English and World Literature
Through the aesthetic, historical, and theoretical dimensions of literature we learn to read other lives and our own. We learn those lessons best when the literature we study includes the voices of a diverse array of writers and when we are responsive to the ways in which such voices and texts change our conceptions of art, culture and society. Literature stirs us and is stirred by us; it is not something to be experienced at arm’s length. For this reason, we encourage our students to practice becoming engaged readers and writers of literature.
We also encourage our students to explore other disciplines, in order to broaden the sources for developing their own writing and critical thinking skills. Abilities gained in coursework are essential for other academic disciplines, are indispensable for graduate study as well as for careers in many fields (for instance, art, law, journalism, education, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, business, advertising, and creative and professional writing). Students may choose from three tracks: Literature, Creative Writing, or Narrative Arts for Social Justice.
Pitzer Advisers: B. Armendinger, S. Bhattacharya, L. Harris, A Johnson, A. Lagji
Major Requirements
A major in English and World Literature requires the satisfactory completion of ten (10) courses, which may include independent study courses. Six (6) courses should be completed prior to the senior year. Majors are also encouraged to attain at least reading knowledge of a language other than English (two years of college-level course). Courses may be taken in any sequence, but it is preferable that ENGL 001 PZ is taken early in the student’s career. Students may choose from three tracks in the English and World Literature major: Literature, Creative Writing, or Narrative Arts for Social Justice.
Course Requirements
Literature Track
Coursework on the Literature track is designed to develop and improve the student’s capacity to engage in meaningful interpretation, creative writing, analytical thought and aesthetic appreciation. Majors and non-majors alike will have the opportunity to gain an awareness of the intellectual and historical contexts of literature while they work to achieve skillful written and oral expression, and to refine critical thinking skills.
Creative Writing Track
We believe that student work has meaningful literary and intellectual value, and we foster a supportive community of writers among our students. Through writing exercises, workshops, and intensive reading, students begin to take creative risks in their own writing. The aim of the writer is not to make a precise replica of experience, not to degrade the world in such a way, nor its ever-changing nature, but to build a door. If we are lucky, our readers walk through that door, arriving at a room we could never have predicted alone.
Narrative Arts for Social Justice Track
Through narrative, we forge connections, navigate the complexities and contradictions of life, and engage the world with curiosity and purpose. We tell stories to make sense of the world. We read stories to learn about the experiences of others. Stories make us who we are and create our places in the world. The Narrative Arts for Social Justice (NASJ) track is designed so students across the disciplines may self-design multiple pathways to incorporate the humanities into their everyday lives and academic goals.
- ENGL 001 PZ -Literary Theory (or equivalent)
- At least one course from the following list of Narrative Arts for Social Justice designated courses:
- Eight electives distributed as follows:
- Four literature or creative writing classes (a creative writing class is strongly recommended)
- Four classes selected from at least three different humanities and fine arts disciplines (may include English)
- A Senior Capstone Intern Experience in which they apply their narrative arts research through the internship. All NASJ Track majors will be invited to participate in an annual capstone afternoon tea where they present their experience and what they learned from it. Students must submit to their advisors a 1-2 paragraph description of how they fulfilled the Senior Capstone Intern Experience. Senior Capstone Intern Experience projects may range from, for example, taking a humanities class that centers community engagement practices; selecting a Jumpstart tutoring opportunity in which the narrative arts are applied to construct lessons; the creation of a multi-lingual library of children’s books that may be distributed to community partners.
AP and Transfer Credit
AP credit will be accepted toward graduation (half credit for a score of 4 and full credit for a score of 5), but will not be counted toward the ten courses required for an English and World Literature major.
Three college-level transfer courses may be counted toward the major with approval by the adviser.
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