English Studies - Literature

The Literature major fosters creative thinking, detailed analysis and critical reflection—abilities that are crucial in the 21st century marketplace.

Study What You Love

The curriculum is designed to develop language and analytical skills, and the research methods necessary in approaching literature as a discipline. It encourages an appreciation of cultural heritage through literary works and stimulates the imagination.

If you love reading and writing and want to study literature across genres—fiction, drama, creative nonfiction and poetry—the Literature major is for you!

Graduate School and Rewarding Careers

Literature graduates enjoy successful careers in fields such as education, law, library science, public relations, marketing and government services. Our alumni often pursue graduate degrees in a wide array of fields, including library science, teaching, literature and leadership.

Expert Faculty

The La Roche English faculty includes scholars, researchers, business professionals, award-winning poets and authors, and professors who hold years of experience in journalism, writing, education and media. These professors offer a wealth of real-world experience and share their expertise for you to understand classroom material at a much deeper level.

Publishing Opportunities

La Roche is a small campus with big opportunities for English students and aspiring writers. You’ll have the opportunity to serve as a contributing writer, editor, designer or photographer for the Redhawk Post, our online student newspaper, and Nuances, the University’s literary journal.

Writers’ Center

Whether you have trouble organizing your thoughts or completing a classroom project, consultants at the Writers’ Center can help you address important questions concerning your assignment. The Center helps you to structure your writing, develop ideas, write clear and correct prose, and identify and correct errors. This service is free to all La Roche students.

If you’re looking for a job on campus, the Writers’ Center is a terrific opportunity for you. Offering flexible hours and a welcoming environment, the Writers’ Center pays you to do what you love: read, write and help your peers with their written assignments. English majors are a perfect fit for the Writers’ Center!

Honor Society

English students who maintain an above-average GPA and demonstrate a commitment to a career in English or literature may join our chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society. Sigma members assist the English Department in publishing its annual literary magazine, Nuances. This group also sponsors on-campus literary events such as poetry readings and book signings.

Study Abroad Opportunities

You have the opportunity to expand your horizons by studying literature, language and culture in another part of the world. Included as part of your La Roche education, our Study Abroad+Study USA program offers you the chance to travel abroad or within the United States at little or no additional cost. Our students have visited England, Ireland, Scotland and Italy for courses in literature, culture and history.

Scholarships

In addition to LaRoche's merit-based scholarships, we offer annual and endowed scholarships, thanks to our generous donors.

Tem Tipton Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established in memory of Tem Tipton by her family in tribute to her professional achievements as a reference librarian and teacher and in recognition of her community service activities.

• Open to currently enrolled full-time, undergraduate students pursuing a degree in education or English who have completed their freshman year.
• Applicants must have financial need, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and have current or past involvement with community service or other types of volunteer activities.
• Recipient must remain in good standing during award term.
• Essay and two recommendation letters required.
• Renewable award.

Apply for Scholarship

In addition, each year the English Department chooses recipients for the following awards:

Dorothy and John Saladiak Award
This $1,000 award is given to a graduating English senior who shows the most promise.

Sister Rita Yeasted Scholarship
La Roche alumna Jill L. Ferguson established this scholarship to honor English Department Chair Sister Rita Yeasted, Ph.D., and her contributions to the field of English education. Scholarship recipients must be current La Roche students who are communications or English majors with a minimum 3.5 GPA.