No, Emory University does not offer a standalone major in Gothic literature. However, students passionate about horror, the supernatural, and dark romanticism can fully explore these themes through the university’s flexible English major, elective seminars, and interdisciplinary options. From classic Gothic fiction and Southern Gothic to horror in film and gender studies, Emory provides ample academic pathways to immerse oneself in Gothic literary studies. Whether through themed courses, independent research, or a self-designed major, the curriculum supports students looking to delve into the eerie, mysterious, and psychologically complex world of the Gothic tradition.
English Department Programs at Emory
Majors and Concentrations
Emory University offers a robust and diverse English major through its Department of English, which allows students to explore a wide range of literary traditions, critical theories, and writing practices. The core English major curriculum includes courses in historical literary periods, genre studies, and thematic approaches to literature. Students are encouraged to tailor their academic path through elective offerings and special topics courses that reflect contemporary issues and evolving literary discourses.
While Emory does not offer a standalone major specifically titled "Gothic Literature," students interested in this field can pursue it through elective courses and specialized seminars within the English major. The department regularly offers classes focusing on Gothic fiction, horror studies, and 18th- and 19th-century British literature—key periods for Gothic literary development. These courses often examine authors like Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and contemporary interpretations of the Gothic tradition.
Minors and Interdisciplinary Options
In addition to the English major, Emory offers a minor in English, which requires fewer credit hours and provides flexibility for students pursuing other primary fields of study. The English minor complements majors in history, philosophy, women's studies, film and media, and other humanities disciplines.
Students can also take advantage of Emory’s interdisciplinary programs, such as the Creative Writing major, which is jointly housed in the English Department. This program allows students to pursue fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and other genres while grounding their work in critical literary study.
Another interdisciplinary avenue is the Human Health and Humanities initiative, where English courses intersect with topics in medical ethics, narrative medicine, and cultural representations of health and illness.
Honors Program and Research Opportunities
The English Department at Emory also offers an Honors Program for academically advanced students. This program provides the opportunity to conduct original research and produce a senior honors thesis under faculty supervision. Students interested in Gothic literature, for example, might develop a thesis exploring the evolution of Gothic tropes in American literature or conduct comparative studies across time periods and media.
Research seminars and independent study options allow students to dive deeply into specific literary topics, including modern expressions of the Gothic in film or digital media, or explore intersections with race, gender, and postcolonial theory.
Faculty and Academic Resources
Faculty in the English Department are recognized scholars with expertise across a wide range of fields, including British Romanticism, African American literature, postcolonial studies, feminist theory, and speculative fiction. Many professors have published works relating to Gothic traditions and their cultural impact, allowing students to study under mentors with relevant scholarly backgrounds.
The department also hosts lectures, symposia, and visiting writers that often include topics related to horror, the supernatural, and Gothic motifs in literature and popular culture. Emory’s Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library (MARBL) provides additional resources for students conducting primary research in historical texts and rare literary collections.
Career Preparation and Applied Learning
English majors at Emory develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and interpretive skills that prepare them for a wide array of careers, including publishing, education, law, public relations, and digital media. Courses in rhetoric, digital humanities, and professional writing are designed to connect literary study with practical applications in today’s job market.
Students interested in pursuing graduate study in English or related fields such as comparative literature or cultural studies receive strong foundational training and advising support. Those with a focus on Gothic literature may continue on to specialize in this area at the graduate level, supported by the academic rigor and research experience gained at Emory.
Gothic Literature Course Opportunities
Gothic Literature within English Studies
At most universities, including Emory University, Gothic literature is not offered as a standalone major. Instead, it is typically explored as a specialized area within the broader English Literature curriculum. Students interested in Gothic themes can pursue coursework through the English major, which often includes electives or upper-level seminars focused on Gothic fiction, horror literature, and the supernatural in literature.
In these courses, students might study seminal Gothic texts from authors such as Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman, as well as contemporary reinterpretations of the genre. These classes often examine the genre’s historical origins, cultural significance, and enduring influence across different media.
Course Topics and Themes
Gothic literature courses frequently cover topics such as:
- The origins and evolution of the Gothic tradition in 18th- and 19th-century literature
- Psychological horror and the uncanny
- Gender, sexuality, and identity in Gothic narratives
- Gothic tropes in modern and postmodern literature
- The intersection of Gothic and postcolonial studies
- Southern Gothic and American Gothic subgenres
These thematic studies allow students to analyze how Gothic literature reflects and critiques societal anxieties, moral complexities, and philosophical dilemmas.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Students may also explore Gothic literature through interdisciplinary lenses. Many programs encourage cross-departmental study, allowing students to link Gothic themes to disciplines such as:
- Film and Media Studies: examining Gothic cinema and horror film adaptations
- Philosophy: exploring existentialism, the sublime, and Gothic ethics
- Gender Studies: investigating the role of the Gothic in feminist and queer theory
- History: contextualizing Gothic fiction in relation to historical events and social movements
This interdisciplinary approach enriches students' understanding of the genre and its broader cultural implications.
Opportunities at Emory University
While Emory University does not offer a major specifically in Gothic literature, its English department provides ample opportunity to explore the genre through specialized courses and research. Students can enroll in literature classes that focus on the Romantic and Victorian periods—key eras for Gothic development—or select topics in American literature that delve into the Southern Gothic tradition.
Additionally, Emory supports independent research projects, allowing students to propose individualized studies in Gothic literature under faculty mentorship. Those interested in deeper academic engagement can also participate in honors programs or collaborative research initiatives within the humanities.
Graduate and Postgraduate Pathways
For students wishing to pursue Gothic literature beyond the undergraduate level, a strong foundation in English or Comparative Literature is essential. Many graduate programs in literature or cultural studies offer further specialization in Gothic themes, particularly in relation to critical theory, film studies, or historical contexts.
Graduate students may focus on dissertation topics such as trauma and the Gothic, eco-Gothic narratives, or transnational Gothic literature, contributing to the evolving academic discourse surrounding the genre.
Extracurricular and Community Engagement
Outside the classroom, students often find opportunities to engage with Gothic literature through:
- Academic journals and literary magazines
- Student-led reading groups or Gothic-themed clubs
- Campus film screenings and lecture series on horror and Gothic media
- Creative writing workshops focused on speculative fiction and horror
These extracurricular activities foster a vibrant intellectual community for those passionate about Gothic literature and its wide-ranging influence.
Related Academic Paths
English and Comparative Literature
Students interested in Gothic literature often pursue a major in English, which provides a broad foundation in literary analysis, historical context, and critical theory. Emory University, for instance, offers a comprehensive English major that allows students to explore a wide array of genres and periods, including the Gothic tradition. While there is no standalone major specifically in Gothic Literature, the English major includes courses on 18th- and 19th-century British and American literature, Romanticism, and themes of horror, the supernatural, and psychological complexity—all of which are essential to studying Gothic fiction.
Comparative Literature is another viable route for students who want to analyze Gothic texts across cultures and languages. This interdisciplinary major emphasizes literary theory and global literary traditions, often encouraging students to read texts in their original languages and to study how genres like the Gothic evolve in different cultural contexts.
Interdisciplinary Humanities Programs
Gothic literature often intersects with other disciplines, making interdisciplinary programs a strong academic path. Emory offers interdisciplinary majors such as:
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies: For students interested in the early roots of Gothic themes, such as religious symbolism, architecture, and pre-modern horror.
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Many Gothic texts explore themes of gender, power, and the body. This program allows students to critically analyze these elements through feminist and queer theory lenses.
- American Studies: A valuable option for students focusing on the American Gothic tradition, with its unique themes of isolation, decay, and psychological tension.
These programs often allow students to tailor their coursework to include Gothic literature as a key thematic or historical focus.
Film and Media Studies
For those interested in Gothic themes as they appear in visual culture, the Film and Media Studies program is an excellent academic path. This program explores narratives in film, television, and digital media, and offers courses on horror cinema, visual storytelling, and adaptation studies. Students can analyze how Gothic motifs are transformed in film, from classic horror to contemporary psychological thrillers.
Art History and Visual Arts
Gothic literature is closely tied to visual culture, especially through its symbolic aesthetics and architecture. Art History majors can explore Gothic art and architecture, while students in Visual Arts may create work inspired by Gothic themes. These programs support a creative and analytical engagement with the Gothic beyond the written word.
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Many Gothic texts grapple with existential questions, metaphysical dread, and theological conflict. Majors in Philosophy or Religious Studies allow students to explore these underpinnings more deeply. Courses in ethics, metaphysics, or mysticism can provide a theoretical background for understanding the philosophical anxieties at the heart of Gothic narratives.
Creative Writing
For students interested in producing their own Gothic fiction, Creative Writing is a natural academic path. Emory’s Creative Writing program encourages genre exploration and offers workshops that can focus on horror, speculative fiction, and psychological thrillers. Through mentorship and peer feedback, students learn to craft compelling narratives that draw on the Gothic tradition.
Theater and Performance Studies
Gothic literature has a strong theatrical element, from dramatic monologues to eerie settings and emotional intensity. A major in Theater Studies provides students with opportunities to analyze, interpret, and perform works with Gothic elements. Courses in dramatic literature and stage design can deepen understanding of Gothic tropes as they play out in live performance.
Emory’s English Department: Flexibility and Focus
At Emory, the English department offers a flexible curriculum that supports the study of specialized literary themes. Students interested in Gothic literature can take advantage of seminars on Romanticism, 19th-century fiction, and contemporary horror. Additionally, Emory encourages independent research projects and honors theses, where students can focus intensively on a specific area like Gothic literature under faculty supervision.
Whether through core literature courses, interdisciplinary majors, or creative practice, students have numerous academic paths to engage deeply with Gothic literature in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Alternative Study Options
While traditional majors and minors provide a structured academic path, many universities—Emory included—offer alternative study options that allow students to explore unique interests, tailor interdisciplinary pursuits, or engage in emerging academic fields that may not yet have established departmental homes. These alternatives include self-designed majors, special concentrations, and thematic clusters that reflect the evolving nature of academia.
Self-Designed Majors
One of the most flexible options available to students is the self-designed or individually planned major. These programs are ideal for students whose academic interests span multiple disciplines and who wish to build a curriculum that aligns with their specific intellectual or career goals. At Emory University, for example, students can propose a self-designed major through the Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) program. This process typically involves:
- Drafting a proposal with a clear academic rationale
- Outlining a coherent course plan drawing from various departments
- Gaining approval from faculty advisors and academic committees
This option can be particularly useful for students interested in niche subjects such as Gothic literature, which may not be offered as a standalone major. While Emory does not offer a specific major in Gothic literature, students can integrate relevant courses from English, Comparative Literature, History, and even Art History to create a focused study on the Gothic tradition in literature and culture.
Thematic Concentrations and Course Clusters
Another way to pursue specialized academic interests is through thematic concentrations or course clusters. These are curated groups of courses centered around a particular theme, period, or methodology. While not formally listed as majors or minors, these clusters often allow students to build expertise in areas like:
- Postcolonial Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Medieval and Early Modern Studies
- Horror and the Supernatural in Literature
Courses in these clusters may include topics such as Gothic novels, supernatural fiction, or Victorian horror, which align with Gothic literature themes. Such offerings can often be found within the English department or cross-listed with Film and Media Studies and Religion.
Honors Programs and Independent Study
Students seeking a deeper engagement with a specific topic may also consider Honors Programs or Independent Study opportunities. These options allow students to:
- Conduct original research under faculty supervision
- Focus in depth on a literary or cultural theme of their choice
- Produce a senior thesis or capstone project
For instance, an English major interested in Gothic literature might pursue an independent study on Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, or contemporary horror narratives, culminating in a thesis that explores the evolution of Gothic motifs across time and media.
Study Abroad and Experiential Learning
Alternative study options also extend beyond campus through study abroad programs and experiential learning. Many universities partner with institutions in the UK, Ireland, and Europe—regions rich in Gothic literary heritage. These programs allow students to:
- Study Gothic authors in their historical and geographical contexts
- Visit key literary sites such as Whitby Abbey or the moors of Yorkshire
- Engage with international scholars and archives
These immersive experiences can enrich a student’s understanding of Gothic literature and provide a global perspective on literary studies.
Cross-Registration and Consortium Opportunities
Some institutions, including Emory, participate in academic consortia that allow students to cross-register at neighboring colleges or universities. This broadens the range of available courses and enables students to explore subjects not offered at their home institution. For Emory students, this may include accessing specialized literature classes or niche humanities seminars at partner schools.
Digital and Interdisciplinary Certificates
Finally, students may pursue certificate programs that complement or extend their major fields of study. Digital Humanities, for example, is an increasingly popular certificate that combines literary analysis with computational methods. This can be particularly relevant for analyzing Gothic texts through digital archiving, text mining, or interactive storytelling.
These alternative academic pathways reflect a growing recognition of student agency in shaping their education. They offer rich opportunities for intellectual exploration, especially in areas like Gothic literature that thrive at the intersections of disciplines.
