featured projects
• Congress and Conference Participants

Awards

The program offers several awards, including:

• Undergraduate awards
• Graduate awards
• Writing in Colour
  • Writing in Colour Submission Instructions
• Awards guidelines and submissions
  • Awards submitted by faculty
  • Awards submitted by graduate students
  • Awards submitted by undergraduate students
• Award winners
  • Past Award Winners
  • Outstanding Course Performance Award

The Rhetoric of Fascism

Course Description

The Rhetoric of Fascism (ENGL 406/492) is a course that explores the past and present of fascism, seeking clues as to why it is once again emerging as a powerful force in mature democracies. The course examines primary texts of fascism by figures such as Marinetti, Schmitt, Mussolini, and Hitler, and analyzes fascist messaging in all its forms, including demagogic speeches, propaganda, symbol, spectacle, art, and rallies.

Course Requirements

The course is open to all undergraduate students interested in language, literature, history, and rhetoric, and is available to students at the 3A level or above, or by permission of the instructor.

Research Focus

The course focuses on understanding fascist messaging and its impact on society, and explores the ways in which fascists control common expression and thought by retooling language itself. The course draws on the work of scholars such as Orwell, Klemperer, Burke, Sontag, and Stanley to analyze the rhetoric of fascism.