Public and Applied Humanities is proud to serve as the departmental home for the interdisciplinary BA in World Literature.
A collaboration between the College of Humanities and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the BA in World Literature offers students the opportunity to explore their interests in ancient and modern regional literatures such as Eastern Europe, West Africa, the Middle East and national literatures including Chinese, English and Latin with more topical studies (genre, period, gender, ethnicity, indigenous critique, cultural studies, postcolonial studies).
World literature is literature with an impact beyond its original language and cultural area. It is the product of intercultural historical events, and the circulation of ideas that connect people from across the globe. Combined with an intensive foreign language study, the BA in World Literature provides in-depth insight into the literatures that live on in those languages.
In an age of unprecedent integration of economic and social spheres all over the world, the BA in World Literature is designed to develop students’ ability to adapt and perform effectively within and across different cultural contexts. Cross-cultural literacy is increasingly becoming an indispensable qualification for international careers in diplomacy, foreign service, federal and state government positions, international business, media, tourism to cite just a few.
Career Opportunities
Studying World Literature, along with foreign language competence, gives you a window into the complex, beautiful and diverse human landscapes of the world—from China to Ghana, from Argentina to Québec. In the 21st century, employers—in business, healthcare, law, politics, NGOs and foreign service—are increasingly interested in hiring people with depth, empathy and critical competence in more than one culture and language. Graduates combine their skills in other areas with an ability to reflect and share the wisdom of ancient and modern cultures worldwide.
Study Abroad/Fieldwork
Students in the major will be required to take three years of a foreign language and are highly encouraged to engage in a study abroad component, adding experiential learning experiences to their study. Because the World Literature program draws on faculty from numerous country- and region-focused departments, students are also encouraged to consider a double major, in combination with units like Judaic Studies, Spanish, East Asian Studies, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, History, Religious Studies, Africana Studies and English.