When comics meet creative writing
A chance encounter at a Beloit book event grew into a unique classroom collaboration where comics and creative writing sparked new ways for students to tell their stories.
moreThink critically about what you read
What is Literary Studies?
Literary studies is the close reading, analysis, and interpretation of literature in English from across time periods, cultures, and genres. You’ll explore how stories shape societies, how texts reflect and challenge power, and how literature connects to broader histories, arts, and media.
Why study Literary Studies?
If you love stories, ideas, language, and asking big questions, literary studies offers a foundation you can take anywhere. You’ll develop advanced skills in critical reading, analytical writing, creative problem-solving, and persuasive communication — abilities valued in fields from publishing to law to public service. You’ll learn how texts illuminate issues like identity, justice, and community, and how your own interpretations can contribute meaningfully to ongoing cultural conversations.
Why study Literary Studies at Beloit College?
Beloit College’s English department is known for its innovative, flexible, and integrated curriculum that encourages you to explore literature alongside creative writing, media studies, and journalism. Small classes mean real conversation, not lectures, where you and your peers learn to think bravely, question deeply, and read with intention.
Outside the classroom, literary studies majors immerse themselves in a vibrant literary culture. You might present at a national conference representing the Beloit Fiction Journal, which our students help edit, or attend public readings by internationally renowned writers through the Mackey Chair. Creative writing contests, student readings, zine-making workshops, literary balls, and themed events bring the English department to life.
At Beloit College, learning is active. Students edit the campus newspaper, curate museum exhibits, intern with publishers, work at national newspapers, and build professional portfolios long before graduation. Our grads go on to Fulbright experiences, graduate degrees, careers in education, media, communications, and even writing bestselling book series. You won’t just study literature, you’ll join a community that helps you author your own story.
Details
- Degree Level
- Undergraduate
- Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Specialization
- Major
- Credits Required
- 10 units (40 semester hours)
- Format
- In-person
- Related Departments & Schools
- Related Offerings
Literary Studies curriculum
The literary studies major develops your ability to analyze literary forms, interpret texts within historical and cultural contexts, and understand how literature can reinforce or resist systems like colonialism and systemic racism. You’ll also explore connections to other media and disciplines.
Literary Studies outcomes
Graduates are prepared to thrive in careers requiring critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and cultural analysis. Alumni work in publishing, journalism, education, nonprofit leadership, communications, marketing, and public service, or pursue graduate study in law, literature, library science, museum studies, and creative writing.
Your Next Steps
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