Bachelor of Arts in English - Literary Studies

DePaul University

The Literary Studies concentration broadens and deepens students’ knowledge of literature and language through a range of courses focused on historical periods, literary movements, the structure of language, and critical approaches to literature. Students learn to read works of literature in their historical and cultural contexts they develop their powers of textual analysis and their critical vocabulary they examine and question the values expressed in literature they practice research methods and they work towards a written style that is clear, precise, and persuasive. The English major exposes students to a broad range of literatures in English, strengthens their grasp of historical and critical principles, and hones their skill in using the written word. English majors study major authors, works, genres, and literary movements, approaching these texts both analytically and historically. Students in the Creative Writing concentration also take a number of workshops, practicing writing in a variety of literary genres. Both concentrations teach students to read perceptively and to write effectively, to deepen their understanding of the power of language, to think creatively and critically, and to develop an awareness of multiple points of view.​​​​​