The Department of Literature & Languages explores the power of language through a range of writing, literature, and other thematic courses. Our faculty celebrate effective writing and help students write effectively. The ability to express ideas in clear, concise, and forceful language is a key talent in all walks of life. The study of literature draws connections between the global and the everyd
ay. Through literature, we study everything: from religion, linguistics, philosophy, or business, to law, science, politics, gender, or popular culture. Literature bears us into awareness and allows us to live thousands of experiences simultaneously. We examine writers who, in the words of Toni Morrison, “familiarize the strange and mystify the familiar.”
Literature & Languages faculty teach, specialize, and have an interest in a variety of areas: British and American literature, African-American literature, women’s studies, Shakespearian studies, 18th century Irish periodical literature, world literature, ecofeminism, Marxism, animal rights literature, post-colonial studies, subaltern studies, graphic novels, diaspora and migration studies, race theory, Willa Cather, environmental writing and literature, popular culture, vegetarian theory, monsters in literature, medicine in literature, Romance and Latin American literature, genre studies (i.e. testimonios), modern American working-class literature, Italian cinema, the politics of food, corporate social responsibility in professional sports, Deaf culture, medical ASL, writing pedagogy, writing center administration, and strategic business communication. Literature & Languages students benefit from one-on-one student-teacher mentorship for research and graduate studies. Over 30% of our majors and minors pursue graduate degrees. The department offers a variety of grants, work-study programs, and other types of generous student research support and academic enhancement, immersion trips and study-abroad opportunities and support. The Writing Center offers both excellent writing support as well as opportunities for work and research. The department also encourages students to join student clubs and organizations, offers opportunities to volunteer for community service events, organizes reading series, sponsors the literary journal Tapestries, and endorses other campus-wide publications. English majors may specialize in literature, writing, or secondary education. Recent English graduates work as teachers, public affairs directors, editors, technical writers, copywriters, librarians, lawyers, journalists, advertising account executives, public relations associates, to name only a few. The language skills of Spanish majors are necessary in a variety of areas such as: government, social services, education, library science, scientific fields, tourism and hospitality services, communications, and business. Knowledge of diverse languages—Italian, French, German—and study-abroad experiences make one a global citizen, sensitive to a rich diversity. The study of the American Sign Language helps begin the long journey of enhancing communication skills and language fluency, embracing Deaf culture, and appreciating the power of identity formation.
