Literature Major
At Salve Regina University, our bachelor's degree in literature empowers you to see the world through a wider lens - one shaped by the voices of the past and the possibilities of the future. We prepare you for a wide range of careers, from teaching, writing and publishing to roles in law, public administration, public relations and content management. With strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of storytelling and the ability to interpret complex texts, our graduates are well equipped to excel in creative and professional fields.
You won't get an education more fulfilling than Salve. The professors, staff and administration deeply care about their students and provide a personal touch to your four years here.
Samantha Shalongo ’23
Our literature students don't just love reading - they crave intellectual challenge, embrace diverse perspectives and seek to refine their writing with clarity and creativity. They analyze complex ideas, explore the impact of language and develop the critical skills essential for any career. At Salve, we provide the foundation to turn your passion for words into purpose.
We invite you to embark on a journey through time, culture and imagination. Dive into the rich worlds of mythology, contemporary British and American literature and global storytelling. You'll study iconic authors like Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens and Melville, alongside modern voices such as Jhumpa Lahiri, Zadie Smith and Colson Whitehead.
With courses exploring everything from the Harlem Renaissance and fairy tales to the vibrant world of young adult literature, you'll develop a deep understanding of the stories that shape our world - and your future.
What Sets Salve Apart
Salve is ranked among the 390 best colleges by The Princeton Review, and the best regional universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Salve is ranked in the top 6% of universities nationwide for long-term return on investment, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.
Double Major in Secondary Education
You can choose to double major in literature and secondary education, preparing you for Rhode Island teacher certification for grades 7-12. This option combines a strong foundation in literature with the practical skills needed to engage and inspire students in the classroom.
Literature Across the Globe
Literature majors have the opportunity to spend a summer in Oxford, England. The program emphasizes experiential learning, with trips to sites such as the famous Eagle and Child pub, where C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and their writing club, the Inklings, met to discuss literature and share their latest creative works.
The Newport MFA Pathway
Qualified undergraduates can begin our Master of Fine Arts in creative writing program - the Newport MFA - during their fourth year. The Newport MFA immerses students in the creative life through craft talks, residencies, mentorships, and publishing and editing panels, always with a sustained focus on writing.
Alumni Making Waves
Michaela McMahon '19
Assistant, office of Dr. Stephen Humphrey
A monologue written by Michaela McMahon was selected as the voice for Molly Malone's statue in Dublin, Ireland. "Literature and creative writing play important roles, because you are influenced by the authors you learn about while developing your own writing style, academically and creatively," she said. "I would not have been able to write the monologue the way I did without the unique outlook that my studies afforded me."
Mary Van Akin '10
Executive director of school and library marketing, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
"The close analysis required of a literature major continues to help me when we're considering a new manuscript for acquisition. Writing articles for my communications courses helped me to be more concise, which is crucial when preparing pitches and press materials."
Effie Gianitsos '20
Ph.D. candidate in the department of English at Duke University
Effie Gianitsos took a course on the Inklings, a group of 1930s and 1940s Oxford writers that included C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Owen Barfield, which immerses students in the tradition of literary discussion where they read, perform and analyze the intent behind iconic works. "It wasn't just about reading books or listening to lectures; it was much more active," she said. "There were videos that we watched, plays we got to act in and discussions about modern issues and varying political thoughts. Everyone learns differently, but most students seem to work best in that type of environment."
Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in literature
Courses within the literature major emphasize the transformative power of storytelling, showing how narratives shape cultural understanding and inspire action. Through critical analysis, discussion and writing, you'll develop the skills to use literature as a tool for advocacy, fostering awareness and dialogue that contribute to meaningful social change.
Bachelor of Arts and Science in literature and secondary education
Literature and secondary education majors complete a minimum of 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree, including 41-44 credits of core courses, 39 credits of literature courses and 43 credits of secondary education courses.
Minor in literature
Meet Our Literature Faculty
Our full-time faculty members specialize in different areas of literature and are supported by adjuncts from the professional world. Our students enjoy close relationships with our highly qualified and dedicated faculty.
Dr. Madeleine Esch
- Associate professor
- Chair, English, Communications and Media
Dr. Sally Gomaa
- Professor
Dr. Donna Harrington-Lueker
- Professor emerita
Dr. Ikea Johnson
- Assistant professor
Dr. Hyoyeun Jun
- Assistant professor
- McAuley scholar
Dr. Jen McClanaghan
- Associate professor
- Writer in residence
Dr. D. Matthew Ramsey
- Professor
Dr. Margaret Svogun
- Professor
Writing at a Professional Level
Our students are uniquely positioned with the knowledge and experience they need for successful careers in the field. Through hands-on opportunities with professional writing, editing and publishing, they build portfolios that showcase their skills and set them apart in the job market.
Mosaic
Salve's independent student newspaper, Mosaic provides campus news, sports and entertainment stories. Mosaic serves as a forum for the Salve student voice and provides an open platform for students from all disciplines. Whether you're interested in writing or reading, the goal of Mosaic is to provide you with a place to publish. Read the Mosaic.
The Willow
Founded in 1998 as a student-organized literary publication, the magazine's purpose is to encourage and celebrate creative expression in the campus community through the publication of poetry, prose, artwork and photography by the student population. Students gain experience soliciting and evaluating literary and artistic submissions while also learning the nuts and bolts of editing and publishing a professional-quality journal.
Ochre
Ochre magazine takes its name from Ochre Court, the Gilded Age summer home of the Goelet family that today serves as the main administrative building of the University. Ochre is an online publication featuring the work of students in the COM371: Feature Writing course. Read Ochre magazine.