Literary Studies
Literary Studies is for students who desire a general liberal arts education emphasizing literature, critical thinking, and writing and for those preparing for graduate education in English, literary or cultural studies. It also provides a valuable foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in creative writing, as well as those preparing for careers in business, public service, law, or other professions requiring skills in analysis and communication.
Requirements for the Literary Studies Option
1. GER Humanities requirement [H] (1 course, 3 credit hours):
- One of the following: Hum 101, 103, 302, 303, 304, 335, 350, 410, or 450
2. Required core (5 courses, 15 credit hours):
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Engl 302 | Introduction to English Studies (Students are strongly encouraged to take 302 before taking 370, 371, 372, & 373) |
| Engl 370 | The Making of "English": Literature, Language and Culture Before 1600 (English 370 is offered on a limited basis at Vancouver; therefore, students may substitute this course with English 305, 306, or 415 ) |
| Engl 371 | 17th and 18th Century Transnational Literature in English |
| Engl 372 | 19th Century Literature of the British Empire and the America |
| Engl 373 | 20th and 21st Century Global Literatures in English (Students are strongly encouraged to take English 308 - Introduction to Literary Criticism before taking 373) |
3. Electives (7 courses, 21 credit hours):
- No more than two may be lower-division courses (100 or 200-level) and at least two must be 400-level courses.
- At least one of the elective courses must be a writers-of-color course:
Engl 220: Introduction to Multicultural Literature
Engl 311: Asian/Pacific American Literature
Engl 314: Topics in Asian/Pacific American Literature
Engl 321: African American Literature
Engl 322: Topics in African American Literature
Engl 341: Native American Literature
- Students are strongly encouraged to take English 308 Introduction to Literary Criticism and English 307 Historical Analysis of Literature, which introduce students to foundational skills in literary analysis that are particularly important for students going on to graduate school.
- Bearing in mind the restrictions stated above with respect to lower division courses and the required 6 credits of 400 level coursework, students may choose freely among existing course offerings in English and Humanities.
Students planning to go on for graduate studies in English or other related fields, however, may want to concentrate their coursework in Literary/Cultural Studies, Comparative Ethnic Literatures/Cultures, or Film Studies. Other areas of concentration include Creative Writing, and Rhetoric and Professional Writing.* Students should consult their academic mentors for advice on course selections that best meet their areas of interest and career goals.
In preparation for graduate studies or work in professional/technical writing, students interested in literary/cultural studies or rhetoric and professional writing are strongly encouraged to undertake a fifteen page extended research project under the auspices of a 400-level course in their senior year. Students interested in creative writing are similarly encouraged to produce a portfolio of creative work in a 400-level course. Students should alert the professor of record for the course in the first week of the term of their intention to pursue the extended project.
For more information contact Dr. Wendy Olson
wmolson@vancouver.wsu.edu
(360) 546-9513
