Why Study the Literary Arts?
Literary Arts and Studies are about the fusion of the practice of creative writing and the in-depth study of literature in all its forms.
Literary Arts programs are inherently interdisciplinary and emphasize the high-demand skills that today’s employers want: critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, communication, exposure to diverse ways of thinking, and working collaboratively in groups.
Our graduates are teachers, writers, publishers, editors, authors, librarians, journalists, entrepreneurs, public servants, artists, lawyers, and more, since the humanities in general, and writing and reading skills in particular, are skills for success in almost any career.
Faculty in the Literary Arts & Studies Path are working writers publishing fiction, essays, and poetry. As authors and thinkers, they are invested deeply in the writing process and create programs that will push you to sharpen your skills, connect your ideas with other arts and disciplines, and help your reach your goals as a writer.
Writers at Evergreen, in addition to taking classes in creative writing and literature, find opportunities with Student Groups like the Cooper Point Journal, Slightly West, and the Writing Center—including the weekly Writer's Circle and quarterly Open Mic. Guest author’s frequently visit campus for the Art Lecture series, and Summer courses and programs provide dynamic opportunities for students to go deep with major projects and interdisciplinary experiments.
Join the Literary Arts and Studies Path
By joining this Path, you will receive advising opportunities specific to this Path.
Contact an Advisor to Get Started
Affiliate with the Literary Arts and Studies Path
Follow This Path
The Literary Arts and Studies Path offers programs each year at entry, intermediate, and advanced levels. Programs are built within the context of our changing and dynamic world, allowing us to offer fresh perspectives in literature and creative writing throughout your academic journey.
Getting Started
Get Involved with the Literary Arts
Whether you are a new student or just new to this Path, check out the New Student Handbook to learn how to get started at Evergreen and find your people on campus.
- Meet students and faculty in your path by attending path events
- Take a First-year program to explore a variety of subjects and disciplines
- Attend the Academic Fair to meet faculty and learn about upcoming programs
- Get guidance on your academic journey and career goals by meeting with an Academic Advisor or Faculty member
- Engage in campus culture by attending club meetings and campus events like lectures, films, and performances
Get involved with the Writing Center and consider applying to be a writing tutor
Years 1 - 2
Try new things and explore all your options
- Take an interdisciplinary first-year program that offers credits in writing, literature, or creative writing; this will lay some of the groundwork for intermediate study
- Take the time to explore in your first two years. Your Evergreen experience should be your own. Take what looks interesting (or what looks scary); try interdisciplinary programs in other areas (like math, science, or art)
- Consider a single-subject language course or a program with a language component to prepare you for global learning—plan ahead for study abroad possibilities
- Each year, you’ll find a Fall-Winter OR full-year program led by a Literary Arts and Studies core faculty; we recommend these programs for your junior year (or your sophomore year if you want to get a head start)
- Stay in touch with your faculty and get support and mentorship by attending their office hours and visiting faculty in writing and literature at the academic fair and other advising events
- Attend events like the Writers Open Mic and Writers Circle or join a Student Group focused on writing like the Cooper Point Journal or Slightly West
Year 3
Dig deep and strengthen your connections
- Now that you have completed some exploratory and entry level studies, take the literary arts and studies foundational program or seek out upper division challenges in literary arts and studies that provide opportunities for in-depth thematic study and project work, collaboration and critique, and scholarly engagement with literary history and theory
- Consider seeking experiences beyond campus through internships or study abroad
- Consider registering for a Summer course or program or applying for a paid Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
- Plan your final year by connecting with your faculty and Academic Advisor to plan your capstone, your final programs, and what you may need for careers or graduate school
Year 4
Finish strong and get ready for your next steps
- Take intermediate-to-advanced and advanced level programs in literary arts and studies in the Fall and Winter and prepare to finish with an advanced capstone program in the Spring
- If you have room to take a few extra credits, consider registering for a Study Abroad experience or a single-subject course to round out your schedule
- Develop an Independent Learning Contract with the support of literary arts faculty to complete individualized capstone projects or an advanced internship
- Connect with your faculty and Academic Advisor to make plans for applying for jobs or graduate school
Capstone
Your Literary Arts and Studies capstone will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities you have gained at Evergreen and is a great way to showcase what you have learned in a way that matters to you.
Capstone Design
In Literary Arts & Studies, capstones are typically manuscript projects or work and study related to publishing or literary scholarship. But, like everything else at Evergreen, your capstone experience is yours to customize. Capstones can take the form of a:
- Senior thesis
- Independent project
- Individual Study or Internship
- Study abroad experience
- Writing or hybrid media portfolio
Planning Your Capstone
Your faculty will provide guidance on how best to blend subjects, academic and creative experiences, and your personal academic journey.
Capstone opportunities are offered through various programs and experiences, some options are:
- The one-quarter program, “Literary Arts & Studies Capstone” offered each year
- Individual Study – complete an ILC or INT with a faculty member in your Path
Faculty Mentorship and Support
Faculty are always excited to talk about their fields and welcome students during their office hours to discuss your interests and answer questions about their Field of Study.
Faculty mentorship is a key piece of an Evergreen education. Your faculty are ready to support you not just through your course work, but through any experience you want to explore. Faculty act as mentors and advisors in many capacities and will be valuable resources throughout your academic journey and beyond.
We have a wide variety of faculty covering a range of disciplines ready to support you during your time at Evergreen.
Experiential Learning
Field Trips
Inspiration can be found in both texts and real-world settings, which is why programs on this Path often take field trips to museums, nature, local events, publishing houses, and more.
Study Abroad
Study abroad is a world class learning opportunity. Students can prepare for study abroad experiences through their programs and taking language courses so they can immerse themselves in another culture. Students studying abroad with their fellow Greeners are pushed to put their theory into practice to enhance their understanding of the world.
Students in the Literary Arts and Studies Path have visited:
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Spain