For immediate release

April 1, 2009
 

Kwantlen Polytechnic University launches new BA in English degree

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University officially launched its new bachelor of arts (BA) in English degree program. The president and vice-chancellor of Kwantlen, David W. Atkinson, welcomed Kwantlen staff, faculty, students and guests from local school districts with warm greetings and reflected on his own experiences, both as a student and professor of English. Atkinson also stressed the significance of the new English degree program as evidence of Kwantlen’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.

Following Atkinson’s remarks, Dr. Paul Tyndall, chair of the English department, addressed the group in attendance. He traced the evolution of the degree program and publicly acknowledged the faculty members most directly responsible for its development.

“Without them, we would not be standing here today,” remarked Tyndall. “This is a truly exciting time to be teaching or studying university-level English. Developments in literary theory, women’s studies, film studies and a host of other academic disciplines have rejuvenated the field of literary studies, making the bachelor of arts in English one of the most comprehensive and relevant undergraduate degrees available to students.”

Current and past students also shared highlights of their studies at Kwantlen and commented on the significance of this new program for future students who want to “educate their imagination” by pursuing a degree in English. As Andrea Summers, a fourth year BA candidate observed, “With dedicated instructors, small class sizes and the ongoing addition of new courses, Kwantlen’s English department is on the cutting-edge of undergraduate, student-centred education.”

The event was also a springboard for the launch of the new Kwantlen English Students’ Society (KESS). In addition, an announcement was made about a new scholarship for students enrolled in the new BA in English degree program.

Kwantlen’s English programs provide students with opportunities to critically think and analyze a range of social and cultural issues. Students will obtain a solid foundation for advanced study in other disciplines while honing marketable skills in textual analysis, research, logic, persuasion and communication. 

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For more information about Kwantlen’s new BA in English, contact:
Paul Tyndall
Department Chair, English
Tel: 604.599.2178
paul.tyndall@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Peter Chevrier
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2286
peter.chevrier@kwantlen.ca