Literature is an embodiment of a vision of life. For those who wish to explore the perennial themes of human experience, the study of literature is an essential part of an education.
The Literature Major allows students to address fundamental questions about the nature, function, and value of literature in a broadly comparative context. Majors read and write about a wide variety of literary works across periods, genres, and national traditions. They investigate traditional and contemporary approaches to literary study, ancient and modern literary theory, and the relationship of literature to film and to other branches of the arts and sciences.
Employment Opportunities for the Literature Major
*Please note that some of the occupations listed require further education.
Skills of Literature Majors with Professional Value
- Ability to make critical observations and evaluations
- Ability to think logically and make analogies
- Ability to think clearly and form arguments
- Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
- Excellent proficiency in oral and written expression
- Possess ability to creatively teach concepts
- Possess wide knowledge of literary information
- Proficiency in bibliographic and writing style skills
- Strong research skills
Strategies for Increasing Employability
- Obtain a summer job or internship with newspaper
- Work with college newspaper, yearbook, or alumni publication
- Take an active role, preferably leadership, in journalism organizations
- Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published
- Secure internship with publisher
- Become familiar with word processing, desktop publishing and web page design
- Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities.
- Consider obtaining certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign language, social studies, or English
- Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center
- Plan to attend graduate school in college student personnel or information science
- Supplement curriculum with courses in business (marketing, economics, mathematics), art, or graphic design
- Work part-time in a college or university library to gain relevant experience
- Develop a broad liberal arts background and earn a master's degree in library or information science from an ALA accredited program
- Build a strong computer background in programming skills using several languages, various operating systems, database management, software and networks