Emphasis in Literature

Literary study explores how writers from a vast array of cultural traditions have used the creative resources of language – in fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction prose – to explore the entire range of human experience.

The English major with an emphasis on literature introduces students to the great literary traditions of Britain, North America, and the English-speaking world. The major in literature places courses organized by historical period at the heart of the student's program, allowing students to read the great works that define the periods, and to explore the ways in which cultural contexts shape the literary imagination.

Students who select the emphasis on literature can expect to learn how sensitive readers engage texts through their own speaking and writing, following their insights into the rich pleasures of literary language and growing more sophisticated in constructing effective interpretive arguments.

They will also be introduced to the ways in which major critical traditions frame our approaches to literature and define the issues that keep literature meaningful and relevant in our lives.

Major Requirements:

• ENGL 300: English Studies Seminar

One course from

• ENGL 301: Shakespeare
• ENGL 351: English Medieval Literature
• ENGL 353: Renaissance Literature
• ENGL 355: Special Topics in Literature Before 1660

One course from

• ENGL 361: British Literature, 1660-1800
• ENGL 362: British Literature, 1800-1914
• ENGL 365: Special Topics in Literature Before 1914
• ENGL 371: American Literature Before 1860
• ENGL 372: American Literature, 1860-1914

One course from

• ENGL 363: British Literature, 1914-1945
• ENGL 364: British Literature, 1945 to the Present
• ENGL 373: American Literature, 1914-1945
• ENGL 374: American Literature, 1945 to the Present
• ENGL 375: Special Topics in Literature, 1914 to the Present

One course from

• ENGL 341: Feminist Approaches to Literature
• ENGL 342: American Ethnic Literatures
• ENGL 343: Post-Colonial Literature and Theory
• ENGL 345: Special Topics in Literature and Difference

One course from

• ENGL 451: Seminar: Major Authors
• ENGL 452: Seminar: Theme, Genre

Four hours in a 200-400 level writing course and 8-16 hours of elective coursework.

Minor Requirements:  Students pursuing a minor in literature must take 20 semester hours (excluding WRIT 101), distributed as follows: four hours of Shakespeare, eight hours from Periods and Surveys and eight hours of electives.