WELCOME STUDENTS

“My interest in lyric poems in English grounds me in formalism and spreads outwards to historical periods, languages, writers, to ‘creative’ and non-creative writing, and to the practice of translation. ‘If it ain’t a pleasure,’ William Carlos Williams says, ‘it ain’t a poem.'”

– Stephen Tapscott, MIT Literature Professor

A Focus in Literature

Concentration

Minor

Joint Major

Full/Double Major

Transfer Credit

Details

Academic Policies

Details

UROP

Details

FAQs

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Highlights

Alumna: Double Major

Tamea Cobb, Class of ’24

Double Major: Literature (21L) &  Chemical Engineering (10)
MISTI Internship in Cape Verde with Genius Watter (Fall), MISTI Internship in Brazil  (Spring)

“Courseroad early! And go to Lit Tea. Take the classes that you’re interested in, it’s a lot easier to do assignments for a class you like.”

Alumnus: Joint Major

Grace McMillan, Class of ’24

Joint Major: Literature (21E) and Mechanical Engineering (2)
Fulbright in Kazakhstan, law school afterward!

“Start writing papers early and don’t be afraid to ask for direction. Also if you feel very passionate about a topic, write about it in your journal.”

Alumnus: Double Major

Anjali Chadha, Class of ’23

Major: Literature (21L) & Biological Engineering (20)

“Connect with your professors, possibly even more so than with those in technical courses. Especially when you are curious about a specific work or an author, professors can point you toward amazing resources and criticism, as well as similar authors that may not be as well-known. “

Alumnus: Double Major

Diego Delarue, Class of ’24

Double Major: Literature (21L) with Film Focus minor & Computer Science and Engineering (6-3)

“Plan from the start, declare the major early, and enjoy the community.”

Alumnus: Minor

Grace Rojo, Class of ’24

Major: Mathematics (18)
Minor & Concentration: Literature (21L)

“Try new types of literature as much as possible. I had always thought I hated poetry but taking a poetry class really helped me see the beauty in it and changed my whole perspective. “

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For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the SFS website for undergraduates.

Photo Gallery

Appreciation dinner with class 21G.320 (Introduction to French Literature). Left to right: Ishan Ganguly, Sara Modiano, Professor Bruno Perreau, Naomi Kirimi, Abraham Corea Diaz, and Nghi Nguyen.

IAP Brazil 2023 with Lit Major, Tamea Cobb!

Chasing the Pearl-Manuscript: Speculation, Shapes, Delight by Arthur Bahr

IAP 2025: The Spanish Incubator with Prof Margery Resnick in Madrid

MIT Students at Quizbowl 2023, Lit Major Katherine Lei on the far right!

Grace McMillan, Class of 2024, awarded Fulbright Fellowship 2024

MLK Fellowship Professor, Lupe Fiasco

The newly launched Lit@MIT podcast, Poetechnics!

21W.756 Writing and Reading Poems with Professor Joshua Bennett

Reading Aides Exhibit (2024) in Literature's Hallway

Tamea Cobb, Class of 2024's sneaker: 'Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.' - Toni Morrison

The Shining

The Shining

Concentration

The requirements for a Literature concentration are three subjects, including one subject from the intermediate tier (400-, 500-, 600-) and one subject from the seminar (700-) tier. Two six-unit samplings courses (from the 300 and 600- tier) may be combined by petition to count as one intermediate-tier subject for the purposes of a concentration. Certain subjects from outside of Literature may also qualify as part of a Literature concentration with permission of the instructor. To propose a concentration, you must meet with a concentration advisor, who will help you define your concentration and select courses that best suit your interests and objectives.

For more information, download this info sheet.

If you are interested in concentrating, get in touch with a concentration advisor, litconcentrationadvisor@mit.edu.

Concentration

The requirements for a Literature concentration are three subjects, including one subject from the intermediate tier (400-, 500-, 600-) and one subject from the seminar (700-) tier. Two six-unit samplings courses (from the 300 and 600- tier) may be combined by petition to count as one intermediate-tier subject for the purposes of a concentration. Certain subjects from outside of Literature may also qualify as part of a Literature concentration with permission of the instructor. To propose a concentration, you must meet with a concentration advisor, who will help you define your concentration and select courses that best suit your interests and objectives.

For more information, download this info sheet.

If you are interested in concentrating, get in touch with a concentration advisor, litconcentrationadvisor@mit.edu.

Minor

The Literature minor, with a focus either in film and literature, is designed to allow a student to build on their concentration in Literature. Students wishing to minor must meet the designated advisor to plan out their course of study.

The minor program in literature requires six subjects:

  •  At least one and no more than two courses from the list of introductory literature subjects
  • Two or three courses from the Literature intermediate subjects. Two six-unit Samplings subjects may be petitioned to count for a maximum of two twelve-unit intermediate subject; and at least two courses focus on material before the 1900s
  •  At least two seminars

The minor program with a film focus also requires six subjects approved by the minor advisor, including at least three subjects from the following list:

  •  21L.011 Introduction to Film Studies
  •  21L.431: Shakespeare on Film and Media
  •  21L.433 Film Styles and Genres
  •  21L.435 Literature and Film
  •  21L.706 Studies in Film

For more information, download this info sheet.

