Literature Program

Welcome to the Stockton Literature Program

As part of the Literature program, Stockton students can choose from concentrations in Literary Studies, Creative Writing and Theatre-English, or pursue a simultaneous study of literature while earning K-12 or Secondary English Education certifications.

The program prepares students for an array of intellectual and professional pursuits, ranging from graduate scholarship to careers in writing, archival and library science, editing, publishing, teaching, and beyond. Literature students can also apply to take part in a new a dual-degree program in Literature and American Studies, allowing them to graduate with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years’ time.

About the Program

The Stockton University Literature program engages students in the practice of reading and writing as a means of learning from the past and looking toward the future, training them to ask questions about the nature of the world around them.

Students will develop strong foundational communication, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to become effective citizens and thinkers across a variety of careers and fields of study.

In our increasingly global society where so much of our culture and commerce depends on online, text-based interaction, clear writers and creative thinkers have never been more in-demand.

creative writing student

Student presents to a K-12 group.

Student leads theatre performance

Two students collaborating in the Writing Center.

The students of the Literature program have a long history of reading about political and social upheaval and the effects of white supremacy. Some have been inspired to protest as well as to seek careers focused on mending the damage done by police and law enforcement institutions and racial and economic inequality. The Stockton University Literature Program joins this community and the university in denouncing the “senseless death [of George Floyd, which] occurred as we mourned the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, while our African American and Latinx communities continue to face the disproportionate social, health, and economic hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic” (Statement from Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman, 5/31/2020). We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and protesters and activists.

 

As faculty, we pledge to continue to identify, combat, and expose racism and other forms of social inequality. The Literature Program specifically commits to the following:

  • Curricular commitment: The Literature program affirms its commitment to 
    • foregrounding the literary contributions of Black, Indigenous, and other non-white writers in all Literature courses offered, as well as 
    • offering critical approaches and dedicated courses that address of the history of white supremacy in literature (such dedicated courses include Cultures of Colonialism and Race and the Making of US Literature) and 
    • offering courses specifically focused on writers of color (including Native American Literature, Literatures of Asia-Pacific, Intro to African American Literature, Literature of the Harlem Renaissance, Spoken Word/Advanced Spoken Word, and Introduction to Global Literature)
  • Pedagogical commitment to equity, social justice, and anti-racism: The Literature program faculty will continue to advocate for and engage in pedagogies that dismantle white supremacy. We think deeply about these issues, and seek to move beyond the superficial and performative allyship that does so much damage to the spirits of people of color. We recognize that we (LITT faculty) always have more to learn and that we are always continuing to educate ourselves about how to be anti-racist and more supportive of our Black students. Our hearts and minds are open to everyone who wants to discuss these matters. Feel free to write the program coordinator directly or reach out to any of your LITT professors.
  • Community diversity and institutional change: To help produce foundational change, we publicly support our faculty, staff, students, and alumni of color and other marginalized bodies. Program co-curricular events will continue this work. We are committed to lifelong learning, and we will continue to educate ourselves, our colleagues, our students, and our community. 

 

We also wish to acknowledge the various academic programs, universities, and organizations that have issued similar statements that helped shape and inspire our own. Specifically, we wish to acknowledge the work of Stockton University’s Africana Studies program, and the Stockton University Unified Black Students Society.

We encourage you to explore the following resources:



Curriculum 

The Literature Program offers degrees in the following concentrations:

Program Courses: 40 credits

Core Required Courses for all majors:

Must be taken at Stockton University (12 credits)

  • LITT 1100 - Introduction to Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 2123 - Introduction to Research in Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 4610 - Senior Seminar (4 credits)
  • Seven LITT Elective courses (28 credits)

At least four LITT courses (16 credits) must be 3000-level or higher.

Cognates: 24 credits

Includes 0-21 Languages and Culture Studies credit hours. Additional courses may be in ARTV, AFRI, COMM, DANC, HIST, LANG, LITT, MUSC, THTR, or PHIL. G-courses will not be considered cognates.

