The Literature Major is a rigorous, critical, academic program that pairs close textual analysis and theoretical perspectives. Students who major in Literature will engage with a wide variety of texts in order to develop skills in close reading and textual analysis. They will also develop an understanding of literary history, genre conventions and modern practices in literary theory and research.
Literature majors will learn to develop, support, and articulate complex arguments about texts and to present those arguments and insights in a well-crafted, articulate, and responsive manner. The Literature Major also promotes the development of a sense of literary, cultural and social history across multiple nations, ethnicities and eras.
The Literature Major is designed to enable all graduates to meet the following outcomes:
*demonstrate an understanding of major works of British, American and World literature;
*demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which meaning is created and crafted in literary works;
*develop close reading skills and an understanding of literary and rhetorical conventions;
*produce logically developed, rhetorically coherent, thoroughly researched papers that are both convincing and creative;
*demonstrate literary knowledge, both theoretical and practical, necessary to flourish in liberal arts professions and/or future graduate studies.
Literature majors will thus be well-prepared for careers in such areas as writing, publishing, public relations, library sciences and teaching; for graduate programs in the liberal arts; and for professional programs leading to the study of law.
If you’ve never heard of Blagoevgrad, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The Rough Guide to Bulgaria named the town the ‘coolest place in southwest Bulgaria,’ and with good reason.
It’s a small, vibrant university town (20,000 of the 80,000 residents are students!) within easy reach of the capital Sofia (a 1hr drive or easy bus ride away.)
There’s something for everyone in Blagoevgrad; the restored old quarter bustles with cafes and bars in a lively cultural scene set against beautiful architecture.
In town, you’ll be spoilt with 2.5km of leafy park alley for strolling, a fascinating historical museum and a rich program of events. Nightclubs, opera, restaurants and over 100 theater performances per year keep the lively population entertained.
It’s easy to get away and experience some of Bulgaria’s most stunning natural attractions too: the spa town of Sandanski, the Seven Lakes of Rila and two world-class ski resorts are close by. There are biking adventures to be had around town, and fans of hiking can take in some breathtaking views on foot.
For those seeking adventures further afield, you’ll be happy to find Macedonia on the doorstep (30km) and the delights of Greece only an hour’s drive away.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Blagoevgrad based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
