Literature and Language
Why Study Literature and Language at UNC Asheville?
Language is probably the most complex thing we know and certainly our most intricate invention. Whoever has a command of it has a wide selection of choices in life: writing, editing, law, sales, management, promotion, teaching, advertising, politics. In short, any career in which clear thinking, critical reasoning and verbal ability are crucial.
The study of literature focuses on the direct, the subtle and even the unconscious ways in which people use language to inform, amuse, arouse, persuade, confuse and even to provoke. But it also concentrates on the highest expressions of the human imagination. Literature expands consciousness of life itself; it educates the emotions and the intellect; it presents us with questions of value and worth, goodness and evil. A student of literature is indeed linked to our whole humanistic heritage.
Program of Study
The Literature and Language Department offers three concentrations:
- Literature
- Creative Writing
- English with Teacher Licensure
The difference is a matter of emphasis. Students in all three concentrations take core courses consisting of surveys arranged chronologically and upper-level courses arranged by types of writing, theme, national literature or author. All students choose from electives that vary widely and change frequently, ranging from Victorian novelists to medieval women poets, from Dante to Alice Walker. Each concentration is demanding, requiring commitment from the students—and from faculty. The major in Literature and Language offers an opportunity to study the literatures and the cultures of many lands and languages, rather than the more narrow collection of British and American works addressed by many English departments. We believe literature is international and intercultural. Our program emphasizes connections rather than divisions.
Creative Writing students combine a liberal arts study of world literature with a strong program of creative writing, based in a sequence of workshops where student writers share their work with fellow students and faculty. A creative senior project is required.
English with Teacher Licensure provides a special curriculum that builds on the core of departmental requirements and adds other courses relevant to the teaching career. Our success in preparing teachers arises from strong education in the subject areas.
Faculty
Faculty promote active learning, challenging undergraduate research opportunities, and close faculty-student interactions. We offer the best of both worlds. As a moderately sized department in an undergraduate liberal arts college, we are committed to excellent teaching and personal attention to students. Like faculty at a large research university, we are active scholars and creative writers. Our 19 full-time faculty members have written novels, prize-winning plays and poems, books of literary criticism, and numerous articles published in distinguished scholarly journals. Our students have the opportunity to work in small classes and individually with nationally recognized writers and scholars. Faculty members hold doctorates and have different specialties.
Literature Club
The Literature Club is a voluntary association of students majoring, studying or interested in literature, along with the department faculty. The club sponsors social events, hosts visiting writers, arranges readings by UNC Asheville students, and initiates community service.
More Information
Literature & Language
220 Karpen Hall, CPO #2130
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8509
828.251.6411