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.
Department of Language and Literature
“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.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Drama Club
- Literature Club
- Sigma Tau Delta (English honor society)
- Spanish Club
Publications and Events
- Arts Walk
- Nebraska Poetry Festival - a two-day festival featuring Great Plains poets
- Nebraska Fiction Festival - a two-day festival featuring Great Plains fiction writers
- Plains Writer Series – a biannual event that brings contemporary poets and writers to campus for readings and workshops
- Poetry and fiction slams
- Senior Seminar book - an annual publication of Senior Seminar pages
- The Judas Goat – a student literary magazine
- The Nebraska Territory – a regional literary magazine
- The Wayne Stater – college newspaper
- WSC Press – a literary press that publishes regional writers
Opportunities
- Competitions and conferences – Showcase your skills when you compete in poetry and fiction slams, and meet the pros when you participate in writing programs and attend conferences.
- 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.
- The Neihardt Seminar – a special summer course taught by a visiting writer/scholar
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Language education majors can develop classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
- Tutoring - work as a writing tutor for the Holland Academic Success Center
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. Students can work as editors with the WSC Press, and 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.
Ann Riley-Adams, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
