Literary Arts and Studies

Programs in Literary Arts and Studies Paths will show you how to write creatively, read closely, and think critically through the rich resources of language and written expression. You'll develop your voice as a writer and thinker as you study a diverse range of literary traditions in community with other writers.

With an interdisciplinary, theme-based curriculum exploring writers from different historical, cultural, and aesthetic traditions, you’ll examine the depths of the literary world. You'll learn to focus on your writing from a blank page to a finished manuscript while sharpening your knowledge of literary theories, stylistic choices, and narrative genres.

Skills you’ll gain on this Path include:

• Written and oral communication 
• Critical thinking 
• Close reading 
• Research and analysis 
• Editing and manuscript preparation

Highlights of this Path

Inspiring faculty

You'll work closely with faculty who know creative process and critical inquiry inside and out. You’ll learn directly from their expertise, build close working relationships with them, get detailed feedback on your writing projects, and gain skills that will help you in your pursuits after college. 

Faculty are published authors with a range of expertise in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, theory, translation, multimodal composition, and more.

Team teaching and learning communities

Great writers learn to seek inspiration from everywhere. That’s why programs on this Path are all about making connections across different disciplines. You’ll expand your knowledge of the world and build a learning community with students you wouldn’t have met any other way.

Diverse curriculum

Read and discuss a wide range of literature across history and around the world. Experiencing the thoughts and voices of others through fiction, nonfiction, poetry, theory, and more will broaden your perspective on society, human nature, life, death, and literature itself.

Writing workshops and seminars

Programs on this Path host regular writing workshops designed for compassionate, constructive feedback on your work. You’ll learn to assess different styles and genres of writing while building a learning community you can trust.

Seminars at Evergreen will deepen your understanding of texts and contexts through collaboration, discussion, and application. 

Literary research and capstone projects

As a writer and researcher, you’ll have the support and freedom to pursue what you’re passionate about. With the guidance of expert faculty, you’ll get to do your own scholarly research and learn what it takes to complete ambitious literary projects that will look great in your portfolio.

Guest writers and scholars

In addition to the inspiring faculty on this Path, world-renowned guest lecturers are a regular feature. From poets and novelists to translators and theorists, you’ll learn from experts working at the cutting edge of their field.

Field trips and study abroad

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 opportunities are also a regular feature. We offer recurring study abroad programs that travel to France and New York.

Showcase your talent

Whether organized by students or faculty, reading events give you a chance to showcase your work and be a part of Evergreen’s literary community through open mics, in-class readings, or events organized in partnership with the greater Olympia community.