Major in Literary Studies

Students wishing an excellent preparation for the many occupations in which the ability to use language effectively is absolutely essential may be interested in the literary studies major, which is not basically career-oriented.

The primary aims of the major in literary studies are to extend to highly motivated students the opportunity:
1  To deepen their mastery of two languages
2. To provide them with double evidence that literature, as the highest form of language art, is
    based on the skillful use of adequately developed languages in the creation of an esthetic world
    of the human spirit
3. To enable them to experience firsthand that much is lost in the translation of a great literary work
4. To help them appreciate more deeply that literature transcends national and cultural boundaries.

The Curriculum

The prerequisite for this major is at least three high school years of a second language, accepted for this major by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Either 212 in that language, or its equivalent, must also be taken.

Option I (administered by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages):

Twenty credits in courses numbered 300 or higher in the literature of a non-English language, chosen in consultation with the chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages

Plus:
Sixteen credits in courses numbered 300 or higher in English literature, chosen in consultation with the chair of the Department of English

Option II (administered by the Department of English):

Twenty credits in courses numbered 300 or higher in English literature, chosen in consultation with the chair of the Department of English

Plus:
Sixteen credits in courses numbered 300 or higher in the literature of a non-English language, chosen in consultation with the chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages

Plus:
(required under both options)
Four credits in European history

Recommended:
An additional four credits in European history, four credits in aesthetics, and courses in a third language, preferably a classical language if the second language is modern.

Courses such as phonetics, conversation, composition, and civilization (if not based on literature) will not count as courses in literature.