Literature, Media, and Writing

The Literature, Media, and Writing Program at Westminster University

The Literature, Media, and Writing program (previously the English program) challenges students to sharpen their writing skills, interpret historically and culturally diverse texts and media, and analyze literature and film through a variety of theoretical perspectives. Through regular practice with close attention from highly qualified professors, you’ll become a strong and effective writer. And, by participating in class discussions, workshops, internships, and national literary publications, you’ll graduate with the skills and professional experience you need to pursue what you love. The program is designed to help you build a solid foundation of writing, critical thinking, and communication skills that you’ll use as you study literature, media, and culture. In small class settings, you’ll study the classics and the experimental, exploring diverse points of view as you work to define your own personal style. Dedicated professors with expertise in American and Latin American literature, poetry, rhetoric, medieval studies, post-colonialism, and gender theory will be there to guide you every step of the way.

Who the Literature, Media, and Writing Program Is For

The Literature, Media, and Writing program is ideal for students who are passionate about language and love looking for the best way to communicate their ideas. Our students are interested in thinking critically about the way culture influences the written word, producing original creative work, and analyzing literary and cultural texts and media, including books, comics, and film. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a wide variety of careers in fields including publishing, advertising, education, and nonprofit work.

What You'll Learn in the Literature, Media, and Writing Program 

• Creatively and effectively practice writing and revision across a variety of genres
• Locate, evaluate, and synthesize secondary sources and integrate them with analyses of texts and media
• Collaborate with peers to give and receive constructive feedback on writing
• Closely analyze texts and media from a range of periods and genres and generate written and spoken arguments about them supported by evidence and reasoning
• Understand the social foundation and functions of language and media and their effects on communication
• Develop interpretations and evaluations of texts and media through discussion with others
• Demonstrate awareness of the width and breadth of English literature and the ability to make informed connections across the field
• Understand how literature emerges from, responds to, and influences various historical, cultural, and political contexts
• Understand the role of race, class, gender, sexuality, and other categories of identity in how authors produce and how readers interpret the text
• Read and interpret literary and theoretical texts and media relating to one another
• Critically approach contemporary literary and theoretical discourse
• Develop self-awareness by questioning biases and embracing diverse perspectives in both reading and writing
  
  

sample courses

 

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Literature, Media, and Writing Program Plan of Study

You will choose to pursue the Literature, Media, and Writing program through one of 2 emphases, which will determine certain program requirements. Before diving into emphasis specific content, you will start by taking introductory-level courses in textual analysis, texts and media in contexts, and critical theory, examining texts from diverse authors, nations, and genres as you build a solid foundation in critical reading, thinking, and writing. Then, as you move through the program, you’ll be able to choose elective courses within your emphasis. To complete your degree, you’ll participate in a senior seminar with your cohort.

Literature, Media, and Writing program Emphases

Literary Emphasis

The Literary Emphasis allows you to explore the relationship between literature and various historical, cultural, and political contexts, including the roles of race, class, gender, sexuality, and other categories of identity in text.

Creative Writing Emphasis

In the Creative Writing Emphasis, you become a part of a community of writers who are focused on poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and screenwriting. Opportunities within this emphasis include attending events in the Ann Newman Poetry Series, participating in workshops with visiting writers, and taking required courses where you will work on publishing the ellipsis... literature and art journal.

Liberal Education Courses

You must complete the WCore program or join the Honors College (and complete requirements) to fulfill your liberal education credits.