The Literature and History program offers students the opportunity to learn about cultural developments throughout the world as seen through the lens of literature. The mission of the department is based on the belief that skillful, self-conscious reading, writing, and thinking form the foundation for a life well-lived. Literature studied with a heightened sensibility of historical undercurrents helps us comprehend our own and others’ cultures and values. The program invites students into a community of writers engaged in exploring literature’s potential to transform the world. As such, the program focuses on cultivating exceptional strength in both the areas of analytic thought and moral responsibility to oneself and to others. It prepares students for careers in education as well as for graduate studies in English, history, law, journalism, policy studies, and many other fields in which rigorous thinking skills and effective communication are of primary importance. To this end, the department offers not only the major in Literature and History but also a minor in each field.

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