UMass Boston

Literary History Minor

Explore the Influence of Literature on History, Culture & Societies.

The Literary History Minor at UMass Boston focuses on the rich history of literature, spanning different periods and styles. As a student in this program, you’ll explore gothic literature, American Realism, the works of Shakespeare, and more. By analyzing literature’s evolution over time, you’ll gain strong foundational knowledge of historical, cultural, and societal changes.

You’ll also develop your critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, which complement many other majors and fields, including history, education, and business. You can pursue careers in teaching, publishing, writing, or research.

Expand Your Studies

How to Apply/Declare

Current Undergraduate Students: Declare or change your minor by completing an Undergraduate Program Add/Change form.

Prospective Undergraduate Students: Apply for admission to UMass Boston by completing an application. Start by reviewing the first-year and transfer application pages for important information about requirements, deadlines, and application status checks. Use the links below to apply: 

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Curriculum

Electives (18 Credits)

Complete six courses from the list below. At least one course must be a pre-1900 capstone.

  • ENGL 326 - Stage and Page: Drama Before 1642 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 327 - Stage and Page: Drama, 1660-1900 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 331 - Satire 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 351 - Early African-American Literature 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 365 - The British Novel and the Nineteenth Century 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 366 - Women and Men in Nineteenth-Century Literature 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 382 - William Shakespeare’s Early Works 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 383 - William Shakespeare’s Later Works 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 385 - John Milton 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 396 - Jane Austen 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 401 - The Medieval Period 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 402 - The Renaissance in England 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 405 - British Romanticism 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 406 - The Victorian Age 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 408 - American Romanticism 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 409 - American Realism 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 437 - Reading the Gothic: Transatlantic Terrors 3 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Completion Requirements

Complete 18 credits from six elective English courses.

Grade: No courses with a grade below C may be applied toward the minor.
Pass/fail: No courses taken pass/fail may be applied toward the minor.
Residency: At least five courses for the minor must be completed at UMass Boston.

Contact

English Department
Wheatley Hall, 6th Floor, Room 13
617.287.6700
English.Department [@] umb.edu

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