Literature, B.A.

Are you fascinated by the narratives that surround us every day: those that millions respond to in blockbuster films and novels, those that people have been reading for centuries, and those that move people to action on behalf of the poor and oppressed? Do you relish exploring complex themes and ideas expressed in a masterfully written story? Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Literature will allow you to blend your passion for great stories with desire for meaningful work. You will gain interpretive, analytical, critical thinking, and reading skills as you delve into the world of literature, literary theory, rhetoric, and writing.

With interests as varied as the literature of medieval Europe and contemporary popular culture, PLNU literature professors are active scholars who have published and presented scholarship on topics such as Shakespeare, Milton, Taiwanese cinema, post-colonial theory, Emily Bronte, Mary Wollstonecraft, Bram Stoker, the intersection between feminist thought and Christian theology and practice, Flannery O’Connor, and the graphic novels Watchmen and Marvel’s Civil War. They mentor and work closely with literature majors as they prepare for teaching high school, going on to graduate school, entering ministry, or moving into a variety of business careers.

Concentrations:

• Literature: Provides you with a background in British and American literature as well as a foundation in works read in translation. Upper division coursework allows you to study longer works in-depth and provides introductions to linguistics and literary theory. Qualified students can complete an independent honors project as well.
• English Education: Prepares you to become a teacher of writing and the written word. It provides an introduction to journalism, creative writing, linguistics, and writing pedagogy to supplement your literary study. Upper division students also have the opportunity to tutor first-year writing students in PLNU's Writers’ Studio. Qualified students can complete an independent honors project as well.

For information about the courses required for the Literature, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Our society depends on people who can think critically, read analytically, understand interculturally, research deeply, articulate clearly, and write cogently. In fact, employers highly rank such abilities. Literature majors at PLNU cultivate these strengths in a Christian context that nurtures their interconnected intellectual and spiritual lives and equips them to be reasoned and ethical leaders in a variety of careers.

A Bachelor of Arts in Literature can prepare you to thoroughly communicate through both verbal and written word, develop advanced literacy skills, and improve research and analysis techniques, all of which are essential aptitudes that a wide range of employers are keen for their personnel to exhibit. 

A Bachelor of Arts in Literature might lead to (but is not limited to) careers in:

• Authorship
• Business
• Editing
• Education
• Government
• Internet publications
• Law
• Library science
• Literary and cultural criticism
• Management
• Marketing
• Ministry
• Museum writing and curation
• Nonprofit organizations
• Technical writing
• Website writing and design 

What can you do with a literature degree?

Literature major alumni have gone on to work for magazines (Aeon), website organizations (Classesusa.com Inc.), and video game production companies (Activision Blizzard, Inc.). They’ve also served as higher education administrators, marketing communication specialists, news reporters and journalists, along with many other occupations. 

The following are more examples of positions that PLNU literature alumni currently hold:

Postsecondary Teachers

2020 Median annual salary $80,790
Postsecondary teachers instruct students beyond the high school level in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects. Most postsecondary teachers work at public and private colleges and universities, professional schools, and junior or community colleges. Other than fixed hours of direct teaching, postsecondary teachers have flexible schedules. Their other responsibilities may include administrative duties, advising students, and conducting research.

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

2020 Median annual salary $60,820
Librarians and media collections specialists are the main administrators and organizers of collections of information. Librarians and media collections specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Communities are now often turning to libraries for a variety of services and activities, and the employment of librarians and media collections specialists is projected to grow in future years by 5%, predictably faster than the average for other occupations. 

What it takes to be a librarian or media collections specialist:

• Communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Technology skills
• Organization skills

Public Relations Specialists

2020 Median annual salary $61,150
Public relations specialists work to make and maintain a favorable image for the organization they represent. They are often tasked with writing press releases and preparing information to be given to the media. They must be good communicators who are able to help clients and organizations effectively connect with the public. They also write speeches and organize interviews for their organization's management. 

Alumni listed the following skills as the top strengths they acquired as a literature student at PLNU: 

• Creative writing
• Curriculum development
• Event planning
• Proofreading
• Copy editing
• Social networking

Using Your Literature Degree: 

Literature majors have an intense love for the written word and work actively to develop a comprehensive, analytical approach to better their understanding of language and writing. Studying literature develops you into a well-rounded and intelligent person of standing character that is always able to think critically, write persuasively,  and analyze intuitively in a way that will make you stand out as a strong and integral team member that is essential to future employers.

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.