English Literature

Why pursue a degree in English Literature at North Central College?

A literature program teaches you to become a skilled reader and interpreter. Understanding literature is a multidimensional subject, which includes historical, cultural and artistic context. A literature major is well-suited for students who are interested in a graduate degree in English or law school. A successful graduate from this program will be able to interpret literature and multimedia texts, and tout in-depth knowledge of literature in formal and theoretical contexts.

At North Central College you will study everything from 17th century British lit to 21st century young adult novels. English and literature skills promote innovative executives, critics, editors, consultants, professors, publishers and writers. In this program, you’ll gain a liberal arts core and important literature skills to create meaningful impact in graduate school or across any career you choose.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

• Developing formal, in-depth knowledge of literature
• Thinking critically about and interpreting classic and modern texts
• Considering the artistic, historical and cultural contexts of modern literature

then a degree in ENGLISH LITERATURE might be for you.

Why study English at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

• American Dreaming
• Black Narrative
• British Literature and Culture of the 19th–21st Centuries
• Literature and Culture of the Long 18th Century
• English Grammar, Usage and Style 
• Gender and Literary Feminisms 
• Global Literature
• Graphic Narratives
• Multicultural American Literature
• Popular Genres of the 19th–21st Centuries 
• Postcolonial Rewriting of Western Texts 
• Shakespeare and His Contemporaries 
• The Novel Across Time

Campus Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As an English Literature major, you can:

• Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
• Join Sigma Tau Delta, an English honor society with interest in literature and writing.
• Join the staff of The Kindling and 30 N to learn about publishing, marketing and editing.
• Meet and learn from established writers through the Visiting Writers Series. Previous guest writers, across a variety of genres, have included New York Times bestsellers, NEA fellows, prize winners and more.
• Work at the Writing Center helping other students improve their work.

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