Literature and History majors develop an appreciation of pivotal moments in history and their impact on cultures worldwide. This interdisciplinary program showcases the dynamic relationship between these two vitally important fields of study. Students perform research in the humanities while learning how to shape their own research projects, culminating in senior theses. Both the core and elective courses prepare students for fields requiring analytic thought and effective communication, including education, media, history, law, journalism, and public policy.
The Literature and History program produces critical thinkers with well-developed reading skills, and perfects essential communication skills. More importantly, it illuminates human nature on a personal and grand scale.
Each course in the literature program allows students to absorb different points of view. To read literature is to read about the thoughts, emotions, concerns, and beliefs of other human beings. Every author has a unique perspective on life that engages us, challenges us, validates us, and enhances our awareness of how to live in the world. The appreciation of history and its effects around the world is valuable for any person working in an era of globalization.
Graduates pursue a wide variety of different careers and graduate programs. A degree in Literature and History leads to post-graduate study in such fields as media, law, business, banking, consulting, medicine, government, public policy, the arts, and academia.
“The study of literature humanizes our lives, makes us open-minded, well-rounded individuals. The study of history and literature together demonstrates how each can be seen as the by-product of the other, and how the study of the one empowers the understanding of the other.”