2007-08 - Pitzer College

102 ENGLISH AND WORLD LITERATURE
ENGLISH AND WORLD LITERATURE
Through literature we experience other lives and learn to read our own as we grapple with
the social and ethical implications of the knowledge we acquire. 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.
Coursework in the English and World Literature major 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. Abilities gained in coursework are essential
for other academic disciplines (and many English and World Literature majors pursue
double majors and concentrations in other fields), and are also indispensable for graduate
study and for careers in many fields (for instance, art, law, journalism, education, nonprofit
and non-governmental organizations, business, advertising, and creative and
professional writing).
Pitzer Advisers: S. Bhattacharya, L. Harris, N. Masilela, E. Vasquez, A. Wachtel.
Requirements for the Major
A major in English and World Literature requires the satisfactory completion of ten
courses, which may include senior seminars and independent study courses. Six 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 courses).
There are two tracks for the major: Literature; and Creative Writing.
English and World Literature
• Engl 1. Introduction to Literary Studies or Engl 125. Literary Theory
• One course in British Literature before 1780
• One course in British Literature after 1780
• One course in American Literature
• One course in Twentieth-Century American Literature or World Literature
• Five elective courses in English and World literatures
English and World Literature: Creative Writing
• Engl 1. Introduction to Literary Studies or Engl 125: Literary Theory
• One course in British Literature that best enhances the student’s creative
orientation
• One course in American Literature that best enhances the student’s creative
orientation
• Engl 30. Introduction to Creative Writing (may be repeated for credit)
• Engl 130. Advanced Creative Writing (may be repeated for credit)
ENGLISH AND WORLD LITERATURE
• Two literature courses in the genre of the greatest significance for the student’s
primary field of creative interest
• Two creative writing courses (may be Independent Study)
• Engl 199a or b. Senior Seminar in Creative Writing
Combined Major: A combined major in English and World Literature requires the
satisfactory completion of at least seven courses:
• E Engl 1. Introduction to Literary Studies or Engl 125. Literary Theory
• One course in British Literature
• One course in American Literature
• One course in Twentieth-Century and/or World Literature
• Two elective literature courses
• A project, thesis, senior seminar, or independent study in which the constituent
fields of the major are interrelated.
Minor:: A minor in English and World Literature requires the satisfactory completion of
six graded courses:
• Engl 1. Introduction to Literary Studies or Engl 125. Literary Theory
• Ene course in British Literature
• One course in American Literature
• One course in Twentieth-Century and/or World Literature
• Two elective literature courses
Honors: Students in the Literature track with at least 3.50 GPA (cumulatively and in
EWL) will be invited to write a Senior Thesis to be reviewed by all EWL faculty for
Honors upon graduation. Students in Creative Writing who meet the above GPA
requirements may also qualify for Honors if their senior projects are of sufficiently
outstanding quality.
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.
1. Introduction to Literary Studies. Through extensive practice in close reading, analysis,
writing, and basic research methods, this course introduces students to theoretical and
critical issues in literary studies and teaches the skills needed to study literature with
understanding and pleasure. Readings draw on a wide range of Anglophone and world
literatures. Fall, S. Bhattacharya.
9. Writing Autobiography as Service-Learning. A service-learning course in which Pitzer
students and community participants explore autobiography, how it produces a private
space within prevailing public discourse, a space of social theory, historical revision, and
self-reflection. Assignments are organized around hands-on community service in a
literacy program at an off-campus community-based location. Spring, L. Harris.
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