Literature BA
Perhaps the most important skills that the study of literature teaches are analytic and synthetic skills. In learning to read carefully and analytically, we learn to ask hard questions both of the work and of ourselves. And as we seek to discover the relationships between the ideas and images we uncover in a work, our ultimate goal is to see the whole — to see how the parts work together to make the piece what it is. In grappling with the complex and difficult ideas contained in literature, we learn to accept the multiple dimensions and ambiguity that are so often present in life.
Finally, the study of literature will also help develop our writing abilities as we come to value the written word and understand its power to communicate.
Degree Plan
NOTE: All students are required to complete the General Education Requirements of their campus in fulfillment of their Bachelor degree requirements.
Qualified students may complete part of their undergraduate degree requirements at Wroxton College in England.
Required major courses (18 credits)
Choose 1 from each pair below, plus one additional (4 courses total)
- LITS2101: British & European Literature I
- LITS2102: British & European Literature II
- LITS2201: World Literature I
- LITS2202: World Literature II
- LITS2301: American Literature I
- LITS2302: American Literature II
Elective courses (21 credits)
At most, one 1000-level course can be counted here. HUMN or LANG courses may be appropriate to substitute with permission.
Minor is optional. Additional 15 credits of free electives will need to be taken in lieu of a minor.
QUEST/MAT Options
- BA, Literature/Quest/Preschool-Grade 3
- BA, Literature/Quest/Elementary Education
- BA, Literature/Quest/Secondary Education
- BA, Literature/Quest/Preschool-Grade 3 – TSD
- BA, Literature/Quest/Secondary Education – TSD
- BA, Literature/Quest/Elementary Special Education
- BA, Literature/Quest/English as a Second Language
- BA, Literature/Quest/Elementary Education/ESL
- BA, Literature/Quest/Secondary Education/ESL
The Degree Plan for QUEST is the same as above, except that instead of 21 credits of literature electives, the requirement is 15 credits of electives, plus:
- LITS 3311, Children’s Literature (for Elementary Education) or one course on Shakespeare (for Secondary Education)
- LITS 2030, English Grammar, or LITS 2031, The English Language
Careers
Chances are, if you are an Literature major or if you have thought of becoming one, you’ve been asked, “So you want to teach?” While it is true that some Literature majors do end up becoming teachers and professors, the English degree is dynamic. By honing their communicative, creative, critical, and expressive skills, Literature majors are well-suited to pursue a wide variety of careers not just in the classroom, but also in business, politics, creative arts, and even sciences.