Choose one of the following:

  1. Complete the study of one language through the Intermediate II level, or two languages through the Beginning II level (4-16 credits).
  2. Complete an interdisciplinary culture studies minor: Africana Studies, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Disability Studies, Global Studies, Jewish Studies, Latin and Caribbean Studies, or Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. LITT courses used to satisfy the minor may not be used for the major except as electives/cognates.
    20-21 credits.
  3. Complete of one semester of study abroad. Transfer credit varies.
  4. Achievement of a score of “Intermediate Mid” on the ACTFL oral proficiency exam or other approved testing option. For information on testing consult visit the American Council on the Teach of Foreign Languages OR www.languagetesting.com.

25 % of all the courses a student takes at Stockton must be General Studies courses.
For all first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 64 credits (B.A. degree), the following courses are required.

General Arts and Humanities (GAH) — 8 credits
General Interdisciplinary (GEN) — 4 credits
General Integration and Synthesis (GIS)* — 4 credits
General Natural Science and Mathematics (GNM) — 8 credits
General Social Science (GSS) — 8 credits
     *Must be taken in junior or senior year

NOTE: No more than 16 credits in any General Studies course may be applied toward the B.A. degree.

At-some-distance electives are courses that are unrelated to your major. 32 credits are required.
These courses are listed as attributes and should be completed within the 128 credits needed to graduate.

Arts (A)
Historical Conciousness (H)

Values Ethics (V)
International/Multicultural (I)
All matriculated students must earn a C or better in 4 writing-designated courses. Two W1 courses may be transferred.

1 W1 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course (any level)

1 W1 or W2 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course 3000-level

NOTE: W2 courses must be taken at Stockton University.

All matriculated students must pass three quantitative-reasoning-designated courses. Two Q1 courses may be transferred.

1 Q1 course (any level)

1 Q1 or Q2 course (any level)

1 Q2 course (any level)

NOTE: Q2 courses must be taken at Stockton University. 

All matriculated students must pass two Race and Racism-designated courses. A minimum grade of C is required for the R1 course; a minimum grade of D is required for any R2 course taken to fulfill this requirement. At least one of the two required courses must be taken at Stockton University.

1 R1 course (any level)

1 R1 or R2 course (any level)

Reminder: “The student is responsible for ensuring that all graduation requirements are met” (Bulletin). It is important that you consult with your preceptor and/or the Center for Academic Advising on a regular basis.

All Bachelor’s Degree programs require a minimum of 128 credits and a 2.00 cumulative G.P.A.

For more information on the Literature program, please consult the Academic Bulletin.

Course descriptions and prerequisite information may be found in the Catalog of Courses.

Program Courses: 40 credits

Core Required Courses for all majors:

Must be taken at Stockton University (12 credits)

  • LITT 1100- Introduction to Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 2123 - Introduction to Research in Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 4610 - Senior Seminar (4 credits) or
    LITT 4900 - Senior Project (requires Program approval) 

 

Required courses for Creative Writing majors (8 credits)

  • LITT 2237 Introduction to Creative Writing * (4 credits)
  • LITT 3270 - Craft and Theory Workshop ** (4 credits)

* Must be taken at Stockton
** May not be repeated for credit

Two (2) Advanced Creative Writing Workshops (8 credits), including but not limited to:

  • LITT 3601 - Memoir Workshop (4 credits)
  • LITT 3635 - Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop (4 credits)
  • LITT 3636 - Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop (4 credits)
  • LITT 3637 - Flash Fiction Workshop (4 credits)
  • LITT 3639 - Novel-Writing Workshop (4 credits)

 
Two (2) W1 Creative Writing Electives (8 credits), including but not limited to:

  • LITT 2155 - Spoken Word Poetry (4 credits)
  • LITT 2160 - Playwriting (4 credits) or
    LITT 3638 - Adv. Playwriting (4 credits)
  • LITT 2173 - Writing Speculative Fiction (4 credits)
  • LITT 3155 - Advanced Spoken Word Poetry (4 credits)
  • LITT 3271 - Experimental Writing Workshop (4 credits)
  • LITT 3272 - Avant-Garde Poetry Workshop (4 credits)
  • LITT 3601 - Memoir Workshop (4 credits)
  • LITT 3637 - Flash Fiction Workshop (4 credits)

The following General Studies courses may also be used only with the permission of your Creative Writing preceptor. Such courses will not count toward the 64 credits required for your General Studies and ASD areas.

