Literature/Writing Faculty: Bottom row (left to right): Katie Singer; Robyn Schiffman; Marjorie Keyishian; Harry Keyishian. Middle Row: Marilyn Rye; Elise Salem;Chloe Miller; Susan Gerson; Martin Green; Geoffrey Weinman. Back row: Ken Sammond; Drew Fader; Bill Zander; David Daniel

Literature illuminates the human condition and addresses human concerns. Fiction, poetry, drama, creative nonfiction and film express experiences and passions to reveal a truth beyond fact. Through an exposure to a wide range of works from past and present and from throughout the world, literature majors in Becton College will develop the insights needed to synthesize many cultural perspectives while enhancing their ability to read with critical understanding and write clearly and analytically.

The major places great British and American works in the context of world literature and recognizes that in the 21st century writing is a global art that transcends borders, with English as an international language for expressions of diverse artists from many cultures. More than ever before, literature puts us in touch with our world.

The choice of courses within the major program is wide, but distribution requirements in genres and periods assure that students gain knowledge of the essential literary forms and that they understand literature in its historical context. Additional genre courses are available from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. The program culminates in a senior seminar.

The department's literature faculty has published many books and articles, as well as making frequent presentations at professional conferences. The subjects of their studies include authors from Anglo-Saxon writers and Shakespeare to contemporary writers throughout the world.