Curriculum

This program is for the student who wishes to combine history and literature in a manner that might not be feasible under the requirements of the Division of History and Social Sciences  or the Division of Literature and Languages . Admission to the major is by application to the History/Literature Committee.

Literature Not in Translation

To meet the literature not in translation requirement, courses must require students to read texts in their original language (other than English). Generally, most courses at the 300 level or higher in the Reed language departments meet this requirement. Students may consult with the chairs of the History/Literature Committee about their courses at Reed or study abroad/transfer courses that may be used for this requirement, including literature courses in languages not taught at Reed. This requirement is typically met by two units in the same language, but it can be met by courses in multiple languages.

Junior Qualifying Examination, Thesis, Orals

Every History/Literature student must pass a junior qualifying exam given by the History/Literature Committee. Each senior must write a thesis bridging the disciplines of history and literature that will be evaluated by an orals board consisting of faculty members from both the history department and at least one literature department. Students are encouraged to select a fourth reader from outside the history department and the Division of Literature and Languages.

Early consultation with a member of the committee is important for students considering this major in order to determine whether the student qualifies for the major and to plan a program.

Programs

• History/Literature

Courses

• HISL 470 - Thesis