  • GAH 1124 - Introduction to Screenwriting
  • GAH 2260 - Humor Writing
  • GSS 3282 - Writing the Travel Story
  • GAH 3301 - Spiritual Autobiography
  • GIS 3307 - Why Poetry Matters
  • GAH 3604 - The Personal Essay
  • GAH 3611 - Creative Nonfiction Workshop
  • GEN 3612 - Writing About Nature
  • GAH 3613 - Writer/Editor Workshop
  • GAH 3654 - The Writing Life
  • GAH 4611 - Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop

 

  • LITT 3000-level Pre-1700s Elective (4 credits)
  • LITT 3000-level 1900-Present Elective (4 credits)
  • LITT 3000-level Elective (4 credits)
  • LITT 3000-level Elective (4 credits)

NOTE: Creative writing workshops may not be used to meet these 3000-level requirements. It is strongly recommended, but not mandatory, that creative writing students take Shakespeare (LITT 3205).

 

Cognates: 24 credits

Includes 0-21 Languages and Culture Studies credit hours. Additional courses may be in ARTV, AFRI, COMM, DANC, HIST, LANG, LITT, MUSC, THTR, or PHIL. G-courses will not be considered cognates.

Choose one of the following:

  1. Complete the study of one language through the Intermediate II level, or two languages through the Beginning II level (4-16 credits).
  2. Complete an interdisciplinary culture studies minor: Africana Studies, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Disability Studies, Global Studies, Jewish Studies, Latin and Caribbean Studies, or Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. LITT courses used to satisfy the minor may not be used for the major except as electives/cognates.
    20-21 credits.
  3. Complete of one semester of study abroad. Transfer credit varies.
  4. Achievement of a score of “Intermediate Mid” on the ACTFL oral proficiency exam or other approved testing option. For information on testing consult visit the American Council on the Teach of Foreign Languages OR www.languagetesting.com.

25 % of all the courses a student takes at Stockton must be General Studies courses.
For all first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 64 credits (B.A. degree), the following courses are required.

General Arts and Humanities (GAH) — 8 credits
General Interdisciplinary (GEN) — 4 credits
General Integration and Synthesis (GIS)* — 4 credits
General Natural Science and Mathematics (GNM) — 8 credits
General Social Science (GSS) — 8 credits
     *Must be taken in junior or senior year

NOTE: No more than 16 credits in any General Studies course may be applied toward the B.A. degree.

At-some-distance electives are courses that are unrelated to your major. 32 credits are required.
These courses are listed as attributes and should be completed within the 128 credits needed to graduate.

Arts (A)
Historical Conciousness (H)

Values Ethics (V)
International/Multicultural (I)
All matriculated students must earn a C or better in 4 writing-designated courses. Two W1 courses may be transferred.

1 W1 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course (any level)

1 W1 or W2 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course 3000-level

NOTE: W2 courses must be taken at Stockton University.

All matriculated students must pass three quantitative-reasoning-designated courses. Two Q1 courses may be transferred.

1 Q1 course (any level)

1 Q1 or Q2 course (any level)

1 Q2 course (any level)

NOTE: Q2 courses must be taken at Stockton University. 

All matriculated students must pass two Race and Racism-designated courses. A minimum grade of C is required for the R1 course; a minimum grade of D is required for any R2 course taken to fulfill this requirement. At least one of the two required courses must be taken at Stockton University.

1 R1 course (any level)

1 R1 or R2 course (any level)

Reminder: “The student is responsible for ensuring that all graduation requirements are met” (Bulletin). It is important that you consult with your preceptor and/or the Center for Academic Advising on a regular basis.

All Bachelor’s Degree programs require a minimum of 128 credits and a 2.00 cumulative G.P.A.

For more information on the Literature program, please consult the Academic Bulletin.

Course descriptions and prerequisite information may be found in the Catalog of Courses.

Program Courses: 40 credits

Core Required Courses for all majors:

Must be taken at Stockton University (12 credits)

  • LITT 1100 - Introduction to Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 2123 - Introduction to Research in Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 4610 - Senior Seminar (4 credits)

  • LITT 2412 - English Language and Grammar (4 credits)
  • Two LITT courses at any level (8 credits)
  • Four LITT courses at the 3000-level or higher * (16 credits)

*LITT 3205 Shakespeare is strongly recommended.


