Program Requirements
Students who wish to study at the Honours level in two Arts disciplines may apply to combine Joint Honours program components from two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs." Applications to do a Joint Honours program in English and another subject in the Faculty of Arts should be submitted once a minimum of 9 credits, and no more than 18 credits, have been completed in English. There are normally two possible application dates for Joint Honours in English: either by the end of January (by which time first-term courses are completed and the grades are available), or at the same time as the Honours application date, typically in mid-April. (Only students who will have completed more than 18 credits in English by the end of January may apply in the Fall.) The minimum CGPA for application to the Joint Honours program is 3.30. Students with a CGPA lower than 3.3 and at or above 3.0 (but with the requisite 3.5 program GPA) may consult the Director of the Honours program for special permission to apply. Students with a program GPA lower than 3.5 and at or above 3.3 (but with the requisite CGPA of 3.3) may also consult the Director of the Honours program for special permission to apply. The application form is available in the Department's General Office (Arts 155), and the specific submission requirements are described by that form.
The maintenance of a 3.50 program GPA is required for continuation in Joint Honours. Graduation with Joint Honours requires a minimum CGPA of 3.00, a minimum program GPA of 3.50, and a minimum mark of B+ on the Honours Essay. Graduation with First Class Joint Honours in English requires a minimum CGPA of 3.50, a minimum program GPA of 3.70, and a minimum mark of A on the Honours Essay.
Each academic year, there is a special adviser for Joint Honours students, and the receptionist in the General Office can provide their name and contact information. The Department's website http://www.mcgill.ca/english/ provides additional information on the Joint Honours program and applications, and this website should also be consulted prior to contacting the Adviser.
Required Courses (6 credits)
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ENGL 230 Introduction to Theatre Studies (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : An introduction to dramatic literature, text analysis, textual and performance theory, and theatre history.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zien, Katherine (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
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ENGL 355 The Poetics of Performance (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : This course, normally taken in tandem with ENGL 230, examines and tests theories of acting, directing, and design through scene work and practical exercises.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Carney, Sean (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in the English Major Concentration, Drama and Theatre Option
Complementary Courses (30 credits)
30 credits selected as described below. In addition to the 6-credit requirement for Advanced Study described below, all Joint Honours students' programs of study shall include 6 credits of study at the 400 level or above. In addition to the Advanced Study requirement, 3 of the remaining 24 Complementary Course credits must be completed at the 500 level. A maximum of 9 of the 30 credits are allowed at the 200 level, none in the final year of the program.
Advanced Study
6 credits of advanced study, in one of the following two forms A or B, in order of preference:
A) 6 credits of honours essay:
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ENGL 491D1 Honours Essay (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Supervised research essay on an approved topic.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall and Winter
Students must register for both ENGL 491D1 and ENGL 491D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 491D1 and ENGL 491D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
ENGL 491D1 and ENGL 491D2 together are equivalent to ENGL 491
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ENGL 491D2 Honours Essay (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Supervised research essay on an approved topic.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Prerequisite: ENGL 491D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 491D1 and ENGL 491D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
ENGL 491D1 and ENGL 491D2 together are equivalent to ENGL 491
OR
B) Two 3-credit 500-level courses selected in consultation with the student's adviser(s).
(In very rare cases, a third alternative may be approved at the discretion of the Joint Honours Adviser, but only when it is formally recommended for the joint subject according to the description of that Joint Honours program found in the Arts section of the eCalendar. For example, Joint Honours with Anthropology allows the option of combining 3 credits of essay work with 3 credits in the joint subject to create a joint essay.)
3 credits from the following practice-based courses:
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ENGL 269 Introduction to Performance (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : The focus of this course is on the actor as communicator, and on those things (material, physical, and textual) which are inescapably central to the theatrical performance.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Johnson, Amber Rose (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Restriction: Restricted to Drama and Theatre Majors
Open to Drama and Theatre Majors
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ENGL 365 Costuming for the Theatre 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Introduction to costume-making for the theatre, covering fabrics, textiles and costume decoration.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Bradley, Catherine A (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 368
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ENGL 368 Stage Scenery and Lighting 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : An introduction to the technical aspects of stage settings and theatrical lighting.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 365
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ENGL 372 Stage Scenery and Lighting 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Aspects of stage scenery and theatrical lighting.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 377.
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ENGL 377 Costuming for the Theatre 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced topics in costume-making for the theatre, including millinery, dyeing, costume breakdown, and silk painting techniques.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 372.
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ENGL 396 Theatre Practicum 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Training in acting and other on-stage roles in theatrical performance.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students enrol by permission of the instructor (the director of the play) after they have been cast.
Occasionally, students in non-acting roles (such as choreographer or assistant director) may enrol in the course.
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ENGL 397 Theatre Practicum 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Training in acting and other on-stage roles in theatrical performance.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students enrol by permission of the instructor (the director of the play) after they have been cast.
Occasionally, students in non-acting roles (such as choreographer or assistant director) may enrol in the course.
Theory Courses
3 credits from a list of theory courses:
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ENGL 317 Theory of English Studies 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Philosophical approaches.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Yachnin, Paul (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs
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ENGL 318 Theory of English Studies 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Socio-Historical approaches.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hensley, David C (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs
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ENGL 319 Theory of English Studies 3 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Cultural theory now.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: So, Richard (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs
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ENGL 322 Theories of the Text (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A course focusing on textuality (as opposed to, say, intentionality and interpretation) and on how specific effects are made - how texts work and produce meaning, including rhetoric and form.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hickman, Miranda Brun (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs.