In the semester in which you are taking the final subjects needed to complete the minor, you will meet again with a minor advisor to submit the Completion of Minor form.

1. If you are interested in minoring, get in touch with a minor advisor litminoradvisor@mit.edu for the literature focus minor and literature film focus minor.

2. Submit the Application Form to the Undergraduate Academic Administrator litminoradvisor@mit.edu. They will then submit the signed form to shass-ug@mit.edu. (Forms for interdisciplinary minors should be submitted directly to shass-ug@mit.edu.)

Minor Application form: https://shass.mit.edu/files/shass/cimg/PDF_HASS_Minor_Application_Form.pdf
Minor Completion form: https://shass.mit.edu/files/shass/cimg/PDF_HASS_Minor_Completion_Form.pdf

Minor

The Literature minor, with a focus either in film and literature, is designed to allow a student to build on their concentration in Literature. Students wishing to minor must meet the designated advisor to plan out their course of study.

The minor program in literature requires six subjects:

  •  At least one and no more than two courses from the list of introductory literature subjects
  • Two or three courses from the Literature intermediate subjects. Two six-unit Samplings subjects may be petitioned to count for a maximum of two twelve-unit intermediate subject; and at least two courses focus on material before the 1900s
  •  At least two seminars

The minor program with a film focus also requires six subjects approved by the minor advisor, including at least three subjects from the following list:

  •  21L.011 Introduction to Film Studies
  •  21L.431: Shakespeare on Film and Media
  •  21L.433 Film Styles and Genres
  •  21L.435 Literature and Film
  •  21L.706 Studies in Film

For more information, download this info sheet.

In the semester in which you are taking the final subjects needed to complete the minor, you will meet again with a minor advisor to submit the Completion of Minor form.

1. If you are interested in minoring, get in touch with a minor advisor litminoradvisor@mit.edu for the literature focus minor and literature film focus minor.

2. Submit the Application Form to the Undergraduate Academic Administrator litminoradvisor@mit.edu. They will then submit the signed form to shass-ug@mit.edu. (Forms for interdisciplinary minors should be submitted directly to shass-ug@mit.edu.)

Minor Application form: https://shass.mit.edu/files/shass/cimg/PDF_HASS_Minor_Application_Form.pdf
Minor Completion form: https://shass.mit.edu/files/shass/cimg/PDF_HASS_Minor_Completion_Form.pdf

Joint Major

The major in Literature is well-suited to those students who want to experience a wide range of literary and filmic texts across historical periods. The joint major in Literature, offering flexibility in how the major course of study is constructed, has the following degree requirements:

• 180 units beyond the GIRs
• At least eight subjects in Literature, along with at least six subjects in the science or engineering field of their choice. Students should consult with the appropriate science or engineering department for their regulations as to which six subjects are required.
• Of the eight Literature subjects, no more than three may be introductory subjects, at least two must be intermediate subjects, and at least two must be seminars.
• As of the 2023-24 academic year, the joint major will require a minimum of 3 subjects that focus on pre-1900 texts. Consult an advisor in Literature if you’re not sure whether a class satisfies the requirement.
• For students who declared the joint major before the 2023-24 academic year, three of eight subjects must be distributed according to one of two available rubrics: Historical Periods or Thematic Complexes. Consult this info sheet and your major advisor.

Literature majors intrigued by sustained intellectual work conducted under the supervision of a faculty member are encouraged to consider completing a Literature Thesis.

If you are considering a Literature major, contact litacademics@mit.edu, the Undergraduate Academic Administrator.

 

Joint Major

The major in Literature is well-suited to those students who want to experience a wide range of literary and filmic texts across historical periods. The joint major in Literature, offering flexibility in how the major course of study is constructed, has the following degree requirements:

• 180 units beyond the GIRs
• At least eight subjects in Literature, along with at least six subjects in the science or engineering field of their choice. Students should consult with the appropriate science or engineering department for their regulations as to which six subjects are required.
• Of the eight Literature subjects, no more than three may be introductory subjects, at least two must be intermediate subjects, and at least two must be seminars.
• As of the 2023-24 academic year, the joint major will require a minimum of 3 subjects that focus on pre-1900 texts. Consult an advisor in Literature if you’re not sure whether a class satisfies the requirement.
• For students who declared the joint major before the 2023-24 academic year, three of eight subjects must be distributed according to one of two available rubrics: Historical Periods or Thematic Complexes. Consult this info sheet and your major advisor.

Literature majors intrigued by sustained intellectual work conducted under the supervision of a faculty member are encouraged to consider completing a Literature Thesis.

If you are considering a Literature major, contact litacademics@mit.edu, the Undergraduate Academic Administrator.