Students must fulfill the following requirements within their LITT course selections:

  • One course in American Literature
  • One course in British Literature
  • One course in Ethnic/Postcolonial Literature

American Literature Courses
(May be 2000 or 3000 level)

  • LITT 2104 - American Literature I
  • LITT 2105 - American Literature II
  • LITT 2109 - Contemporary American Fiction
  • LITT 2131 - The Great American Novel
  • LITT 2143 - The American Short Story
  • LITT 2145 - Family in American Literature
  • LITT 2146 - 20th-Century American Drama
  • LITT 2147 - Survey of Multi-Ethnic Literature
  • LITT 2148 - Introduction to African American Literature
  • LITT 2161 - Family in Literature of Americas
  • LITT 2243 - American Novella
  • LITT 3112 - Faulkner
  • LITT 3122 - The Contemporary African-American Novel
  • LITT 3123 - Mark Twain
  • LITT 3124 - American Modernism
  • LITT 3126 - Place and American Literature
  • LITT 3128 - Literature of Black Radicalism
  • LITT 3130 - American Environmentalisms
  • LITT 3131 - Comparative American Literature
  • LITT 3208 - Native American Indian Literature
  • LITT 3210 - American Romanticism
  • LITT 3240 - American Drama
  • LITT 3242 - Living American Poets
  • LITT 3272 - Avant-Garde Poetry Workshop
  • LITT 3309 - The Literature of the Harlem Renaissance
  • LITT 3310 - American Naturalism
  • LITT 3311 - 19th-Century American Women Writers
  • LITT 3313 - Langston Hughes and The Harlem Renaissance
  • LITT 3315 - Postmodern American Fiction
  • LITT 3316 - Contemporary American Women Writers
  • LITT 3317 - Race & the Making of US Literature
  • LITT 3621 - Early American Literature
  • LITT 3624 - American Queer Literary Tradition

British Literature Courses
(2000 or 3000 level)

  • LITT 2102 - British Literature I
  • LITT 2103 - British Literature II
  • LITT 2117 - Literature And The Empire
  • LITT 2227 - Arthurian Literature
  • LITT 2306 - Cultures Of Colonialism
  • LITT 3106 - Milton
  • LITT 3110 - Chaucer
  • LITT 3205 - Shakespeare
  • LITT 3216 - Advanced Shakespeare
  • LITT 3220 - British Romanticism
  • LITT 3221 - British Women Writers
  • LITT 3222 - British Drama: 1855-Present
  • LITT 3223 - Contemporary British Fiction
  • LITT 3226 - Short Verse of Early Modern Britain
  • LITT 3229 - Restoration and 18th-Century Drama
  • LITT 3230 - Restoration & 18th-Century British Literature
  • LITT 3232 - Modernism and Empire
  • LITT 3235 - Renaissance English Literature
  • LITT 3260 - Medieval Irish Literature
  • LITT 3261 - Medieval English Literature
  • LITT 3262 - The Medieval Romance
  • LITT 3613 - The Rise of The British Novel
  • LITT 3615 - Victorian Literature
  • LITT 3616 - Johnson & His Circle
  • LITT 3618 - The Modern British Novel

Ethnic/Postcolonial Literature Courses
(May be 2000 or 3000 level)

  • LITT 2117 - Literature and the Empire
  • LITT 2147 - Survey of Multi-Ethnic Literature
  • LITT 2148 - Introduction to African American Literature
  • LITT 2161 - Family in Literature Of Americas
  • LITT 2305 - Introduction to Global Literatures
  • LITT 2306 - Cultures of Colonialism

Electives/Cognates: 24-39 credits

Required cognates from EDUC (18 credits, three courses):

  • EDUC 4601 Methods of Teaching English 4
  • EDUC 4990 Full-Time Final Clinical Practice in EDUC 12
  • EDUC 4120 Reading in the Content Area 2

LITT cognates (6-21 credits):

  • Includes 0-21 Languages & Culture Studies credit hours listed below.
  • Students fulfilling the Languages & Culture Studies requirement in General Studies or by fewer than 6 credits may take LITT and/or EDUC cognate courses.
  • Cognates: These are courses in other ARHU programs (ARTV, COMM, DANC, HIST, LANG, MUSC, PHIL, THTR) or in closely related disciplines outside ARHU, determined in consultation with a program preceptor. G-courses will not be considered cognates.
  • Electives can be any additional LITT course.

NOTE: A minimum grade of C or better is required for all program and cognate courses counted toward the 64 program and cognate credits required for graduation.

