Minor
About World Literatures (Minor Only) at CSUSB
The World Literatures minor at Cal State San Bernardino invites students to explore a rich array of literary traditions from around the globe, spanning diverse languages, cultures, historical periods, and genres.
Through this interdisciplinary program, students engage with texts that reflect the human experience across continents and contexts—examining how writers from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Indigenous traditions grapple with questions of identity, power, history, and meaning.
This minor enhances cultural awareness, critical reading, and interpretive skills while encouraging students to understand literature as a form of inquiry into lives and societies beyond their own.
It complements majors in English, world languages, history, communication studies, international studies, sociology, and any field where deep engagement with global perspectives adds value.
Careers in World Literatures (Minor Only)
A minor in World Literatures strengthens key competencies that are highly valued in careers where writing, interpretation, cultural insight, and creative thinking matter.
Graduates develop advanced literacy, analytical reasoning, and the ability to communicate across cultural contexts—skills that enhance career success in many fields.
Career pathways include:
- Education and teaching (secondary, college, adult, or community settings)
- Publishing, editing, and literary outreach
- Journalism, media, and communications
- Translation and interpretation (with additional credentialing)
- International program coordination or cultural affairs
- Nonprofit leadership focused on literacy and cultural exchange
- Marketing and content strategy with a global lens
- Graduate study in literature, comparative studies, cultural studies, creative writing, or international humanities
In all these fields, the ability to interpret texts, compose persuasive writing, and appreciate diverse perspectives gives students a competitive edge.
Meet Professor Bibiana Diaz
Opportunities for Students
Students in the World Literatures minor benefit from engaging coursework and opportunities to broaden their global literary knowledge:
- Coursework in major world traditions, such as African, Asian, European, Latin American, Indigenous, and Middle Eastern literatures
- Comparative literary analysis that builds cross-cultural insight and critical thinking skills
- Exploration of genre, narrative form, and cultural context across languages and regions
- Developing strong research and writing skills through literary interpretation and critical inquiry
- Opportunities to connect literature with global issues, such as migration, decolonization, identity, and social justice
- Faculty mentorship from scholars with expertise in global literary traditions and intercultural studies
- Collaborative and cross-disciplinary engagement with students in world languages, cultural studies, history, and communication
These experiences help students become thoughtful interpreters of texts and cultures—and confident communicators prepared for global careers and civic engagement.