Otterbein College

What you'll study

Coursework emphasizes close, critical, and innovative reading; clear and insightful writing; and knowledge of literary terms, genres, periods, histories, and theories. Students study literature in varied historical, cultural, biographical, formal, and theoretical contexts and learn to analyze texts for structure and strategy. The curriculum supports producing original reading and writing projects and engaging with literature’s capacity to complicate and transform human experience.

Entry requirements

Specific admission requirements are not listed on this page; prospective and current students should consult Otterbein's course catalog for program details and the catalog year corresponding to their entry to the university.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strengths in analytical reading, research, and written communication—skills applicable to roles in publishing, education, communications, public service, nonprofit work, and any field valuing clear writing and critical thinking. The program also supports students pursuing graduate study in literary or related fields.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Financial support is not specified here; applicants should review Otterbein’s scholarships and financial aid pages and speak with the university’s admissions or financial aid offices for funding options.

Student learning outcomes (KMERI)

• Read broadly across periods, genres, forms, movements, cultures, and media.
• Read closely and interpretively, attending to textual structures and participating in a community of readers.
• Write clearly with attention to audience, purpose, and genre conventions.
• Inquire rigorously by asking complex questions, analyzing parts, and using sources responsibly.
• Engage culturally by articulating perspective, bias, and multiple viewpoints.
• Think creatively through risk-taking, connecting disparate materials, and transforming knowledge.
• Demonstrate initiative and independence by pursuing experiences beyond the classroom such as publications, internships, or immersive literary opportunities.