The NJ Dept. of Education requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for teacher certification.

A grade of B– or better is required in all professional education courses.

Students must satisfy all Literature Program and Teacher Education Program requirements. See Education for complete requirements for teacher licensure.

 

Choose one of the following:

  1. Complete the study of one language through the Intermediate II level, or two languages through the Beginning II level (4-16 credits).
  2. Complete an interdisciplinary culture studies minor: Africana Studies, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Disability Studies, Global Studies, Jewish Studies, Latin and Caribbean Studies, or Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. LITT courses used to satisfy the minor may not be used for the major except as electives/cognates.
    20-21 credits.
  3. Complete of one semester of study abroad. Transfer credit varies.
  4. Achievement of a score of “Intermediate Mid” on the ACTFL oral proficiency exam or other approved testing option. For information on testing consult visit the American Council on the Teach of Foreign Languages OR www.languagetesting.com.

25 % of all the courses a student takes at Stockton must be General Studies courses.
For all first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 64 credits (B.A. degree), the following courses are required.

General Arts and Humanities (GAH) — 8 credits
General Interdisciplinary (GEN) — 4 credits
General Integration and Synthesis (GIS)* — 4 credits
General Natural Science and Mathematics (GNM) — 8 credits
General Social Science (GSS) — 8 credits
     *Must be taken in junior or senior year

NOTE: No more than 16 credits in any General Studies course may be applied toward the B.A. degree.

At-some-distance electives are courses that are unrelated to your major. 32 credits are required.
These courses are listed as attributes and should be completed within the 128 credits needed to graduate.

Arts (A)
Historical Conciousness (H)

Values Ethics (V)
International/Multicultural (I)
All matriculated students must earn a C or better in 4 writing-designated courses. Two W1 courses may be transferred.

1 W1 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course (any level)

1 W1 or W2 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course 3000-level

NOTE: W2 courses must be taken at Stockton University.

All matriculated students must pass three quantitative-reasoning-designated courses. Two Q1 courses may be transferred.

1 Q1 course (any level)

1 Q1 or Q2 course (any level)

1 Q2 course (any level)

NOTE: Q2 courses must be taken at Stockton University. 

All matriculated students must pass two Race and Racism-designated courses. A minimum grade of C is required for the R1 course; a minimum grade of D is required for any R2 course taken to fulfill this requirement. At least one of the two required courses must be taken at Stockton University.

1 R1 course (any level)

1 R1 or R2 course (any level)

Reminder: “The student is responsible for ensuring that all graduation requirements are met” (Bulletin). It is important that you consult with your preceptor and/or the Center for Academic Advising on a regular basis.

All Bachelor’s Degree programs require a minimum of 128 credits and a 2.00 cumulative G.P.A.

For more information on the Literature program, please consult the Academic Bulletin.

Course descriptions and prerequisite information may be found in the Catalog of Courses.

Program Courses: 40 credits

Literature Segment: 32 credits

Must be taken at Stockton University (12 credits)

  • LITT 1100 - Introduction to Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 2123 - Introduction to Research in Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 4610 - Senior Seminar (4 credits) or
  • LITT 4900 Senior Project (requires Program approval)

  • LITT 2000-level or higher Elective*
  • LITT 3000-level or higher Elective*
  • LITT 3000-level or higher Elective
  • LITT 3000-level or higher Elective
  • LITT 3000-level or higher Elective

*LITT 2412 English Language and Grammar recommended for Teacher Education
**LITT 3205 Shakespeare strongly recommended

Theatre Segment: 32 credits

  • THTR 2681 - Acting Fundamentals (4 credits)
  • THTR 3321 - Script Structure Fundamentals (4 credits)
  • THTR 2183 - Tech Fundamentals for Production (4 credits)
  • THTR 2684 - Producing & Mgmt. Fundamentals (4 credits)
  • Creative Project Development: (4 credits)
    Choose 1:
    • THTR 3180 - Creative Project Dev. 1
    • THTR 3182 - Creative Project Dev. 2
    • THTR 3184 - Creative Project Dev. 3
    • THTR 3186 - Creative Project Dev. 4
  • THTR 3320 - History of Drama (4 credits)
  • THTR 1150 - The Business of Show Business (4 credits)
  • THTR Elective (4 credits)

25 % of all the courses a student takes at Stockton must be General Studies courses.
For all first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 64 credits (B.A. degree), the following courses are required.

