Literature
Undergraduate
The Literature concentration invites students to engage in the critical study of literature in English produced in a range of historical eras and geographical locations. In addition to poetry, prose, and drama, students will also encounter contemporary and historical texts that challenge their definitions of literature.
Literature Concentration
Literature & Theory
As an English major concentrating in literature, you will learn new ways of approaching familiar figures while also gaining exposure to writers and thinkers whose work has not always been recognized. Students can expect guidance in developing their critical and analytical writing skills and in becoming conversant with theories and methods for analyzing texts.
Literature Roadmap: Courses & Requirements
English majors must complete a minimum of 120 credits, 42 upper-division credits to graduate. Below, learn more about the requirements for the Literature concentration.
- CO 150 College Composition
- E 150 English Studies Symposium
- Two Cross-Concentration classes—choose from the following options:
- E 200 Inquiry-Based Teaching and Communicating
- E 202 Language Use in Society
- E 204 Creative Writing as Transformative Practice
- E 206 Language for Activist Rhetoric & Writing
- E 237 Introduction to Science Fiction
- One Introductory Literature class—choose from the following options:
- E 236 Short Fiction
- E 238 Contemporary Global Fiction
- E 240 Intro to Poetry
- E 242 Reading Shakespeare
- E 245 World Drama
- E 310 Researching and Writing Literary Criticism
- E 341 Literary Criticism and Theory
- Two Literature courses from the following three options:
- E 270 Introduction to American Literature
- E 276 British Literature—Medieval Period to 1800
- E 277 British Literature—After 1800
- Capstone Course: E 465 Topics in Language & Literature OR E 466 Integrated English Studies
Earn 18 credits from your choice of upper-division English/Composition electives in consultation with your academic success coordinator.
Must include one Composition course from the following options:
- CO 300 Writing Arguments
- CO 301A Writing in the Disciplines: Arts and Humanities
- CO 301B Writing in the Disciplines: Sciences
- CO 301C Writing in the Disciplines: Social Sciences
- CO 301D Writing in the Disciplines: Education
Earn 31 credits from your choice of foundational courses offered across the university. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required in all AUCC courses.
Earn remaining credits from your choice of history, social science, arts & humanities, environmental studies & sustainability, and more!
Literature concentrators can meet the Second-Field requirement by either completing the second year of a foreign language, or by completing 12 upper-level credits in a cohesive field of study outside of English.
Path to My Major
Maddy King (she/her) is majoring in English with a concentration in Literature. She is also minoring in Media Studies and Anthropology.
-
Why did you choose to study English?
All my life, I have loved English more than anything because I think the power of language and words is one of the most impactful in the world. From the very first English symposium class I took freshmen year, I knew this was the right path for me.
-
Favorite class and why?
Shakespeare – because I love Shakespeare so, so much and getting to do such a focused study in it was so amazing, and I learned so much. Also, my professor was completely amazing.
-
What do you love about your major?
I love how many classes I can choose from in my major! There are so many different routes I can take, and because both my minors are in the College of Liberal Arts it is so easy to discuss them with my advisor.
Explore & Engage
Course Highlights
- E 150: English Studies Symposium
- E 242: Reading Shakespeare
- E 310: Researching and Writing Literary Criticism
- E 340: Literature and Film Studies
- E 438: Native American Literature
Get Involved
Interested in literary publishing?
Apply for an internship at our undergraduate literary magazine Greyrock Review.
Want to share poetry with your peers? Join our student-run poetry club: Dead Poets Society.
Make friends and create community! Connect with English majors through Inklings, our student-run English social club.
Career Paths
What can I do with this major?
Students who have chosen to major in English with a concentration in Literature have pursued careers in publishing and editing, communications, marketing & public relations, education, healthcare, and more.
Alumni have also been admitted to graduate programs in literary and cultural studies, creative writing, and more.
What Are Students Saying?
“Literature and storytelling are things that I’ve always loved. At CSU, I’ve been able to develop that passion and dive into the literature and stories that have shaped the world as we know it. I get to fight dragons while reading Beowulf, or I can journey through the vast American wilderness with my companion Hawkeye. No matter what we’re doing, or what we’re reading, it’s always an adventure here at Colorado State!”
~ Ali Niaz, BA English: Literature
“The warmth of the material, the talent of the department, and the challenge of studying English literature was the perfect scenario for me. I can say I am proud to be a CSU Ram, especially one who has a diploma from the Department of English. My time in the CSU English department was one of the happiest times in my life.”
~ Caleb Harrison, BA English: Literature
“English majors do not only have to become professors and writers. I have held positions where I worked with grant writing, television commercials, magazine publishing, healthcare, big corporations, smaller nonprofits. There is a whole world full of interesting careers to consider for which an English major is ideal. My ability to enter a new environment and learn new skills is really the best asset I have, not just at my job, but for life in general. So many doors are open to me that I can choose and change my path as I desire.”
~ Catherine Hackney, BA English: Literature
