Program Overview
Simmons University's Bachelor of Arts in Literature program fosters critical thinking, writing, and research skills through diverse literary perspectives. Guided by award-winning faculty, students explore cultural values, ideas, and language, preparing them for careers in law, publishing, business, and more. The program emphasizes independent research, collaboration, and the development of students' unique voices.
Program Outline
The program emphasizes developing sophisticated understandings of literature through a diverse range of authors from various regions, including the United States, Britain, the global south, and the world. Students are guided by award-winning faculty who are poets, novelists, literary scholars, and cultural critics, fostering their own style and talent as thinkers and writers. Literature majors learn to read with discernment and write with clarity and force, enriching their personal lives and providing them with practical skills for their professional lives. They discover their own voices, learn to collaborate and revise, develop skills of critical analysis and creative expression, and gain confidence in themselves as independent thinkers.
Outline:
The Literature major consists of 10 courses, including:
- Two core courses:
- LTWR 199 Approaches to Literature
- LTWR 200 Intro to Theory (or LTWR 221 The Critical Lens for Cinema and Media Studies minors)
- Four Context courses:
- Two courses emphasizing Geographical and Cultural Contexts
- Two courses emphasizing Historical Contexts
- Two upper-level courses:
- One course designated by the department as a 200-level Research Methods course
- One course taken at the 300 level
- Two elective courses
Teaching:
The program is taught by award-winning faculty who are poets, novelists, literary scholars, and cultural critics. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions and formal presentations, reflecting critically on their own analytical thinking.
Careers:
Graduates from the Bachelor of Arts in Literature program are equipped with skills in reading carefully, analyzing complex and sophisticated material, and communicating clearly in written and verbal form. These skills are highly sought after in various fields, including:
- Law
- Publishing
- Advertising
- Business
- Government service
- Technology
- Public service
- Media
- Journalism
- Writing
- Teaching
Other:
The program encourages students to augment their required courses with in-depth study in the liberal arts and additional courses in the major. Dual-degrees, interdisciplinary programs, and a wide range of minors are also available. Students work with their advisor to develop a coherent course program that meets their educational goals. The department also offers a minor in Literature & Writing and a minor in Cinema and Media Studies for students pursuing other majors.
Simmons University
Overview:
Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.
Services Offered:
Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.Campus Dining:
A variety of dining options on campus.Community Engagement:
Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.Student Support & Resources:
A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.Athletics:
A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.Events:
A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:
A small college feel:
A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.A dynamic city location:
Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.Real-world learning opportunities:
Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.A commitment to inclusivity:
A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.Key Reasons to Study There:
Real-world learning:
Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.Integrated career advising:
Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.Accelerated graduate programs:
Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.Location in Boston:
Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.Commitment to social justice:
A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.Academic Programs:
Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate programs:
A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.Graduate programs:
Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.Online programs:
A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.Other:
Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.
