The study of literature empowers our students to be empathetic, culturally aware, critical thinkers who can be both citizens and assets in a global world.
Whether through Shakespeare’s tragedies or Toni Morrison’s novels, literature reveals some of the most challenging and complex questions of the human experience. For centuries, the written word has played a role in documenting society's conflicts and inspiring change. The Great Gatsby captured the spirit of Fitzgerald's generation and the tension between American ideals and realities. Nineteen Eighty-Four introduced "Big Brother" into the lexicon and anticipated much of the contemporary political discourse. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah explores the search for identity and gives voice to the contemporary immigrant experience.
The literature program provides students with the analytical tools to be deep thinkers and competitive readers of the world, sharpens their empathetic reasoning, and cultivates cultural sensitivity. As an English major at Emmanuel, you will gain a broad overview of major texts and traditions in British, American and World literature. With a focus on developing cultural and rhetorical awareness, as well as public speaking, reading and writing skills, you will learn how the written word can be used as a powerful tool to affect change in your own world.
Dr. Callahan Pens Powerful Inauguration Poem
Meet the Faculty
Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.
Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:
- Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
- Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues.
One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.
Students from the English, Writing & Communications Department intern with major media outlets such as GBH, WHDH-TV and The Globe, as well as in editorial or content roles with journals and major publishers, nonprofit organizations or Boston-based tech startups.
In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.
In the Capstone Experience, EWC students engage in rigorous class discussions, participate in group or individual presentations, and write a major research paper. Writing, Editing & Publishing students revise work produced in previous courses and submit for considerations at journals, magazines, anthologies and contests. Students also complete a reflection of their educational goals of the program.
Humanities & Social Sciences Spotlight
