B.A. in Literature

Program Overview

Lycoming College's Bachelor of Arts in Literature, offered within the English department, is designed for students passionate about the written word, critical analysis, and the exploration of human experience through narrative. The program fosters a tight-knit literary community where students deeply engage with texts, analyze cultural contexts, and refine their own writing abilities. Whether focusing on classical works, modern masterpieces, or diverse literary traditions, English majors at Lycoming develop a breadth and depth of knowledge, along with the practical communication, research, and critical thinking skills highly valued in the professional world. The curriculum encourages students to marry their love for reading and writing with a natural curiosity about the world around them, preparing them for graduate school or a wide range of careers.

Curriculum: The Literature curriculum at Lycoming College is comprehensive, covering a broad spectrum of literary genres, historical periods, and cultural contexts. Students explore various forms, including poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and delve into American, British, Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, and African American literature. Courses emphasize intensive reading, in-depth class discussion, and critical analysis. Students learn to unpack the form, structure, language, and style of both prose and poetry. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to pursue primary or secondary education certification, or to complement their studies with additional majors or minors in complementary programs such as medieval studies, women and gender studies, media writing, and American studies, thereby enhancing their career outlook.

Research Focus: Lycoming College strongly promotes undergraduate research within its English department and across the humanities. The Humanities Research Center (HRC) is a key resource for Literature majors, supporting collaborative student-faculty research, guided scholarship, and digital humanities projects. Students have ample opportunities to present their research at the annual Lycoming College Undergraduate Humanities Research Conference, offering a valuable platform for sharing their scholarly work. Furthermore, students can contribute to and help publish The Tributary, Lycoming's student-run literary journal, or even work alongside faculty on the nationally-read journal, Brilliant Corners. These research opportunities are vital for developing advanced analytical skills, critical interpretation, and scholarly writing, providing excellent preparation for graduate studies or careers requiring extensive research.

Industry Engagement: Lycoming College is dedicated to ensuring its English graduates are well-prepared for the professional world through robust industry engagement opportunities. The Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE) plays a crucial role in connecting students with internships both locally and nationally. Literature majors can pursue internships at publishing houses, literary agencies, media organizations, non-profit groups, or in corporate communications departments, gaining practical experience in editing, content creation, public relations, or technical writing. Students can also gain valuable experience by writing for the school newspaper, The Lycourier, or serving as tutors in the Academic Resource Center, refining their teaching and editing skills. The program's emphasis on strong written and oral communication, critical thinking, and analytical problem-solving are highly transferable skills that make Literature graduates attractive to a wide array of employers.

Global Perspective: The Literature program at Lycoming College cultivates a global perspective by exposing students to diverse literary traditions from around the world and exploring literature's role in shaping and reflecting different cultures. While not explicitly a global-focused major like International Studies, the curriculum often includes World Literature courses that span ancient to contemporary texts from various continents, broadening students' understanding of global narratives and human experiences across cultures. Furthermore, opportunities for study abroad, facilitated by the CEAE, allow Literature majors to immerse themselves in different cultural and linguistic environments, enhancing their global awareness and providing fresh perspectives on literary works. The college's overall commitment to liberal arts education inherently encourages students to connect their studies to broader global contexts, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with an interconnected world.