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Literature & Writing Resources

In keeping with the multicultural and interdisciplinary philosophy of CSU San Marcos' Mission Statement, the literature major provides students with a global literary experience, which may be best described under the general rubric of "cultural studies."  In its broadest sense, this term implies that literature and other cultural artifacts are studied as reflections and expressions of the cultures that value them.  Studied in this context, literature is viewed not only in terms of its form and style, its relation to previous traditions and genres, its rhetoric and language, but in terms of its use in constructing social and cultural identities.  Cultural studies may involve comparative approaches between "high" and "low" forms of expression; it may concern itself with new kinds of media (film, video, computers); it usually involves issues of social status, gender, ethnicity, and national demographics; it often examines relationships between various kinds of cultural documents (historical records, archives, newspapers, novels).

Writers and editors communicate through the written word. Writers and editors generally fall into one of three categories. Writers and authors develop original fiction and nonfiction for books, magazines and trade journals, newspapers, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements. Technical writers develop scientific or technical materials, such as scientific and medical reports, equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. They also may assist in layout work. Editors select and prepare material for publication or broadcast and review and prepare a writer’s work for publication or dissemination.

Career Sources and Professional Organizations

Sample Job Titles

Entry Level: Experienced:
    Editorial Assistant    Copy Writer
    Freelance Writer    Editor
  Mass Media Assistant   Journalist
    Production Assistant    Public Relations Specialist
  Public Relations Assistant   Publisher
  Teacher   Research Journalist
  Screenwriter   Technical Writer

Enhancing Employability

  • Computer-related art skills
  • Independent research
  • Ability to work independently
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Updated October 23, 2002