General Arts and Humanities (GAH) — 8 credits
General Interdisciplinary (GEN) — 4 credits
General Integration and Synthesis (GIS)* — 4 credits
General Natural Science and Mathematics (GNM) — 8 credits
General Social Science (GSS) — 8 credits
     *Must be taken in junior or senior year

NOTE: No more than 16 credits in any General Studies course may be applied toward the B.A. degree.

At-some-distance electives are courses that are unrelated to your major. 32 credits are required.
These courses are listed as attributes and should be completed within the 128 credits needed to graduate.

Arts (A)
Historical Conciousness (H)

Values Ethics (V)
International/Multicultural (I)
All matriculated students must earn a C or better in 4 writing-designated courses. Two W1 courses may be transferred.

1 W1 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course (any level)

1 W1 or W2 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course 3000-level

NOTE: W2 courses must be taken at Stockton University.

All matriculated students must pass three quantitative-reasoning-designated courses. Two Q1 courses may be transferred.

1 Q1 course (any level)

1 Q1 or Q2 course (any level)

1 Q2 course (any level)

NOTE: Q2 courses must be taken at Stockton University. 

All matriculated students must pass two Race and Racism-designated courses. A minimum grade of C is required for the R1 course; a minimum grade of D is required for any R2 course taken to fulfill this requirement. At least one of the two required courses must be taken at Stockton University.

1 R1 course (any level)

1 R1 or R2 course (any level)

Reminder: “The student is responsible for ensuring that all graduation requirements are met” (Bulletin). It is important that you consult with your preceptor and/or the Center for Academic Advising on a regular basis.

All Bachelor’s Degree programs require a minimum of 128 credits and a 2.00 cumulative G.P.A.

For more information on the Literature program, please consult the Academic Bulletin.

Course descriptions and prerequisite information may be found in the Catalog of Courses.

Literature Minor: 20 credits

Complete five LITT courses with a grade of C or better.

  • LITT 1100 Introduction to Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 2123 Introduction to Research in Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT course at the 1000 or 2000 level (4 credits)
  • LITT 3000-level or higher (4 credits)
  • LITT 3000-level or higher (4 credits)

A minimum grade of C or better is required for all program courses counted toward the Humanities minors.

Students should consult with a Literature faculty member to ensure that these requirements are met.

 

Literature Courses: 40 credits

Core Required Courses for all majors:

Must be taken at Stockton University (12 credits)

  • LITT 1100- Introduction to Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 2123 - Introduction to Research in Literature (4 credits)
  • LITT 4610 - Senior Seminar (4 credits)
  • Seven LITT Elective courses (28 credits)

At least four LITT courses (16 credits) must be 3000-level or higher.

American Studies Courses: 9 credits

  • AMST 5000 - Proseminar (3 credits)
  • AMST 5001 - Research Methods in American Studies (3 credits)
  • AMST 5xxx Elective (3 credits)

 

Cognates: 16 credits

Includes Languages and Culture Studies credit hours. Additional courses may be in ARTV, AFRI, COMM, DANC, HIST, LANG, LITT, MUSC, THTR, or PHIL. G-courses will not be considered cognates.


A minimum grade of C or better is required for all program and cognate courses counted toward the 64 program and cognate credits required for baccalaureate graduation.

To be awarded a graduate degree in American Studies a student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in courses applied toward the graduate program.

Choose one of the following:

  1. Complete the study of one language through the Intermediate II level, or two languages through the Beginning II level (4-16 credits).
  2. Complete an interdisciplinary culture studies minor: Africana Studies, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Disability Studies, Global Studies, Jewish Studies, Latin and Caribbean Studies, or Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. LITT courses used to satisfy the minor may not be used for the major except as electives/cognates.
    20-21 credits.
  3. Complete of one semester of study abroad. Transfer credit varies.
  4. Achievement of a score of “Intermediate Mid” on the ACTFL oral proficiency exam or other approved testing option. For information on testing consult visit the American Council on the Teach of Foreign Languages OR www.languagetesting.com.

At-some-distance electives are courses that are unrelated to your major. 32 credits are required.

