The World Literatures major is designed for students who are interested in both literature and globalization. In this new major, students are encouraged to explore a wide range of literary texts in English translation produced across major geo-political regions of the world: Africa; East and South Asia and the Pacific Islands; Europe and North America; Latin America and the Caribbean; and the Middle East. 

Why choose world literatures?

In this major, students will develop critical and analytical skills through close readings of representative literary texts and also through the study of historical and theoretical questions related to:

• the translation and transmission of literary works
• the cultural and historical contexts of literary production
• the roles of literature in the contemporary world

What can you do with this degree?

Like students majoring in other disciplines in the College of Arts and Sciences, students majoring in world literatures develop skills in critical thinking and verbal communication that are essential to many positions in government and other service institutions, in business and industry, and in education. The world literatures major also prepares students to further their education in professional schools and in graduate degree programs in the humanities.