B.A. in Humanities

LITERATURE CONCENTRATION

The literature concentration teaches you how literature works and how it makes its meaning in a complex world. You learn to read analytically, write critically, and speak conceptually about literary works. You explore the dynamic interaction of literary forms with history, science, politics, and social change, developing responses that are both unique and valid.

Because of its cultural depth and the emphasis on analytical reading and writing skills, literature is considered excellent preparation for career advancement and professional studies such as business administration, law, and the social services, as well as for further study in humanities fields.

We recommend that students complete the McGhee Core Curriculum before the following requirements.

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses

Before starting the concentration, students must already have completed Introduction to Literature and one of the following: Cultural Anthropology, Foundations of Creative Process, Foundations of Philosophical Thought, or Reading Visual Images.

Oral Traditions in Literature or Major 20th-Century Writers are recommended as one Literary and Artistic Expressions selection. At least two semesters of a foreign language are recommended for those considering graduate school.

Methods and Theory (8 Credits)

Students must take Humanities Research Seminar, Semiotics of Literature and Media, or one of the Genres courses (see Global Comparative Literature).

Concentration Courses (16 Credits)

Students select two courses from each of the following categories.

British and American Traditions

Modernism: the Literature of Alienation / Y23.6212	4
Classical Literature / Y23.6247	4
Renaissance Literature / Y23.6248	4
Literature in the Age of Chaucer / Y23.6250	4
American Literary Traditions I: 1500-180 / Y23.6256	4
British Literary Traditions I: Medieval-170 / Y23.6262	4
Literature in the Industrial Revolution / Y23.6275	4
American Literary Traditions II: 1800-Present / Y23.6277	4
18th-Century English Literature / Y23.6278	4
British Literary Traditions II: 1700-Present / Y23.6294	4

Global Comparative Literature

Media Genres I: The Story of Stories / Y23.6002	4
Media Genres II: Exploding Genres / Y23.6003	4
Contemporary Arabic Literature / Y23.6215	4
Performance Genres / Y23.6220	4
Epic Genres / Y23.6223	4
Studies in Genres: Poetry and Narrative / Y23.6225	4
Postcolonial Literatures / Y23.6232	4
African and African-American Literature / Y23.6261	4
Latin American and Latino Literature / Y23.6263	4
Literary Construct of the Self / Y23.6266	4
Literature and Desire / Y23.6268	4
Psychoanalytic and Marxist Literary Theory / Y23.6281	4

Major Requirements (20 Credits)

It is recommended that students take at least eight additional credits in British and American Traditions and at least four credits in Global Comparative Literature, in addition to other Humanities courses, particularly Creative Writing.

Special Topics in Literature / Y23.6290