Renowned Argentinean postmodernist, Jorge Luis Borges, declares that he “could not imagine the universe” had he not read works by great writers such as Shakespeare, Dostoyevsky, Milton, Conrad, and others. Borges sees all humanity as creative beings, constantly exchanging old worlds for new. Since we create the worlds that we imagine, we ought to take our task to heart and imagine our worlds well. From among the best artistic minds we may, like Borges, choose our guides.
To study literature is to study the past, the present, and the future within the beautifully complex and nuanced context of artistic expression. Familiarity with important literary works deepens thought and enriches the life of anyone in any career. Thus, a degree in literature is good preparation for a variety of professional pursuits. Our horizons are forever broadened by thinking about characters and human situations represented in art, as well as about the subject of verbal representation, itself. In addition to advanced studies in literature, law school, or teaching in the public schools, opportunities in communications, public relations, journalism, publishing, foreign service, librarianship, writing, advertising, editing or government work present themselves to the mindful English major with good writing skills. |
