Why should I study literature?

Several global crises of the 21st century have been attributed to "colossal failures of imagination.” At Bethel, we teach literature with a keen sense of its relevance for our world, emphasizing literary study as a discipline of the imagination that develops:

• intellectual capacity for critical thought
• emotional capacity for sympathetic understanding
• aesthetic capacity for appreciating beauty
• moral capacity for ethical action
• creative capacity for effective communication

What can I do with this degree?

By exploring the written word through a critical, inquisitive, and passionate lens, you'll gain deep thinking skills that strengthen your qualifications and make you stand out from competitors. The literature minor pairs well with majors in:

• Psychology
• Digital humanities
• Biblical and theological studies
• Business
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Students also have flexibility to explore literature from Spanish and Latin American cultures. 

What skills will I develop?

• Research and literary analysis
• Clear and effective communication
• Effective presentation skills
• How to learn quickly
• Literary study, such as contexts, critical approaches, and methods for interpretation
• A broad understanding of the history and representative works of British and American literary traditions and those of other cultures

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

Delve into unique literary topics

Some of our bold, innovative courses contribute to the cosmopolitan distinction of Bethel's literature program:

• Modern Mythmakers
• Medieval Identities and the Origins of Modern Racism
• Truth-Telling: The Stories of Resistance
• Literatures of Faith: Christianity & Islam
• Travel Writing taught on location in various countries
• Monsters and the Monstrous

Gain hands-on experience

Our department offers many on-campus opportunities for you to hone your creative craft. These include:

• The Coeval, a student-run journal published once a semester. Students can submit their fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and artwork for publication in the journal, or apply to work as a journal editor
• The Clarion, Bethel's student newspaper
• Textura, a student-written magazine produced using materials from an international J-Term trip
• The Jerry Healy Poetry Prize, awarded for our annual poetry contest

Recent News

"It’s Worth Dreaming"

May 13, 2022 | 12:30 p.m.

Bethel Clarion Wins First in General Excellence

February 18, 2022 | 11:30 a.m.

Driven by Data and Design

February 07, 2022 | 11 a.m.

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Literature changed who I was, allowed me to look at the world in a new way, to become a more curious person. Faith-learning integration at Bethel helped prepare me to link my faith with my work.

Amy Williams '07
Current job: Major Gifts Officer at Ecumen

We had numerous opportunities to practice journalism in classroom and professional settings, and we didn't just learn it as a craft. We studied the role of journalism as an institution, which I find very beneficial in today's media environment.

Jared Nelson '16
Current job: Communications Manager, PrepHoops.com

For me, journalism meant becoming a reporter, but God brought me into ministry. I quickly learned that good writing transcends vocation. Creative storytelling is key anywhere. Studying journalism helped me find my voice and bring good writing to any calling.

Monique Kleinhuizen '08 GS'16
Current job: Communications Strategist at Bethel University