LAS Concentration

The undergraduate Literary Arts and Studies (LAS) concentration lets you complement a studio major with more in-depth studies in literature, critical theory, and writing. A rich, innovative curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, research and communication skills allows you to create your own program of study, with courses covering global literary histories and traditions, critical thinking, and creative writing (including workshops in poetry and fiction). 

The concentration accommodates many possible study avenues: You can choose to take courses in a wide array of topics and fields, focus on a particular area of inquiry, or develop an interdisciplinary course of study in dialogue with your studio major.

Learning outcomes

Concentrators are able to:

  • exhibit competence in close reading skills and other literary and cultural studies methodologies for engaging with texts and media
  • explain the rhetorical, theoretical and social functions of language
  • assess research sources for authority, accuracy and appropriateness; analyze, synthesize, employ and document multiple sources in their writing
  • analyze, situate and interpret texts in a variety of media and material practices with respect to relevant aesthetic, cultural, critical, ethical, historical, material and/or political contexts
  • articulate the relationship between literary texts and cultures and other forms of cultural production
  • develop a clear and effective writing voice and be able to produce original work that engages other texts, practices and the world in an informed way
  • demonstrate the ability to listen and respond to the comments of other students in ways that respect differences of opinion

Undergraduate concentration requirements

The LAS concentration consists of eight courses for a total of 24 credits and includes the following:

  • First-year Literature Seminar (LAS-E101; three credits)
  • From Literary to Cultural Studies (LAS-E501), Contemporary Critical Theory (LAS-E502) or an approved equivalent (one course, three credits)
  • Seminar in Literature or Creative Writing Workshop (one course, three credits)
  • Literary Arts and Studies electives (five courses, 15 credits total)

View concentration details