Literature & Communications Program

Our program offers a range of courses in world literatures and emphasizes reading, writing about, and discussing great books.  Our presentation follows a traditional historical approach in its organization around genres, literary periods, and major authors.  We study core texts to understand what and how literature signifies. 

A number of our courses involve literary and cultural events in New York City.  In keeping with the all-inclusive nature of great literature, these works necessarily address the College's focus on studying literature through the considerations of science and technology.

• ++B.A. degree in Literature-- Required secondary concentration ensures that students coming to Stevens for a  B.A. can take advantage of our fine programs in such fields as History of Science,  Computer Science, Environmental Engineering, and Business and Technology. (Link to study plan)
• ++ Double Degree, a B.A. in Literature and a B.S. or B.E. degree in a field of science, engineering or business. The Institute’s size permits the individualized attention that allows this double degree.
• ++Minor in literature: An excellent addition to the B.A. or B.E.
• ++Writing Program:  (Link: Writing and Communications Center)
• ++General Institute Humanities Requirements: (See the catalog for your year of admission to Stevens.)                                                        

BUT YOU MAY BE ASKING: WHAT WILL I DO WITH A LITERATURE DEGREE?

LILLIAN C (B.A., B.E.)—Currently with Tri-Power Consulting Services, LLC, on special assignment to PSEG in Newark in their Fossil Environmental Affairs Department:

"While the education I received at Stevens has brought me many career opportunities, it was the literature program that provided memorable experiences and sparked my creativity. Researching the origin of King Arthur, watching Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Central Park on a night in midsummer, after we had discussed the play in class, will be with me always."

RACHEL H., MD—(B.E., literature minor)—A description of a medical school interview:

"The interviewer did not ask me a single question about my MCAT scores, my grades, activities, or the research I did for the Technogenesis program. The only classes he wanted to talk about were the literature classes that I had taken for my minor. We discussed Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings and Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience. He thought that it was wonderful that I had taken so many literature classes."

Anonymous Internet Reviewer:

"How ironic... I came to a technical school because of my lack of interest in literature and writing. However thanks to . . . the great English teachers, I am beginning to like literature more than science."