World Literature and Culture Studies
Why Study World Literature and Culture Studies?
Globalization, democratization, and post-colonial forces continue to powerfully shape our increasingly complex and interconnected world. World Literature and Culture Studies provides a valuable opportunity to study these relationships as expressed in literary and other cultural texts from a variety of perspectives.
Those who would otherwise choose to study one national or regional literature may find here a broader frame of reference for their interest. Students have the opportunity to read intriguing and challenging texts from around the world while discovering the connections between literature and other disciplines and among the various literatures studied in the program.
This program offers students the possibility of exploring the relations between literature and such areas as ideology, colonialism, film and other visual arts, gender studies, political thought, and International Development Studies.
The Program is dedicated to the study of literature and cultures in a broad interlingual, intercultural and interdisciplinary framework. It offers students the opportunity to explore various cultures and literatures through the study of texts, either in their original language or in translation and to develop a more global consciousness and awareness. World Literature and Culture Studies introduces students to
- The literatures of two or more languages and cultures.
- Questions and theories about literatures and cultures.
- Contemporary and/or historical perspectives on two or more cultures.
The study of different texts and cultures will enrich and enhance students' understanding of their own as well as of other cultures. This process is facilitated by the systematic comparison of such questions as literary genres, periods, movements, and dominant themes and motifs, or in the context of the mutual impact of two or more national or regional cultures.
What Can You Be With a Major in World Literature and Culture Studies?
A major does not dictate your career; it provides you with invaluable skills and knowledge that you can apply to many areas of life and work. Here are some the careers you may want to consider pursuing with your major:
- Foreign Affairs Officer
- Social Development Manager
- Policy Advisor
- Communications Specialist
- Freelance Writer/Journalist
- Editor
- Researcher
- Development Project Manager
- Director of Community Relations
- Search for Careers for more career possibilities.
With additional education/training…
- University/College Professor
- Research Analyst
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Financial Advisor
Where Can You Work?
- Language Schools
- Government Development Agencies
- Non-profit Organizations
- International and Regional Development Organizations
- International Relief Agencies
- Development Banks
- Development Research Centres and Institutes
What Skills Can You Develop?
An Arts degree helps you develop transferable, functional skills such as writing, critical thinking and communication skills that employers and most work situations require. Concentrating your studies in a major allows you to gain specific transferable skills, such as those below, which are attractive to particular employers and industries.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Expository writing and oral communications skills
- Functionality in a second or even third language
- World perspective and deeper insights into your own culture
- Ability to conduct research
- Grasp of political processes at multiple levels
- Organizational skills
- Understanding of the connection among politics, economics, history and culture
Professional Associations
Professional associations can be a great way to meet, learn from and network with professionals in your field of interest. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of professional associations you can explore.
Contact the Department
UNB Department of Culture and Language Studies
Room 333, Carleton Hall
P.O. Box 4400
Fredericton NB E3B 5A3
