Requirements for the Major

The Global Cultural Studies Major in the Program in Literature investigates the forms of life and culture produced in today’s interconnected, globalized world. Engagement in interdisciplinary humanities disciplines builds a distinct knowledge essential for understanding our complex contemporary social environment. Courses in literary studies, critical theory, gender studies and queer theory, philosophy, political theory, film, visual culture, and new media form the foundation for such inquiry. With its distribution of courses across three domains of inquiry—Experience, Interpretation, and Medium—the major equips students with a broad knowledge base and analytical skills preparing them for leadership roles in the twenty-first century. Graduates of the major have pursued unique careers in law, medicine, public policy, teaching, journalism, publishing, and the creative cultural industries. Many have advanced to top graduate programs in the humanities.

10 Courses

• LIT201 Intro to Global Cultural Studies
• LIT 301S Theory Today: Introduction to the Study of Literature
• 4 core courses from three domains of inquiry taught by faculty who have appointments in Literature.
  • Core Course 1: Experience Domain, taught by faculty with appointments in Literature
  • Course Course 2: Interpretation Domain, taught by faculty with appointments in Literature
  • Core Course 3: Medium Domain, taught by faculty with appointments in Literature
  • Core Course 4: Any Domain (Experience, Interpretation, or Medium), taught by faculty with appointments in Literature
• 3 electives from humanities fields
• Senior culminating experience completed in the senior year in one of the following three formats. The instructor/supervisor of the course/project chosen from the three options below must be a faculty member with a Literature appointment.
  • LIT 393 Research Independent Study, producing a significant research paper of 15-20 pages subject to review by both the study supervisor and DUS, OR
  • Graduate-level Course Numbered 500-699, OR
  • Completed Honors Thesis Track, including both completed seminars LIT 495 and 496, along with a successful panel-reviewed defense

Domains of Inquiry

Keep in mind that of the courses listed below, only courses taught by faculty who have appointments in Literature will count as Core Courses toward our Major, Minor, or Film and Media Concentration.