World Literature Minor (WLTN)

Advisors: Dr. Jeffrey Angles (World Languages and Literatures) and Nathan Robinson (English)

This is an interdepartmental program offered jointly by the Departments of English, World Languages and Literatures, and Spanish.

Studying the literature of other peoples of the world is one of the best ways to begin to know them. A great body of the world’s literature is available for study in English translation in a variety of courses and departments at Western Michigan University. The world literature minor grows out of and is based on these courses.

This minor should be of value to students who have a general interest in literature and are curious about the world, especially that major part which does not have English as its literary language. Any student, including those majoring or minoring in English or Spanish or other world language, may elect the world literature minor. The minor should be of obvious value to students preparing to teach humanities or literature at any level. The world literature minor can provide useful backgrounds to students interested in foreign affairs, law, politics, journalism, mass communication, and theatre. It should also be of interest to students in business, scientific, and engineering curricula who wish to do a minor outside their main field. The minor should interest students who, whatever their career plans or major, wish the varied view and mixture of experiences of an interdisciplinary program. Also, the wide range of electives possible should make the minor attractive to students who would like the opportunity to help shape their own programs.

Prerequisites listed for any of the courses in this minor will be waived. However, students with questions about the advisability of taking courses for which there are prerequisites should consult one of the minor advisors. Transfer students should consult an advisor to determine the applicability of courses taken at other colleges.

Both the English and the World Languages and Literatures Departments have world literature minor advisors with regular office hours. For information, stop at or call the English Department office (269) 387-2572 or the Department of World Languages and Literatures, 410 Sprau (269) 387-3001.

Requirements

1. Twenty hours, with the following distribution:

ENGL 3120 - Western World Literature Credits: 3 hours
or
ENGL 3130 - Asian Literature Credits: 3 hours
or
ENGL 3140 - African Literature Credits: 3 hours

2. Two or three courses (at least eight semester hours) selected from the following list:

ENGL 1100 - Literary Interpretation Credits: 4 hours
ENGL 2100 - Film Interpretation Credits: 4 hours
ENGL 2520 - Shakespeare Credits: 4 hours
ENGL 3120 - Western World Literature Credits: 3 hours
if not used under Requirement (1)
ENGL 3130 - Asian Literature Credits: 3 hours
if not used under Requirement (1)
ENGL 3140 - African Literature Credits: 3 hours
if not used under Requirement (1)
ENGL 3150 - The English Bible as Literature Credits: 3 hours
ENGL 4100 - Special Topics in Literature Credits: 4 hours
(if the topic is appropriate it may be approved by the minor advisor.)
ENGL 4420 - Studies in Drama Credits: 4 hours
ENGL 5300 - Medieval Literature Credits: 3 hours
ENGL 5380 - Modern Literature Credits: 3 hours
ENGL 5550 - Studies in Major Writers Credits: 3 hours
(if the author(s) studied is appropriate, this course may be approved by the minor advisor.)
ENGL 5980 - Readings in English Credits: 1 to 4 hours
(With the approval of the minor advisor.)

3. Three courses selected from the following list:

LANG 3750 - Global Issues through Literature and Film Credits: 3 hours
(Repeatable under a different topic)
Advisors may suggest additional options.

Permissible Substitutions For Required Courses

With the approval of a minor advisor, students may:

1. Substitute one of the following courses for one course listed above

In either Requirement 2 or Requirement 3:

THEA 3700 - Theatre History I Credits: 3 hours
THEA 3710 - Theatre History II Credits: 3 hours
THEA 4700 - Contemporary Theatre Theory and Practice Credits: 3 hours
OR

2. Substitute an advanced literature course

In a foreign language for one of the courses listed above in either Requirement 2 or Requirement 3.

OR

3. Substitute a course or courses (maximum of 4 hours)

Not presently listed in the catalog, which may be offered as a special or temporary course and which is deemed by the advisors appropriate to the World Literature Minor.