American University United States

Literature (BA)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The BA Literature program at American University invites you to explore the rich tapestry of human expression, critically engaging with texts that shape our understanding of identity, culture, and society. This undergraduate degree is ideal for curious minds eager to delve into diverse literary traditions, from ancient epics to contemporary global narratives, and to develop sophisticated analytical skills. You will gain a profound appreciation for how literature reflects, challenges, and constructs our world, preparing you for a future where nuanced interpretation and effective communication are paramount.

This full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Arts degree is structured over four years, offering you the flexibility to specialise in areas such as literary studies, cinema studies, transcultural studies, or creative writing. Through a combination of core modules, surveys, and advanced seminars, you will develop your research and writing abilities, culminating in a senior project or dissertation. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, ready to pursue careers in publishing, education, cultural institutions, law, or further academic study, equipped to articulate complex ideas with clarity and insight.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Literature BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of literary works and critical theories. Students will engage with diverse texts across various historical periods and cultural contexts, including studies in African American literature, Asian American literature, and literatures of the Global South. The curriculum also encompasses specializations in Cinema Studies, Creative Writing, Literary Studies, and Transcultural Studies, culminating in a capstone experience.

1 Core (12 credit hours)

2 Race/Ethnicity/Identity (3 credit hours)

Studies in African American Literature Compulsory
Studies in African American Literature Compulsory
Advanced Studies in African American Literature Compulsory
Advanced Studies in African American Literature Compulsory
African Literature
African-American Literature
Asian American Literature
Literature, Film and Globalization
Literatures of the Global South
Introduction to Latina/o/x Studies
Introduction to Latina/o/x Studies

3 Survey (3 credit hours)

African Literature
African-American Literature
Asian American Literature
The Experience of Poetry
Cinema and the Twentieth Century
Contemporary Poetry
Literature, Film and Globalization
Survey of Literary Theory
Literature and History I: Antiquity to the Renaissance
Literature and History II: Enlightenment to Realism
Literature and History III: Modernism to the Present
Literatures of the Global South
Power, Discourse, and Popular Culture
Introduction to Latina/o/x Studies
Introduction to Latina/o/x Studies

4 Literature before 1900 (6 credit hours)

Queer Literatures and Histories
Queer Literatures and Histories
Shakespeare
Victorian Literature, Culture, and Power
Imagined Bodies: Historicizing Race and Gender
Imagined Bodies: Historicizing Race and Gender
Shakespeare Studies
Topics in Renaissance and Seventeenth Century Literature and Culture
Topics in Eighteenth Century Literature and Culture
Topics in Nineteenth Century Literature and Culture
Topics in Romantic Literature and Culture
Topics in Ancient and Medieval Literature and Culture
Advanced Studies in Pre-Nineteenth Century Literature and Culture
Advanced Studies in Nineteenth Century Literature and Culture

5 Specialization (24 credit hours)

6 Cinema Studies

Critical Approach to the Cinema
Cinema and the Twentieth Century
Topics in Film
Advanced Studies in Film

7 Creative Writing

Creative Writing Across Genres
Writers in Print/in Person
The Experience of Poetry
Contemporary Poetry
The Ethics of Writing Creatively
Creative Writing: Fiction
Creative Writing: Poetry
Creative Writing: Nonfiction

8 Literary Studies

Creative Writing Across Genres
Rethinking Literature
Literary Classics and Western Culture
Critical Approach to the Cinema
Literature and History I: Antiquity to the Renaissance
Literature and History II: Enlightenment to Realism
Shakespeare
Imagined Bodies: Historicizing Race and Gender
Imagined Bodies: Historicizing Race and Gender
Shakespeare Studies
Topics in Renaissance and Seventeenth Century Literature and Culture
Topics in Eighteenth Century Literature and Culture
Topics in Romantic Literature and Culture
Topics in Ancient and Medieval Literature and Culture
Advanced Studies in Pre-Nineteenth Century Literature and Culture
Writers in Print/in Person
Topics in Film
Topics in World Literature
Creative Writing: Fiction
Creative Writing: Poetry
Creative Writing: Nonfiction
Advanced Studies in Film
Advanced Studies in World Literature

9 Transcultural Studies

Literature, Film and Globalization
Power, Discourse, and Popular Culture
Topics in Film
Topics in World Literature
Topics in Cultural Studies
Advanced Studies in Film
Advanced Studies in World Literature
Advanced Studies in Culture

10 Capstone (6 credit hours)

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 241,080.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,000.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Washington Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingBanking & Financial ServicesBlockchain & Emerging TechnologiesCloud Computing & InfrastructureCorporate Finance & TreasuryData Science & AnalyticsDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringEconomic Research & PolicyHardware & Semiconductor EngineeringPrivate Equity & Venture Capital

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Booz Allen Hamilton

Why Study Literature (BA) at American University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

American University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at American University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Literature (BA) at American University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No special approval is needed for on-campus work, but off-campus opportunities require university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English test requirements, you can choose from several options. For instance, a Duolingo overall score of 120 and specific minimum scores in other areas are necessary.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as editors, teachers, writers, and roles in cultural institutions.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BA Literature program at American University explores diverse literary traditions and develops analytical skills. You'll engage with texts that reflect identity, culture, and society while preparing for careers in fields such as publishing and education.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Literature program has intake months in January and August. You can start your studies at the beginning of either semester.
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