Great Texts English Literature Major (BA and minor)
Enter the Great Conversation with this exciting, interdisciplinary major.
HCU’s Great Texts program (BA and minor) is an interdisciplinary program designed for students who want to learn from the best and most influential thinkers and writers of the past. The program is for students who want to cross the boundaries of traditionally defined disciplines in the humanities and encompasses literature, history, philosophy, political thought and more. It’s for students who want flexibility both in course offerings and in career opportunities.
This major is right for you if you don’t think you should have to choose between The Federalist Papers and “The Lord of the Rings,” Herman Melville and the Wars of the Roses, Shakespeare and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. It’s not that you lack focus; you see the connections between history, literature, politics and intellectual movements—and want to explore them.
Program Overview
All Great Texts majors and minors will take three common courses: Classical Mythology, Shakespeare and Great Texts in History. After that, the possibilities are many. Your advisor will work with you to recommend courses that meet your educational and professional goals.
Optional concentrations include:
- Medieval & Renaissance Concentration: Love the Middle Ages with dreams of graduate school? Take English, history, art, and politics courses featuring works from your favorite era—all counting toward your degree.
- Modern & Contemporary Studies: Want to be the next culture guru impacting the world through writing? Gain context through philosophy classes on social justice, upper-level creative writing, and language courses.
- Classical Studies Concentration: That Latin professor convinced you to take another translation course? Complement your classical languages with history and philosophy, perfect for those considering graduate studies.
Other reasons to pursue a degree in Great Texts:
- Flexibility for Changing Interests: Discovered a new academic passion halfway through another Humanities major? Switch to Great Texts to explore new interests while still graduating on time.
- Valuable Minor Option: Even if your major is outside the Humanities, develop crucial skills in writing, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and understanding human relationships that give you an edge in interviews.
- Liberal Arts Foundation: If you loved the variety of introductory courses in the HCU Liberal Arts Core or Honors program, build on this foundation with diverse upper-level courses that expand your interests.
If you are interested in the serious study of literature, history, classics, government, philosophy, communication, languages and the arts, and if you want to take a more interdisciplinary approach to your education, or even if you just want to round out your resume, a Great Texts major or minor might be perfect for you.
What Can I Do with a Great Texts Major from HCU?
A Great Texts degree opens diverse career paths by developing essential skills employers value across industries. Here’s how this versatile major can launch your future:
Professional Pathways:
- Education: Teaching at secondary or university level, curriculum development, academic administration
- Publishing & Media: Editorial positions, content creation, journalism, social media management
- Law & Government: Legal profession (with additional education), public policy, political campaigns
- Business: Marketing, public relations, human resources, corporate communications
- Nonprofit Sector: Grant writing, advocacy, program coordination
- Technology: Technical writing, user experience design, content strategy
- Healthcare: Medical humanities, patient advocacy, healthcare communication
Marketable skills:
- Advanced writing and communication abilities
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Creative problem-solving approaches
- Cross-cultural understanding and global perspective
- Ethical reasoning and decision-making
- Research and information synthesis
Graduate School Preparation: Great Texts provides excellent preparation for advanced degrees in humanities disciplines, law school, business programs, and even medical school when paired with appropriate science coursework.
The Minor Option: Even if your career goals lie outside the humanities, a Great Texts minor complements majors in business, sciences, and other fields by adding a distinctive dimension to your resume. This minor demonstrates your versatility and provides a competitive advantage in the job market by developing those crucial writing, thinking, and interpersonal skills that employers seek.
Admissions & Aid
If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in the great texts, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Explore next steps:
- Get to know HCU: Dive deep into what makes us unique.
- Gain admissions clarity: Learn the application process and timeline.
- Tuition and financial aid: Review federal aid, scholarships, and essential deadlines.
Become a Great Texts Major at Houston Christian University