Three AMST courses (9 credits) to be takin in senior year are included under ASD requirements:

  • AMST 5000 Proseminar in American Studies (3 credits)
  • AMST 5001 Research Methods in American Studies (3 credits)
  • AMST Elective course (3 credits)

Graduate courses count as 4 credits at the undergraduate level and 3 credits at the graduate level. Six AMST elective courses, including internships, independent studies, or thesis, will be finished in year five of the 4+1 year program.

25 % of all the courses a student takes at Stockton must be General Studies courses.
For all first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 64 credits (B.A. degree), the following courses are required.

General Arts and Humanities (GAH) — 8 credits
General Interdisciplinary (GEN) — 4 credits
General Integration and Synthesis (GIS)* — 4 credits
General Natural Science and Mathematics (GNM) — 8 credits
General Social Science (GSS) — 8 credits
     *Must be taken in junior or senior year

NOTE: No more than 16 credits in any General Studies course may be applied toward the B.A. degree.

**GAH 2275 Intro to American Studies is recommended for one of the GAH courses.

These courses are listed as attributes and should be completed within the 128 credits needed to graduate.

Arts (A)
Historical Conciousness (H)

Values Ethics (V)
International/Multicultural (I)
All matriculated students must earn a C or better in 4 writing-designated courses. Two W1 courses may be transferred.

1 W1 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course (any level)

1 W1 or W2 course (any level)
1 W1 or W2 course 3000-level

NOTE: W2 courses must be taken at Stockton University.

All matriculated students must pass three quantitative-reasoning-designated courses. Two Q1 courses may be transferred.

1 Q1 course (any level)

1 Q1 or Q2 course (any level)

1 Q2 course (any level)

NOTE: Q2 courses must be taken at Stockton University. 

All matriculated students must pass two Race and Racism-designated courses. A minimum grade of C is required for the R1 course; a minimum grade of D is required for any R2 course taken to fulfill this requirement. At least one of the two required courses must be taken at Stockton University.

1 R1 course (any level)

1 R1 or R2 course (any level)

Reminder: “The student is responsible for ensuring that all graduation requirements are met” (Bulletin). It is important that you consult with your preceptor and/or the Center for Academic Advising on a regular basis.

All Bachelor’s Degree programs require a minimum of 128 credits and a 2.00 cumulative G.P.A.

For more information on the Dual Degree program, please consult the Academic Bulletin.

Course descriptions and prerequisite information may be found in the Catalog of Courses.


Additional Information

To view the curriculum, you’ll use the web program, Degree Works. This program is accessible even if you are not currently a student with Stockton University.

Current Students

Access your portal for Degree Works, then look for the “what if” option to explore the various paths towards degree completion. Click the button below for instructional videos on how to use Degree Works:

Degree Works Training Videos

 Prospective First Year or Transfer Students

Use the button below:

Current Curriculum and Transfer Equivalency

How to Use Degree Works Equivalency:

  • At the next page you are prompted with three (3) options. Select the one that says “continue without signing in.”
  • Respond to each prompt using the pull-down menu in the center of the page. [Please be patient. It may take a few seconds for the system to process your request. If you see a NO symbol, you need to wait a moment!]

Prompts include:

  • Enrollment dates (Choose intended semester attending)
  • Intended level (Choose “undergraduate”)
  • What degree you will pursue? (Choose “Bachelor of Arts”)
  • What is your intended major? (Choose “Literature”)
  • What is your intended concentration? (Choose one of the concentrations listed above)
  • What is your intended minor? (Choose “none” or select one - it is not required). 
  • For prospective students, choose “I’m all done" button.
  • For transfer students, use the “class” button to see how courses already taken fit into the Stockton degree path.
  • You will see an overview of the degree you have selected, including all requirements.
  • At the bottom of the screen, you could save or print the worksheet.

Top Five Reasons to Study Literature at Stockton

  1. Global Awareness
    Because “poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before” (Audre Lorde): literature contains all the disciplines— from science, politics, history, religion and philosophy to psychology, economics, music, art, and film. When you study literature, you study the world.
  2. Critical Thinking
    Because “language is a virus” (Laurie Anderson) and knowledge of it is the cure: Literature majors can become experts in using language to understand and to critique our systems of knowledge and perception.
  3. Communication Skills
    Because inarticulateness is well, like, bad: the critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills Literature majors develop allow them to enter a variety of careers as well as graduate study. In fact, English is the language of international business. As a result, employers, such as Logitech CEO Bracken Darrell, “love hiring English majors.”
  4. Information Literacy & Research Skills, Teamwork & Collaboration
    Because Literature has some of the best professors and we will know your name: Literature offers small classes and a variety of opportunities for on- and off-campus internships and independent study—including creative writing projects, projects in the digital humanities, and opportunities to work with the South Jersey Culture & History Center.
  5. Adapting to Change
    Because you should study what you love. Have a passion for reading and writing? We will help you study what you love and find the careers that will utilize these skills.

