The language literature concentration of the literature major requires: (1) completion of two years of college-level language coursework, or the equivalent; and (2) 12 courses in literature.
Lower-division courses are introductions to critical reading and writing. Students should complete their lower-division coursework before beginning upper-division work.
Language Proficiency
Students must demonstrate Level 3 reading proficiency in a non-English language. Information on how to satisfy this requirement, as well as exam options, are in the Language Proficiency and Exam Options section of the Information and Policies.
Students pursuing the language literature concentration are encouraged to study a language through Level 6. At UCSC, languages taught through level 6 are Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.
Take the following course
LIT 1 | Literary Interpretation | 5 |
LIT 1 is a writing-intensive course.
Plus one of the following options:
- One course from the LIT 60 or LIT 61-series, or
- One course from the LIT 80 or LIT 81-series
LIT 60/LIT 61-series courses focus on categories, methodologies, and problems of literary study.
LIT 80/LIT 81-series courses focus on topical, thematic, and comparative studies of literary and filmic texts.
LIT 60/LIT 61 and LIT 80/LIT 81 courses are also recommended for non-majors.
The Language Literature concentration consists of 10 upper-division courses; two required courses, seven electives, and the comprehensive requirement. Students pursuing the intensive option will take two additional upper-division electives, for a total of 12 courses. See the Intensive Option section below.
Take the following courses:
Students must successfully complete the language proficiency requirement before enrolling in LIT 102.
Students may substitute one upper-division non-English literature course (numbered LIT 182-189) studied in the original language for LIT 102. Such a course may not fulfill any other major requirements.
Plus the Comprehensive Requirement
The comprehensive requirement is satisfied by one senior seminar (LIT 190 series) or a senior thesis (LIT 195A or 195B). See the Comprehensive Requirement section below for more details.
Upper-Division Literature Electives
Students take seven 5-credit upper-division literature electives numbered 109-189. Independent studies and internships may also count toward this requirement with department approval. Among these seven courses, students fulfill the Distribution Requirements and Language Literature Requirements specified below. One course may fulfill more than one requirement.
Upper-division courses provide detailed treatment of literary and theoretical problems, themes, and periods. Students are strongly encouraged to take courses across chronological periods and national boundaries, and to balance small seminars with lecture courses.
A list of annual course offerings indicating distribution codes for each course is available in the department office and on the Literature Department website.
Distribution Requirements
Students should consult the Distribution Requirements Course List to find courses which satisfy one or more of the following requirements:
- Two courses on literature written before 1750
- One course on Non-Western literature or literature from a global perspective
- One course on poetry and poetics
Language Requirements
Language Literature Concentration students take five literature courses in their chosen language of concentration. These courses can overlap with one or more of the Distribution Requirements above. The course options below correspond to the languages of concentration:
Ancient Literature (courses in the LIT 181, LIT 184, and 186 series)
The study of the literature, languages, and cultural practices of ancient civilizations. Students take a minimum of three literature courses in the language they are using to satisfy the language requirement with the remaining two courses in another ancient language or languages. LIT 181 courses should be taken by students studying Arabic. LIT 184 courses should be taken by students studying Greek. LIT 186 courses should be taken by students studying Latin.
French Literature (courses in the LIT 182 series)
The study of French and Francophone literatures, languages, and cultural practices of France, Africa, and the Caribbean.
German Literature (courses in the LIT 183 series)
The study of the literature, language, and cultural practices of the German-speaking areas of central Europe including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Greek Literature (courses in the LIT 184 series)
The study of the literature, languages, and cultural practices of ancient Greece.
Italian Literature (courses in the LIT 185 series)
The study of Italian literature, language, and cultural practices from the Middle Ages to the present.
Latin Literature (courses in the LIT 186 series)
The study of the literature, languages, and cultural practices of ancient Rome.
Spanish/Latin American/Latino Literatures (courses in the LIT 188-LIT 189 series, LIT 190X)
The study of literatures, language, and cultural practices of Spain, Latin America, and Latino populations in the United States.
Students must successfully complete LIT 101 before taking any comprehensive requirement.
Seniors must select one of the following options to satisfy the campus exit requirement:
Senior Seminar
Students take one senior seminar. These are courses in the LIT 190 series. Several senior seminars are offered each quarter; extensive writing is required in all seminars.
Senior Thesis
Students who wish to propose a senior thesis (30–40 pages) must apply to a Literature Department faculty sponsor at least two quarters before the projected date of graduation. The application must include a proposed subject, a brief outline, a bibliography, and a sample of previous written work. Only those students who have received written permission from the faculty supervisor may complete a thesis to satisfy the senior exit requirement. Students enroll in one of the following courses: