Overview

Students analyze, in English translation, a wide range of fiction, poetry and drama produced in different geopolitical regions of the world. Students study different literary texts and traditions in their historical and cultural contexts. Program courses emphasize close reading and analysis of particular texts but also explore the relationships between those texts and the cultures that produced them.

Students investigate many complex issues that surround the subject of world literatures: What is lost when literature is translated from one language to another? How are the globalizing forces of today different from those of the past? How is literature related to social change and stability? As world literatures majors, students consider these and many other questions about literature and globalization.

Possible careers

Like students majoring in other disciplines in the College of Arts and Sciences, students majoring in world literatures develop skills in critical thinking and verbal communication that are essential to many positions in government and other service institutions, in business and industry, and in education. The world literatures major also prepares students to further their education in professional schools and in graduate degree programs in the humanities.

Graduates of the World Literatures program at The Ohio State University have chosen jobs in the public and private sectors, and many have continued their education to become lawyers, professors, teachers and other professionals.

Like other liberal arts majors, the Bachelor of Arts in world literatures prepares students to be critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and good writers and communicators. Graduates with world literatures degrees have increased understanding of cultural differences and interrelationships, which is especially important in today’s complex global politics and economy.

Programme Structure

Course Overview:

African American and African studies
East Asian languages and literatures
Greek and Latin
Near Eastern languages and literatures
Slavic and East European languages and literatures
Spanish and Portuguese

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbus, United States

Disciplines

Literature View 1012 other Bachelors in Literature in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Successful completion of university preparatory courses

High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA

Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores

Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community

Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement(e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)

Status as a first-generation university student

High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

45526 USD / year

≈ 45526 USD / year
Out-of-State

42423 USD / year

≈ 42423 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13641 USD / year

≈ 13641 USD / year

Living costs

Columbus

United States

940 - 1520 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for World Literatures.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Possible careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Columbus

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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