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ENGL 346 Materiality and Sociology of Text (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Writing, printing, distribution, marketing, and placement within canon-making institutions; the influence of material forms of production and transmission on the creation and reception of literature, film, and theatre.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs.
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ENGL 352 Theories of Difference (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Introduction to a selection of theories that have influenced thinking about difference across the humanities and social sciences, including gender, sexuality, race, class and hierarchical structures, language, religion, ethnicity, and personal identity.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs.
Dramatic Literature
3 credits in Dramatic Literature:
For a list of courses for the current academic year, please consult the Department of English web page http://www.mcgill.ca/english/.
History of the Theatre
3 credits in History of the Theatre:
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ENGL 306 Theatre History: Medieval and Early Modern (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of works of Mediaeval and Tudor drama.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ritchie, Fiona (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
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ENGL 308 English Renaissance Drama 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : An overview of some major authors and issues in English Renaissance Drama.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Folkerth, Wes (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
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ENGL 310 Restoration and 18th Century Drama (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of works of Restoration and 18th century drama.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
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ENGL 312 Victorian and Edwardian Drama 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts)
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
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ENGL 314 20th Century Drama (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of selected representative works in modern drama and theatre.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Carney, Sean (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
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ENGL 315 Shakespeare (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of the major works of Shakespeare.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Folkerth, Wes (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
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ENGL 370 Theatre History: The Long Eighteenth Century (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A survey of dramatic forms and genres and theatrical practices from the Restoration through the 18th century to the Romantic period.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ritchie, Fiona (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
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ENGL 371 Theatre History: 19th to 21st Centuries (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : History of predominantly Western theatre practices from circa 1830 to the present.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Zien, Katherine (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
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ENGL 416 Studies in Shakespeare (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of the works of Shakespeare.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
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ENGL 467 Advanced Studies in Theatre History (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced study focused on a period or issue in Theatre history.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Yachnin, Paul (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Prerequisite: Students not registered in English programs require permission of instructor
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ENGL 486 Special Topics in Theatre History
(3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A research seminar on selected topics in theatre history and theatre historiography.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: Students not registered in English programs require permission of instructor
For the most detailed and up-to-date topics of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Topics vary year to year.
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ENGL 516 Shakespeare (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A seminar on the works of Shakespeare.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Folkerth, Wes (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
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ENGL 566 Special Studies in Drama 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A seminar on drama. Topic varies by year.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Performance-Oriented Courses
3 credits from the list of Performance-Oriented courses:
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ENGL 365 Costuming for the Theatre 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Introduction to costume-making for the theatre, covering fabrics, textiles and costume decoration.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Bradley, Catherine A (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 368
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ENGL 367 Acting 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : The actor as analyzer of scripts and characters; textual analysis, practice in character development through improvisations, mask work and physical training.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Carney, Sean (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Prerequisite: ENGL 269 and permission of instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken 110-469D
-
ENGL 368 Stage Scenery and Lighting 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : An introduction to the technical aspects of stage settings and theatrical lighting.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
Restriction: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 365
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ENGL 372 Stage Scenery and Lighting 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Aspects of stage scenery and theatrical lighting.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 377.
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ENGL 376 Scene Study (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Scene study for the theatre.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Schantz, Edward (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall
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ENGL 377 Costuming for the Theatre 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced topics in costume-making for the theatre, including millinery, dyeing, costume breakdown, and silk painting techniques.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 372.
-
ENGL 396 Theatre Practicum 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Training in acting and other on-stage roles in theatrical performance.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students enrol by permission of the instructor (the director of the play) after they have been cast.
Occasionally, students in non-acting roles (such as choreographer or assistant director) may enrol in the course.
-
ENGL 397 Theatre Practicum 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Training in acting and other on-stage roles in theatrical performance.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students enrol by permission of the instructor (the director of the play) after they have been cast.
Occasionally, students in non-acting roles (such as choreographer or assistant director) may enrol in the course.
-
ENGL 465D1 Theatre Laboratory (4.5 credits) *
Overview
English (Arts) : Workshop in theatre practice and drama interpretation.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Prerequisites: ENGL 230, ENGL 269 and ENGL 367 or sufficient relevant experience in related drama courses or permission of the instructor.
Students must register for both ENGL 465D1 and ENGL 465D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 465D1 and ENGL 465D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ENGL 465D2 Theatre Laboratory (4.5 credits) *
Overview
English (Arts) : Workshop in theatre practice and drama interpretation.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Prerequisite: ENGL 465D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 465D1 and ENGL 465D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ENGL 466D1 Directing for the Theatre (3 credits) **
Overview
English (Arts) : The direction of a theatrical performance: preparation, casting, rehearsal, and performance are the areas of concentration.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Fall and Winter
Prerequisites: ENGL 230, ENGL 269 and permission of instructor.
Students must register for both ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2 together are equivalent to ENGL 466
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ENGL 466D2 Directing for the Theatre (3 credits) **
Overview
English (Arts) : See ENGL 466D1 for course description.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Prerequisite: ENGL 466D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2 together are equivalent to ENGL 466
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ENGL 469 Acting 3 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced training in acting involving study of some of the major European and North American acting theories and practices.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Hawson, Kirsten (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
Winter
Prerequisite: ENGL 269 and permission of instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken 110-469D.
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ENGL 565 Drama Workshop (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Practical aspects of theatre studies.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
*, ** Note: Spanned credits. The amount over 3 credits can be attributed to Departmental Offerings credits.
Departmental Offerings
9 additional credits of English (ENGL) courses, preferably courses at the 300 level or above.