Advisors: Dr. Jeffrey Angles (World Languages and Literatures) and Dr. Phillip Egan (English)
This is an interdepartmental program offered jointly by the Departments of English, World Languages and Literatures, and Spanish.
Studying the literature of other peoples of the world is one of the best ways to begin to know them. A great body of the world's literature is available for study in English translation in a variety of courses and departments at Western Michigan University. The world literature minor grows out of and is based on these courses.
This minor should be of value to students who have a general interest in literature and are curious about the world, especially that major part which does not have English as its literary language. Any student, including those majoring or minoring in English or Spanish or other world language, may elect the world literature minor. The minor should be of obvious value to students preparing to teach humanities or literature at any level. The world literature minor can provide useful backgrounds to students interested in foreign affairs, law, politics, journalism, mass communication, and theatre. It should also be of interest to students in business, scientific, and engineering curricula who wish to do a minor outside their main field. The minor should interest students who, whatever their career plans or major, wish the varied view and mixture of experiences of an interdisciplinary program. Also, the wide range of electives possible should make the minor attractive to students who would like the opportunity to help shape their own programs.
Prerequisites listed for any of the courses in this minor will be waived. However, students with questions about the advisability of taking courses for which there are prerequisites should consult one of the minor advisors. Transfer students should consult an advisor to determine the applicability of courses taken at other colleges.
Both the English and the World Languages and Literatures Departments have world literature minor advisors with regular office hours. For information, stop at or call the English Department office (269) 387-2572 or the Department of World Languages and Literatures, 410 Sprau (269) 387-3001.