Major/Minor

The literature major offers a broad survey of great writing from English, American, and world contexts, combined with the opportunity to study selected genres, periods, and authors in depth. Students who major in literature work closely with literary texts, developing competencies in analysis, interpretation, imaginative and critical thinking, and research. At the same time, they are regularly challenged to hone their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and discussion. Many successfully pursue double majors or minors in closely related disciplines such as Classics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Creative Writing, and Theater, and go on to graduate, professional, and law schools as well as to a wide variety of careers.

Students must have a Mentor from among the full-time literature faculty, normally chosen by the Junior year. For a BA in Literature, students complete the following coursework:

Majors complete at least seven literature (LI) courses, of which at least three must be on the 300-level or higher.

Majors complete at least two elective courses from among the following:

  • Any course(s) from other humanities disciplines (Ancient Studies, Classics, East Asian Studies, History, Humanities, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Women's and Gender Studies, or a course in the "film criticism" category of Film Studies).
  • Any Creative Writing workshop courses.
  • Any additional LI courses above the seven required above may also count in this category.

Majors complete one of the following:

  • HU 388: Humanities Research Symposium
  • HU 370H Humanities Internship
  • CW1 210A/CW2 210A (both semesters): Internship: Eckerd Review
  • CW1 215A/CW2 215A (both semesters): Internship: The Current

Majors complete the senior capstone:

  • HU 498: Humanities Colloquium.
  • In exceptional cases, students who have established their proficiency in literature may be invited to write a Senior thesis in place of the Humanities Colloquium.

For a minor in literature, students complete five courses which bear the LI designation. Three must be Eckerd College courses, and at least two LI courses must be 300-level or higher. A Writing Workshop course may be substituted for one of these courses under 300 level.

Students wishing to double major in literature and creative writing must fulfill the requirements for both majors, but all LI courses may count toward both majors.