A Literature Concentration requires three subjects that form a coherent group, including one subject from the Seminar tier. Certain subjects in Writing and Humanistic Studies, Global Studies and Languages, and History can also qualify as part of a Literature Concentration.

Yes. The Minor Program in Literature consists of six subjects chosen from offerings in the Introductory, Intermediate, and Seminar tiers. (Two Samplings subjects – up to four total – may be combined to count as one Intermediate subject.) The minor aims to enhance a student’s appreciation of major narrative, poetic, and dramatic texts in relation to the cultures that produced them and to lay a foundation for advanced study. Students designate a minor by completing an Application for a Minor form by the end of their sophomore year.

Yes. There are three kinds of Literature Majors at MIT: Full Major, Joint Major, and Double Major. The Full Major is equivalent to the curricula of literary studies at major liberal arts universities. The Joint Major is designed to combine study in literature with substantial work in an engineering or science field.

Yes. Students with an established or growing interest in Literature are encouraged to do so.

Yes, a Literature Transfer Credit Examiner is designated each term to review such requests.

Yes, the Literature Section has been hosting a series called “Pleasures of Poetry” every year at lunchtime during MIT’s Independent Activities Period (IAP). All are welcome.

 No, there are eight Humanities Sections organized under the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The Comparative Media Studies & Writing is a close cousin of the Literature Section but has a separate faculty and curriculum.