English, Rhetoric, and Writing

Literature Concentration

The beauty and power of thought and expression, the play of word upon word, and the memorable expressions in verse and prose of many cultures in time and place are at the heart of the literature concentration. Those students who opt for the literature track gain a thorough background in English and American literature in a series of upper- division courses. Seminars allow students to focus on specific authors, genres, or themes. Students also receive a solid foundation in a wide variety of critical methodologies, where they develop their powers of critical reading and analytical writing. Many students completing the concentration in literature go on to pursue graduate studies. All take with them the capacity to engage in reading as a necessary component of the life worth living.