Literature

The English literature concentration at WKU is a dynamic program offering a wide range of courses. Our majors not only build a strong, broad foundation in literature in English (British, American, World), they also have opportunities for in-depth study in literature electives such as "Dante's Divine Comedy," "Southern Literature," and "Mythology" as well as special topics courses such as "Gothic Fiction" and "Literature and the Environment."

In addition to courses offered here at WKU, we offer opportunities to study abroad in far-flung locations such as Cuba, Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom; closer to home, recent study away courses have traveled to Chicago, New York City, and Oxford, Mississippi.

Through the English Club, literature majors engage in extracurricular activities that include attending public readings and plays or serving as judges for the Goldenrod poetry contest. Our students' talents are showcased in the department's undergraduate scholarly journal, The Ashen Egg, and each year a number of students present their work at local, regional, and even national conferences.

To become a literature major or minor, click here.

Major

The literature concentration in English (reference number 662) requires a minimum of 40 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. A minor or second major is required.

Please use the Literature Major Worksheet to see all required courses.

View the English: Literature 4 Year Plan for a sample of how to graduate in 4 years with an English degree in literature.

View English course descriptions from the Undergraduate Catalog.

Literature Major Flyer

Minor

The English minor in literature (reference number 406) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. Up to six hours of literature courses offered in other departments (e.g., Folk Studies, Library Media Education) may be counted toward the Literature minor with prior approval from the English department.

English majors with a creative writing or professional writing concentration may apply up to 6 hours in both their major and the minor in literature as long as the combined major and minor include at least 48 unduplicated hours. English majors with a concentration in literature (662L) cannot take this minor.

Please use the Literature Minor Advising Worksheet.

Literature Minor Flyer

Honors

In cooperation with the Dixie and Pete Mahurin Honors College, the Department of English offers a number of courses designed to challenge and reward honors-eligible students studying English. Fostering a sense of community among outstanding students, the English honors courses also facilitate graduate school admission and job placement. Participants enjoy opportunities for discussion and instruction in small classes, as well as for independent research and membership in Sigma Tau Delta--the International English Honor Society. Additionally, English majors who choose to write a six-credit-hour Honors Thesis may apply three of those credit hours toward their upper-division English electives. For information, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Rice, English Honors Advisor (jeffrey.rice@wku.edu).

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