Studies in World Literatures Program
Fourth Floor, Stein Hall
Phone: 508-793-2247
Fax: 508-793-3708
Coordinator of Studies in World Literatures: Olga Partan
Administrative Assistant: Carolyn Leeman
The Studies in World Literatures Program is an interdisciplinary major in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. The major will allow you to explore the literary, visual, and performative texts produced in different times, places, and cultures. While approaching the study of world narrative as a common human phenomenon, the major also asks students to understand how the form, content, and modes of expression are challenged, developed, influenced, and embraced in unique and self-defining ways by the cultures that produce them.
Major Proposal
Upon declaration of the major, you will meet with the STWL coordinator to discuss the following:
- A proposed curriculum, including possible courses;
- Your three-course sub-focus;
- The assignment of a faculty advisor.
Capstone Project
To complete the major, students produce a comparative capstone project within one of the STWL courses. The capstone allows students to hone their critical skills and develop a global perspective through this research project. These faculty-advised projects can take various forms, from a written thesis, a creative writing project, a performance, or film project. The goal of the capstone is to explore points of connection between two distinct textual traditions from African, American, Asian, Caribbean, or European cultures.
You should begin coursework on your capstone project by the spring of junior year or, if you are studying abroad, the fall of your senior year. You will meet with your faculty advisor or the course instructor to work on a written statement that describes the capstone, identifies advisors and readers and outlines a timeline for the completion of the project.
Study Abroad/Study Away
STWL majors are encouraged to participate in study abroad, study away, and/or community-based learning programs in order to experience more immersively the culture(s) they study. Maymester, semester, and yearlong programs linked with the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures and the STWL major are available at Gallaudet University and in Cameroon, China, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Russia, and Taiwan.
Learn more about study abroad.
After Graduation
After graduation, Studies in World Literatures majors pursue careers in various fields, including sales and marketing, law, and education where their critical skills and study abroad experience are highly valued.
Cimmaron Binning ’12
Data Protection Manager
Facebook, New York
Katrina Black ’18
Fashion Stylist
Trunk Time, New York
Joanna Burdzel ’19
Ph.D. candidate, Harvard University
Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures
Study Abroad: Poland, Russia
Liam Colford ’13
Account Executive
Prairie Malt, New York
Masters in Modern Irish History
University College Dublin
Patricia Corey ’18
Fulbright Scholar, Latvia
Paralegal, Natixis Investment Managers, Boston
Study Abroad: Russia
Carly Eressy ’13
Education Specialist
UMass Medical School, Worcester
Study Abroad: Argentina
Kimberly Lawton ’13
Senior Solution Consultant
NetSuite, Austin, Texas
Cecile Rivera Llorens ’12
Founder, CRL Communications Consultant
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Masters in Corporate Communications and Marketing, IE Business School
Study Abroad: France
Sarah Rondeau ’13
Senior Digital Account Manager
Carnegie Dartlet, Boston area
Andrea Sevilla ’13
Omni Merchandiser
Walmart, New York
Katherine (Shapleigh) Quigley ’13
Digital Marketing Manager
Panorama Education, Boston
Masters of Business Administration, Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Study Abroad: Peru