Literary Studies Major

The literary studies major at Anderson University focuses on the study of literature. Students explore this discipline broadly and must take upper-division courses in British literature, American literature, and at least one other genre. The program is flexible enough to allow you to choose coursework about which you are passionate and to combine it with a complementary major or minor as you prepare to achieve your career goals in the field.

Reflecting on her own life experience, American poet, novelist and memoirist, Maya Angelou, observed,  “When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.” Students who study literature at Anderson University engage in this kind of self discovery by reading and discussing a broad range of literary works. Classes in the literary studies major are generally seminar-style experiences, designed to engage you in critical analysis of important texts and to help you find yourself among the characters, places, and experiences rendered there.  As excellent preparation for graduate school or a career, these courses also train you in expository, analytical, creative and persuasive writing.