Literary Studies professor, Dr. Chavez
Undergraduate

Literary Studies

In this program, we examine literature as a living process intimately connected with the complex problems of its place, culture, community and history through courses in writing, rhetoric and literary theory.

Why Saint Martin's University?

The literary studies curriculum introduces our majors and minors to a substantial body of knowledge in British, American and Anglophone literature, as well as literary works in translation from across the globe and throughout history. Literary studies majors are encouraged to become familiar with a broad array of literary traditions and critical methodologies before specializing in a capstone project—a research-intensive, interpretive thesis undertaken in the senior year. 

Career paths

A major in literary studies is excellent preparation for:

  • Jobs that require skills in communication, research, analysis and public relations
  • Continued professional studies at the graduate level (e.g., business, law, medicine, public administration)
  • Specialized employment in education, journalism, publishing, creative arts

For a complete list of professional applications, visit "What Can I Do With This Major?" For additional information about how Saint Martin’s can help you find the career for you, visit our Center for Career and Calling

Literary Studies Requirements

  • University core requirements (40-46 credit hours)  (Visit the undergraduate academic catalog for a complete breakdown of core requirements for bachelor's degrees.)
  • 40 credit hours of literary studies courses
  • Students must take at least one course that focuses on literature written before 1800

Phase I: Introduction to literary studies

Choose one:

  • ENG 210: Literary studies
  • ENG 220: Literary foundations

Phase II: Literary histories

Choose two:

  • ENG 251: British literature I
  • ENG 252: British literature II
  • ENG 261: American literature

Phase III: Literature and writing electives

  • ENG 335: Comparative literature  -OR-  ENG 340: Literature in the medieval world
  • ENG 345: Literature, race, and ethnicity  -OR-  ENG 350: Gender and sexuality in literature
  • ENG 382: Literary theory and criticism
  • Choose 12 additional credits of electives from ENG 302 to ENG 395

Phase IV: Capstone

  • ENG 499: English seminar

Phase I: Introduction to literary studies

Choose one:

  • ENG 210: Literary studies
  • ENG 220: Literary foundations

 Phase II: Literary histories

Choose two:

  • ENG 251: British literature I
  • ENG 252: British literature II
  • ENG 261: American literature

 Phase III: Literature and writing electives

  • Choose 12 additional credits of electives from ENG 302 to ENG 395

Literary Studies at a Glance

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type
Major
Minor
Campus
Main (Lacey)
Type of Instruction
In Person
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Resources
What can I do with this major?
Study tour in Italy

Faculty-led study abroad trips

Students can combine literary studies courses with immersive faculty-led study abroad programs, or shorter study tours across the globe. Recent trips include: Florence, Rome, Ravenna, Pisa, Lucca, Montecatini Terme, and Assisi; London, Oxford, Edinburgh; Spain & Morocco; and Vietnam.

Nicola Griffith, Les Bailey Writers Series

Les Bailey Writers Series

Named after Leslie G. Bailey, Ph.D., an inspiring professor and alumnus, who at taught at Saint Martin's from 1975 until his death in 2010, this series brings authors to campus to talk about their craft and stories. Recent visiting writers include Nicola Griffith, Kathleen Flenniken, Jim Lynch and Jess Walter.

Belltower

The Belltower title

Students staff the campus newspaper, The Belltower, learning about reporting, layout, etc.

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta

Saint Martin’s local chapter of the international English honor society promotes interest in literature, writing and the English language

Supportive Community Icon Supportive Community Supportive Community Icon

Supportive Community

Faculty

Photo of Father Kilian Malvey

Fr. Kilian Malvey, O.S.B.

  • Vice President of Mission Integration
  • Professor, English
  • Professor, Theology and Religious Studies
  • Trustee
Photo of Julie Yamamoto

Julie Yamamoto, MA

  • Director of Academic Support
  • Director, The Writing Center
  • Instructor, English

Contact us

College of Arts and Sciences

Spanning the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, and characterized by an educational environment that is both rigorous and supportive, the College of Arts and Sciences offers 20 undergraduate major programs and 20 minor programs.

Next steps

Explore a Related Undergraduate Program

Explore a Related Literary Studies Program

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