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Literary Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Literary Arts at Brown University is a four-year, full-time, on-campus program that provides students with a rigorous and imaginative space to explore the craft of writing across genres. Merging creative practice with literary study, the program invites students to develop their voices through fiction, poetry, screenwriting, hybrid forms, and experimental writing. With a curriculum that values originality, risk-taking, and artistic innovation, students learn to express complex ideas with precision, creativity, and emotional depth.
The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration, allowing students to pair their writing with interests in visual art, philosophy, performance, or critical theory. Through workshops, literature seminars, and public readings, students engage with peers and faculty in an environment that fosters collaboration and constructive critique. Faculty—accomplished writers and scholars—offer mentorship as students build portfolios and hone their craft. Whether pursuing traditional storytelling or boundary-pushing forms, students graduate with the ability to produce intellectually rich and stylistically distinct work that speaks to contemporary cultural and literary conversations.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Literary Arts
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: Literature
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Introduction to Literary Form and Language
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Reading Literature Like a Writer
- Elective: Modern and Contemporary Fiction or Poetic Forms
- Writing and Language Across Cultures
Year 2 – Genre Exploration and Technique
- Workshop in Fiction or Poetry
- Literary Theory and Interpretation
- Elective: Playwriting, Memoir, or Literary Journalism
- Seminar: Voice, Structure, and Narrative Experimentation
Year 3 – Development and Collaboration
- Advanced Workshop in Primary Genre
- Cross-Genre or Hybrid Writing Lab
- Independent Study or Research Seminar
- Public Reading or Small Press Collaboration
Year 4 – Portfolio and Capstone Work
- Senior Writing Workshop or Thesis Project
- Elective: Writing and the Visual Arts or Literature of Place
- Seminar: The Writer in the World
- Final Portfolio and Public Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Literary Arts program possess highly transferable skills in creative communication, critical analysis, and narrative construction, opening doors to careers in publishing, journalism, education, media, and the arts. Many become writers, editors, literary agents, or content creators, while others work in screenwriting, advertising, nonprofit storytelling, or cultural programming. Some pursue advanced degrees such as MFAs or PhDs in literature or creative writing, continuing their academic and artistic development. Alumni often work in arts organizations, digital media, or public communications, where strong writing and interpretive skills are vital. The program’s emphasis on voice, originality, and intellectual engagement prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to both literary and interdisciplinary fields.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a unique blend of creative freedom, literary scholarship, and artistic mentorship, ideal for students who want to write with purpose and precision. Brown University’s open curriculum supports cross-disciplinary exploration, enabling students to shape their education around both personal vision and intellectual curiosity. The Literary Arts department cultivates a community of writers dedicated to innovation and excellence, supported by faculty who are active contributors to contemporary literature. Through workshops, performances, and publication opportunities, students learn not only how to write—but how to live as writers. For those ready to develop their voice and craft in a challenging, collaborative environment, this program offers the structure, flexibility, and inspiration to grow as an artist and thinker.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
