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Language and literature

Department of Language and Literature

Our programs create graduates who are skilled in understanding the written word, including rhetoric, classic literature, and foreign languages, and using the principles of language to communicate effectively.

About the Department

Broaden your horizon with the study of language and literature. The Department of Language and Literature trains students to be highly literate, to think critically, and to express themselves creatively. You’ll study philosophy, as well as a wide range of literature, from classic to contemporary, and practice your language skills by writing in different styles – short stories, poems, informational and how-to writing, linguistics, and even journalism. Graduates enjoy successful careers that rely on effective communication – editing, publishing, media, government agencies, marketing, business, and more. An education deeply rooted in rhetoric can even lead to a successful career in law, in which the ability to read and understand policies and arguments is critical.

The department also provides training in other languages and offers a full major in the Spanish language. The chance to study abroad will help you develop your foreign communication skills, as well as giving you a greater of the structure of the English language. Get ready to hone your writing and speaking abilities today with an education from the Department of Language and Literature.

Study Abroad

Immerse yourself in Latin American culture and enhance your Spanish language skills through a four-week study abroad experience in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica program is offered each summer, and students can earn 6 credit hours to apply toward their degree.

Bree Ackerman

“I think Wayne State’s Language and Literature Department is unique because there’s such a variety of not only professors but also students in the class, so you’re never going to get a one-sided view on a topic – you’re going to get multiple views. And I really think that’s what education is about – opening up to other viewpoints.”

 

Bree Ackerman

Major: Secondary English Education
Hometown: Lincoln, Neb.

Language and Literature Programs

Choose from our language and literature programs, or enhance your education by adding on a second major or minor. Explore your options here.

Program Name Bachelor's Pre-Professional or Affiliate Master's Minor Education Field Endorsement Education Subject Endorsement Supplemental Endorsement
Creative Writing       Explore       
Editing and Publishing       Explore       
English       Explore       
English as a Second Language Explore             
English Education - Master's Degree Option (MSE)     Explore         
English Language Arts Education (7-12) Explore             
English Literature Explore             
English Writing Explore             
English Writing and Literature Explore             
ESL Education - Master's Degree Option (MSE) Partially Online     Explore         
Interdisciplinary Studies Explore    Explore  Explore       
International Studies       Explore       
Nursing (Accelerated)   Explore           
Philosophy       Explore       
Secondary English Education (7-12) Explore             
Spanish Explore      Explore       
Spanish Education (7-12) Explore             

Outside the Classroom

At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, and more.

Student clubs and organizations

Clubs and Organizations

WSC Publications

Publications and Events

Student Opportunities

Opportunities

  • Competitions and conferences – Showcase your skills when you compete in poetry and fiction slams or the Hot Papers Contest, and meet the pros when you participate in writing programs and attend conferences.
  • The Neihardt Seminar – a special summer course taught by a visiting writer/scholar
  • Cultural events – Join in the fun and help promote events such as Foreign Language Day, Dia de los Muertos festivities, picnics, field trips, and movie nights.
Student Teaching and Clinical Practice for Education Majors

Internships/Clinicals

WSC can provide you with a variety of publication outlets, writing opportunities, and other events to build your portfolio and gain practical experience in this field of study. If you’re an education major, you’ll need to complete clinical practice (student teaching). Career Services is also available to help you find internship opportunities.

Learn From the Best

Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in our language and literature degree programs.

Scholarships and Aid

In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships for language and literature degree programs.

Take the Next Step

Take the Next Step