Dual Degree Program in Literature & American Studies

The undergraduate Literature Program at Stockton offers an accelerated dual-degree program that allows Literature majors to earn a B.A. in Literature and M.A. in American Studies in five years. This intensive academic program of study includes all of the courses within the Literary Studies concentration Literature major as well as all of the courses required in the Master of Arts in American Studies program. Students may apply to the dual degree program upon admission to the university, as first-year or transfer students. Transfer students with over 96 transfer credits should use the "direct entry" application for the M.A. in American Studies.

Learn more about a Dual Degree in Literature and American Studies

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Minimum of 96 credits
  • Minimum of 20 credits in LITT courses
  • 3.2 GPA minimum in the Literature major
  • Grade of C or better in LITT 2114 and LITT 2123

To apply for enrollment in the Dual-Degree Program in Literature and American Studies, contact a Literature preceptor or the Chair of the Literature program. 

Literature Faculty

Adam Miyashiro

Adam Miyashiro

Program Chair Professor of Literature
609-626-6020  | F-213a
Emily August

Emily August

Associate Professor of British Literature
609-652-4636 | B-114
Jacob Camacho

Jacob Camacho

Assistant Professor of Creative Writing
609-626-3438 | J-213
Deborah Gussman

Deborah Gussman

Professor of American Literature
609-652-4657 | F-131
Adalaine B. Holton

Adalaine B. Holton

Associate Professor of Literature
609-652-4594 (email preferred) | C-115
Kristin Jacobson

Kristin Jacobson

Professor of Literature
609-626-5581 | F-243
Cynthia Arrieu-King

Cynthia Arrieu-King

Professor of Creative Writing
609-626-6089 | J-109
Thomas Kinsella

Thomas Kinsella

Distiguished Professor of Literature, Director of the South Jersey Culture and History Center
609-652-4419 | H-202h
Nathan Long

Nathan Long

Professor of Creative Writing
609-652-4887 | H-246
Ian Marshall

Ian Marshall

Professor of Literature
609-652-4505 | K-150

 

Literature Adjunct Faculty

 

 Ian August

 Ian August

 Literature Adjunct Faculty

 

Emeritus Faculty

 

Stephen Dunn

Stephen Dunn

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Creative Writing - In Memoriam
Lisa Honaker

Lisa Honaker

Professor Emerita of British Literature
Marion Hussong

Marion Hussong

Professor Emerita of Literature and Holocaust & Genocide Studies
Kenneth Tompkins

Kenneth Tompkins

Professor Emeritus of Literature

Special Opportunities


Study Abroad and Internships

The Literature program encourages its majors to pursue at least one term of study abroad or one term of internship (e.g., the Washington Internship). Of schools not located in the District of Columbia, Stockton has the largest Washington Internship program of any college or university in the country. The full-semester internship for 12 credits can be a useful tool for gaining career experience and contacts. A sample of previous placements for majors in Literature includes internships with the United Press International’s Capitol Hill Investigative Reporter, The National Journal, The Hill Rag, and D.C. Public Defender, as well as congressional and executive offices.

Scholarships, Clubs, and Honor Societies

The program maintains an active chapter of the international honor society Sigma Tau Delta, as well as the literature club, Idols of the Tribe. The program brings students, faculty, and alumni together for career workshops, meet-and-greet information gatherings, graduate school application workshops, and the annual LITT Bash, a large party to honor outstanding student work and celebrate the completion of the academic year. The Literature program also sponsors the Visiting Writers Series: public readings by poets, novelists, and non-fiction authors with local, national, and international reputations. Past visiting writers include Jeffrey Eugenides, Sharon Olds, Marilyn Nelson, Marie Howe, Tony Hoagland, Mark Strand, Alicia Ostriker, and Mark Doty. We also publish a student-run journal, Stockpot.

Careers

 

More Careers with a Literature Degree