ABOUT
Statement
Literature at MIT embraces an expansive vision of literary study. We are a group of dedicated teachers and scholars united by a common interest in exploring strategies for critical reading and interpretation of texts across genre and media.
Our expertise stretches from antiquity to the 21st century, and our teaching embraces fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, drama, film, and more, offering opportunities to encounter and reflect on the diversity of human experience.
Our study of world languages and literatures embraces critical and creative approaches, and we strive to address the most pressing issues of past, present, and future, including formations of race, gender, and identity; globalization and climate change; and our relationships with nature, technology, and one another.
The Lit@MIT community hosts popular events which include Lit Tea, Pleasures of Poetry, the Ancient Medieval Studies Colloquium, the People’s Poetry Archive, the Global Humanities Initiative, the Global France Seminar, and more.
FAQ
What is LIT@MIT?
The Literature Section of MIT: short and easy to remember short for literary and literature. Also “LIT” because we are a bright and fun place in the MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Look at our Academic Pages to learn why you should major, minor, or concentrate in LIT@MIT!
Does Literature have a graduate program?
Literature is an undergraduate bachelor program at MIT that offers majors, minors, and concentrations. However we do host pre- and post-doctorates and visiting scholars through recommendations and grants: https://shass.mit.edu/academics/graduate/diversity-predoc. Please do not e-mail us directly and refer to the SHASS website.
Are Literature events open to the public?
Only if specified. For example, Pleasures of Poetry or our colloquiums and visiting speakers will say if the event is open to the public. Lit Teas are open only to the MIT Community: students, alums, and faculty from SHASS but also students taking Literature subjects and looking to get more involved! Keep an eye out on the events.mit.edu page or sign up for our mailing list.
How can I find out the research and publication work done by LIT@MIT’s faculty?
Go to the People page and sort by our fields of research.
How can donate to LIT@MIT?
You can contribute or give to the Literature Section here: https://giving.mit.edu/explore/schools/school-of-humanities-arts-and-social-sciences/literature. We do not accept used book donations and ask you not to send unsolicited publications.