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Students majoring in Literature study the great works of European and American literature. They take two semesters of English literature and one semester of American literature, as well as a course in Literary Theory. Literature majors study a classical language and take advanced courses in history, philosophy and theology. As part of major electives, they must take classes in either fiction or non-fiction writing, study two distinct genres in more depth, and focus on one major author. Additionally, they expand on areas of interest by developing Directed Research & Writing projects in literary studies or creative writing, or participate in literature or writing related internships such as student teaching, tutoring or editing.

Three alumni share on why they chose the literature major at PHC:

Crista Richey | Colin Cutler | Erik Landstrom 

For more information, see Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature.

Literature majors have a close relationship with the campus drama team, Eden Troupe. In the past, Eden Troupe has provided literature majors opportunities such as producing an original play or original script, as well as providing many opportunities to adapt the literature learned in the classroom to the stage.

Guest Speakers

Students often get the opportunity to hear from modern authors. Recent speakers include Chinese activist, writer and poet Liao Yiwu, Nate Wilson, author of the popular Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide-Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken World, Ann Voskamp, author of the bestselling book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, Michael Flaherty, founder of Walden Media, and Bill Bennett, host of "Bill Bennett's Morning in America" and author of the popular Book of Virtues, Children’s Book of Virtues, and most recently, The Book of Man. Other authors include Patrick Henry biographer Thomas Kidd, Charles Murray, and Richard Platt, author of As One Devil to Another.

School Publications

Patrick Henry College has a variety of outlets for literary endeavors. Cuttlefish is a student-run publication featuring original poetry, fiction, critiques and artwork. The Herald, a student-news publication, offers an outlet for news stories, opinions and other non-fiction writing.

Trips Abroad

Dr. Bonnie Libby leads students on a biannual literary tour of Great Britain. Students visit sights such as the London locales of Samuel Johnson, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and John Donne; George Herbert's Salisbury and nearby scenes like Stonehenge; Jane Austen's Bath; The Lake District (home to William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, and Beatrix Potter); C.S. Lewis's Oxford, and more.

Streaming Media Network

Founded in 2005 to produce and distribute student productions, Streaming Media Network has grown over the years to produce web series and movie shorts.  SMN provides members with experience in directing, producing, screenwriting, cinematography, makeup, lighting and acting. Student members have produced and directed several web series, short films, and sponsered student film exposes.  Produced genres include music videos, love stories, documentaries, dramas and mockumentaries.

Local Cultural Events

Northern Virginia and the D.C. area offers PHC Literature majors many opportunies to interact with both literature and with our culture. With everything from festivals to plays, there are many unique opportunities for PHC students to interact with literature.

• Fall for the Book Festival - An annual event organized by George Mason University and the City of Fairfax
• Washington Post - Book signings, reviews and news.
• American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse - See Shakespeare perfomed year-round in a re-creation of the original theatre.
• Virginia Opportunites - General events, especially theatre perfomances, book sales, and historical tours.
• Poets and Writers - Calendar of book signings, workshops, and readings; search by city.

Steve R. Hake, Ph.D.
Chairman, Department of Classical Liberal Arts
Professor of Literature

Gene Edward Veith, Ph.D.
Provost
Professor of Literature

Mark D. Filiatreau, M.A.
Adjunct Professor of Literature

Jennifer Schlaudt ('07) - Written August 2011
Jennifer Schlaudt (Literature, '07) begins the day the same way she ends it: by checking her email. Email is her lifeline to the 39 students around the United States whom she taught from her home in Texas. “I get to be a part of my family’s daily lives while instilling a Christian worldview in passionate young students all over the country and the world,” said Schlaudt. “And I’m doing it for Patrick Henry College!” | Read more.

Jordan Estrada ('08) - Written February 2009
Jordan Estrada (Literature, '08) reaches toward the ideal of the "warrior poet" as he helps defend the streets of Washington, D.C., with a citizens' volunteer organization known as the Alliance of Guardian Angels. |  Read more.