Our faculty were some of the first in the country to teach feminist and queer theory as well as literature from across the globe. We remain committed to reading and teaching texts from a range of genres and perspectives, using a variety of critical methods while maintaining a traditional focus on close reading.


At Purchase, students study novels, poems, plays, and graphic novels, as well as an equally wide variety of filmic texts. Seniors embarking on the college-required, year-long senior project can study and write about any text or texts of their choice. Our students also enjoy writing together and being in close conversation with faculty members.


An English and Global  Literatures degree from Purchase College teaches you to write well and think critically, preparing you for a number of career paths. Our graduates have received PhDs, become teachers, worked as editors, published award-winning novels, written for television and emerging social media markets, practiced law, started businesses, and much more.