Academic Resources and Support
Navigating the diverse academic offerings at a university is made possible through a robust infrastructure of academic resources and student support systems. These resources are designed to aid students in selecting, pursuing, and excelling in their chosen fields of study, whether they are engaging in traditional disciplines, interdisciplinary programs, or emerging fields.
Academic Advising
Academic advising plays a central role in helping students chart a clear and personalized academic path. Most universities provide a dedicated advising office for each school or department, where students can receive one-on-one guidance on:
- Selecting majors and minors
- Fulfilling core and program-specific requirements
- Exploring interdisciplinary opportunities
- Planning for graduate school or career goals
Advisors also assist students in navigating complex academic decisions such as double majors, major-minor combinations, and study abroad integration.
Writing and Communication Centers
To support students in developing strong written and oral communication skills, many institutions house Writing Centers or Communication Labs. These centers offer services such as:
- One-on-one writing consultations
- Workshops on academic writing, citation, and research
- Support for multimedia and digital communication projects
- Specialized help for non-native English speakers
These resources are especially crucial for students enrolled in writing-intensive programs like English, Rhetoric, and Journalism.
Library and Research Services
University libraries serve as academic hubs, offering expansive access to:
- Scholarly journals and academic databases
- Research consultations with subject librarians
- Archival and primary source materials
- Technology lending (e.g., cameras, laptops, recording equipment)
Dedicated research support is often available for advanced students engaging in honors theses, capstone projects, or independent study.
Tutoring and Peer Support Programs
Academic support extends beyond faculty through peer-led initiatives, including:
- Subject-specific tutoring (e.g., Math, Chemistry, Economics)
- Group study sessions and review workshops
- Peer mentoring for first-year students
- Supplemental instruction for challenging gateway courses
These programs are often coordinated through academic success centers and are designed to promote collaborative learning and academic resilience.
Technology and Digital Learning Support
In recognition of the growing integration of digital tools in education, universities provide comprehensive support for digital learning. This includes:
- Learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard)
- Access to academic software (SPSS, MATLAB, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Digital humanities labs and maker spaces
- Online portals for course registration, degree audits, and advising appointments
Students in programs such as Digital Media, Information Systems, and Digital Humanities benefit especially from these resources.
Faculty Mentorship and Office Hours
Faculty engagement is a cornerstone of academic success. Professors not only lead classroom instruction but also provide mentorship through:
- Weekly office hours
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Letters of recommendation
- Career and graduate school advising
In departments such as English, where students may pursue niche interests like Gothic literature (as explored at institutions like Emory University through course clusters rather than formal majors), faculty mentorship is essential to shaping individualized academic trajectories.
Career Services and Experiential Learning
Academic support is closely tied to career preparation. University career centers offer:
- Internship and co-op placement assistance
- Resume and cover letter workshops
- Interview practice and career fairs
- Graduate school application support
Additionally, departments often integrate experiential learning opportunities such as service-learning courses, industry projects, and study abroad programs aligned with academic goals.
Accessibility and Inclusive Learning
To ensure equitable access to academic success, universities provide specialized services for students with disabilities and learning differences. These include:
- Accommodations for exams and coursework
- Assistive technology and software
- Support from disability resources offices
- Inclusive teaching practices and universal design
These services reinforce the institution's broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all academic programs.
Honors Programs and Academic Fellowships
For high-achieving students, honors colleges and departmental honors tracks offer enriched academic experiences, such as:
- Small, discussion-based seminars
- Research grants and fellowships
- Priority registration and housing
- Opportunities for publication and conference participation
These programs encourage academic excellence and leadership in both traditional and interdisciplinary fields of study.
Conclusion
The combination of academic advising, tutoring, faculty mentorship, research services, and digital learning resources ensures that students are well-supported throughout their educational journey. Whether pursuing a conventional major or customizing an interdisciplinary path, the academic support infrastructure empowers students to thrive and make the most of their university experience.
While Emory University doesn't have a major specifically titled “Gothic Literature,” it provides a rich, interdisciplinary framework for studying this dark and imaginative genre. Students can deeply engage with Gothic themes through the English major, specialized courses, research opportunities, and even create a personalized academic path. For those captivated by haunted mansions, psychological horror, and literary shadows, Emory offers the academic flexibility and resources to fully explore the Gothic tradition—both in the classroom and beyond. Ready to dive in? Start exploring Emory’s English and interdisciplinary programs to create your own darkly academic journey.
