English, Literary Studies Concentration
Develop a thorough knowledge of literary history, theory, and criticism.
English, Literary Studies Concentration, B.A.
The Literary Studies Concentration in the Bachelor of Arts in English is offered through the College of Liberal Arts at MTSU.
Literary Studies provides training in theory and critical thinking for students considering careers in academia or other fields. This program is a study of literature with a focus on strategies for sophisticated reading, literary genres, literary criticism, and research. Students choosing the Literary Studies Concentration learn to analyze literature from different traditions and in various genres. Close reading of texts distinguishes Literary Studies from the Writing Concentration: although both programs strengthen students' reading and writing skills, the Literary Studies Concentration focuses on existing literature rather than the creation of new texts. Literary Studies differs from the Literature and Culture Concentration in terms of scope, the latter analyzing film, media, music and/or art in addition to novels, plays, and poems. The value of Literary Studies is immeasurable: it fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth, promotes understanding of diverse perspectives, and equips graduates with analytical skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers, including in law, journalism, marketing and education.
News Briefs
Rethinking traditional writing in the 21st century
Students who think that writing a traditional essay will be the only thing that happens in Dr. Eric Detweiler's rhetoric and composition classes are likely in for a surprise. Detweiler includes a variety of technology — especially sound related — to broaden perceptions of what writing is and what can be done with it. "I want them to become sensitive to these differences and realize that they can reach a broader audience as well as have fun." Full disclosure: Detweiler emphasizes that traditional writing is very much a part of his classes — it's just not the only part!
Children's and Young Adult Literature Around the World
Dr. Poushali Bhadury engages her students in a lively discussion of race, nation, and sexuality in her new Topics in Children's Literature course, Children's and Young Adult Literature Around the World. The class challenges the lack of diversity in children's and young adult literature by exploring writers and writing from perspectives that address gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, and other facets of identity and culture. Says one student, "This is the most eye-opening course I've ever taken, and Dr. Bhadury is amazing!"
News Briefs
Rethinking traditional writing in the 21st century
Students who think that writing a traditional essay will be the only thing that happens in Dr. Eric Detweiler's rhetoric and composition classes are likely in for a surprise. Detweiler includes a variety of technology — especially sound related — to broaden perceptions of what writing is and what can be done with it. "I want them to become sensitive to these differences and realize that they can reach a broader audience as well as have fun." Full disclosure: Detweiler emphasizes that traditional writing is very much a part of his classes — it's just not the only part!
Children's and Young Adult Literature Around the World
Dr. Poushali Bhadury engages her students in a lively discussion of race, nation, and sexuality in her new Topics in Children's Literature course, Children's and Young Adult Literature Around the World. The class challenges the lack of diversity in children's and young adult literature by exploring writers and writing from perspectives that address gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, and other facets of identity and culture. Says one student, "This is the most eye-opening course I've ever taken, and Dr. Bhadury is amazing!"
Degrees in English increase opportunities for success in a constantly changing job market. An emphasis on clear and logical communication prepares students for a wide range of occupations, rather than emphasizing one or two vocational tracks. Students in the program have gone on to such positions as
- Advertising/public relations executive
- Content manager
- Creative writer
- Director/support staff for non-profit organizations
- Editor
- Lawyer (after law school)
- Librarian
- Manager
- Professional/technical writer
- Public servant
- Publisher
- Researcher
- Reviewer
- School administrator
- Software developer
- Teacher
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Aquinas College
- Belmont University
- Bryant College
- C. S. Lewis Foundation
- Calhoun Community College (Ala.)
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Cleveland State Community College
- College of the Cumberlands (Ky.)
- Columbia State Community College
- Covenant College
- David Lipscomb University
- Education Networks of America
- Fisk University
- Franklin Road Academy
- Kentucky Christian University
- Michigan State University
- Motlow State Community College
- MTSU
- Nashville State Community College
- Rutherford County Schools
- Tennessee Board of Regents
- Tennessee State Board of Education / Dept. of Education
- Tennessee State University
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Medical School
- Vanderbilt University
- Volunteer State Community College
- Western Kentucky University
- Williamson County Schools
CONTACT US
Please fill in the form below and we will contact you very soon