 

Full or Double Major

The major in Literature is well-suited to those students who want to experience a wide range of literary and filmic texts across historical periods. The full or double major in Literature has the following requirements:

• 180 units beyond the GIRs
• At least ten subjects in Literature
• No more than three subjects may be introductory subjects, at least three must be intermediate subjects, and at least three must be seminars.
As of the 2023-24 academic year, the joint major will require a minimum of 3 subjects that focus on pre-1900 texts. Consult an advisor in Literature if you’re not sure whether a class satisfies the requirement.

•  For students who declared the joint major before the 2023-24 academic year, four subjects of the ten must be distributed according to one of two available rubrics: Historical Periods or Thematic Complexes. Consult with this info sheet and your major advisor.

Literature majors intrigued by sustained intellectual work conducted under the supervision of a faculty member are encouraged to consider completing a Literature Thesis.

If you are considering a Literature major, contact litacademics@mit.edu, the Undergraduate Academic Administrator.

Click here for the Double Major Form: https://registrar.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2020-08/double_major_application.pdf

Full or Double Major

The major in Literature is well-suited to those students who want to experience a wide range of literary and filmic texts across historical periods. The full or double major in Literature has the following requirements:

• 180 units beyond the GIRs
• At least ten subjects in Literature
• No more than three subjects may be introductory subjects, at least three must be intermediate subjects, and at least three must be seminars.
As of the 2023-24 academic year, the joint major will require a minimum of 3 subjects that focus on pre-1900 texts. Consult an advisor in Literature if you’re not sure whether a class satisfies the requirement.

•  For students who declared the joint major before the 2023-24 academic year, four subjects of the ten must be distributed according to one of two available rubrics: Historical Periods or Thematic Complexes. Consult with this info sheet and your major advisor.

Literature majors intrigued by sustained intellectual work conducted under the supervision of a faculty member are encouraged to consider completing a Literature Thesis.

If you are considering a Literature major, contact litacademics@mit.edu, the Undergraduate Academic Administrator.

Click here for the Double Major Form: https://registrar.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2020-08/double_major_application.pdf

Transfer Credit

For Students Seeking Transfer Credit in Literature

Students should contact the Literature Transfer Credit Examiner and provide a copy of the following material with a completed transfer credit form

https://registrar.mit.edu/registration-academics/transfer-credit
https://registrar.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2021-09/transfer_credit_request_form.pdf

1. Subject description and syllabus

2. Detailed descriptions of writing assignments

3. A copy of an essay written by the student for the subject and/or a completed examination

4. Copy of transcript showing grade received and the duration of course

In general, a student may request one of the following types of transfer credit:

1. General Elective Credit: Subjects deemed appropriate for such credit do not count toward the Institute’s 8-subject HASS requirement. They do, however, count as unrestricted elective credit towards the student’s graduation.

2. HASS-Elective Credit: Subjects deemed appropriate for such credit are designated as HASS-E on the appropriate transfer form, and do count toward the Institute’s 8-subject HASS requirement. The Literature faculty will accept at most one such subject toward a concentration in Literature, and at most two such subjects toward a minor in Literature.

3. Subject-Equivalent Credit: In this case, the transferred subject is considered the equivalent of a particular subject offered by Literature. It therefore counts exactly as that Literature subject (in units, HASS elective status, and so on).
The Literature Transfer Credit Examiner will decide how much credit, if any, and what type of credit is appropriate.

To speak to the Transfer Credit Examiner, click here littce@mit.edu

Academic Policies

For MIT’s Academic Integrity Statement, click here https://integrity.mit.edu/

Literature Faculty Policy on Plagiarism

Plagiarism – the use of another’s intellectual work without acknowledgement – is a serious offense. It is the policy of the Literature Faculty that students who plagiarize will receive an F in the subject, and that the instructor will forward the case to the Committee on Discipline. Full acknowledgement for all information obtained from sources outside the classroom must be clearly stated in all written work submitted and in all oral presentations, including images or texts in other media and for materials collected online. All ideas, arguments, and direct phrasings taken from someone else’s work must be identified and properly footnoted. Quotations from other sources must be clearly marked as distinct from the student’s own work.

Writing and Communication Center (E39-115), which offers free professional advice about oral presentations and about all types of academic, creative, and professional writing. Book an appointment here https://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/

UROP

Doing a UROP in Literature can give you first-hand experience in how professional literary research and critical thinking and writing get done. Students may do UROPs in Literature for pay or course credit. Funding for paid UROP positions usually comes from the UROP office and occasionally from faculty members’ own sources.

Students interested in doing a UROP in Literature should initiate direct contact with the faculty member with whom they wish to work.

For further information about UROP opportunities in Literature, visit https://urop.mit.edu/

FAQ

How many classes are required for a Concentration in Literature?

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.

Can I minor in Literature?

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.

Can I major in Literature?

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.

Can I both concentrate and have a minor in Literature?

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

Will the Literature Section accept transfer credits from other schools?

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

What's the series of informal meetings where poems are read and discussed?

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.

Is the Writing Program the same thing as the Literature Section?

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.