hey aska, in order to do an english major, do i HAVE to take ENG201 or ENG202 in first year along with my 100-series course, or can i take 202 in second year after i’ve completed the first year course? i thought i had my timetable worked out wonderfully, since english is a type 1 POSt, but i’ve been reading around on the internet and people are saying its a big mistake not to take 201 or 202 in first year…. help!
since i’d rather watch glitter while poking my eyes out with a hot stir stick than be an english student, askastudent decided to seek the advice of english superstar (and herald layout designer), chris heron. here is our dialogue about your course selection:
CH: it sounds like reading people saying it’s a mistake are saying it because then it gives you the next year to start in on third year courses
I took it in second year, so it’s not a case of not being able to, it’s certainly not that limiting.
ASKA: and you felt adequately prepared?
CH: well that depends. when I was taking it, it was concurrent with other courses that touched on some of the same things (because I took major british writers, a survey course, which is 202), so i had that benefit. but if I had taken it first year, I would have the different benefit of kind of knowing things. but I don’t think it makes or breaks you, if it doesn’t fit into the schedule
ASKA: cool.
CH: there’s a reason they’re 200-level, and there are 100-level courses. you dip your toes with 100 level, then if you want to continue, go nuts. I took 4 english courses in my second year and 202 was one of them. I don’t feel that limited me in any way
ASKA: wow, that’s hardcore.
CH: basically, there are benefits to taking it first year, I’m sure. but if it’s not going to fit into the schedule, it’s far from the end of the world. I guess it comes down to how sure you are about being an english major
thanks chris! and if you wanna write for the innis herald, don’t hesitate to send in an article to innis.herald@utoronto.ca. not that all english students can write… i don’t want to stereotype the program.
cheers, askastudent