Letters

The Letters major is a traditional liberal arts major in which students take courses in history, literature, philosophy, and two languages. In many ways, it resembles the original college curriculum that everyone followed before the advent of majors in the early 20th century.

Andrea Golden, a Letters major and Chinese minor senior, defined a Letters degree as an all around degree based on classics and modern philosophy.

“Initially, I was an international business major,” Golden said. “But it wasn’t for me.” Golden changed her major to Letters.

“It sounded interesting,” Golden said. “I don’t regret my decision one bit.”

Professors expect certain things from their students.

Andrea Golden poses for a picture in the Burton Hall lounge.

“Regardless of their major, we expect students in our programs to develop their capacity for independent, critical thought,” said Samuel J. Huskey, academic chairman of the Department of Classics & Letters. “We also expect them to hone their skills in written and oral communication. Most of all, we expect them to develop the life-long intellectual habit of reading widely and thinking seriously about the humanities and their role in the modern world.”

“It teaches morality and virtue,” Golden said. “Those lessons carry on into life outside of class.”

Upper division classes are small, under 20 students. The professors expect the students to come to class. Many of them take attendance.

“I actually look forward to class,” Golden said. “I have never skipped a Letters class.”

The professors expect the students to discuss and debate issues in class.

“The discussion classes make you think about your own understanding versus social understanding,” Golden said.

Golden studies about two times a week. She has to write papers frequently, which takes her about four to six hours to complete each paper.

“It’s not about studying,” Golden said. “It’s about your ability to write a paper.”

The professors are dedicated to teaching students how to write to the best of their ability.

“The professors are really understanding,” Golden said. “One time, I lost a paper that was due the next day. I called my teacher’s home phone, crying. She understood, so she let me turn it in a day late. I got a C. But she let me redo it for an A.”

The professors expect you to be able to write and understand readings.

“We ripped apart the Twilight books,” Golden said. “We discussed why Ovid lasted so long, and how Twilight would disappear over time…we make fun of a lot of literature."

Samuel Huskey recently asked the alumni of the Classics and Letters degree programs to fill out a survey about what they have been doing since graduating from OU.

“They responded with a bewildering variety of job titles,” Huskey said. “Many of our alumni have become doctors and lawyers, but some have also gone on to careers in education, ministry, business, politics, the military, and many other professions.”

Golden plans to either go into law school in environmental law or teach English in China.

When Golden is not writing papers and attending class she is free climbing.

“Climbing is awesome,” Golden said. “I have a grappling hook. I wear a belt and harness. I’m like Batman.” She has climbed at Arrow Peak, Silverton, Colorado, and Castle Rocks, Idaho, as well at Rocktown Climbing Gym in Oklahoma City.

The sport can be dangerous, according to Golden.

“I get injured a lot,” Golden said. “I’m like Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas. I’m constantly sewing myself back together.”

Andrea Golden climbs at Castle Rock, Idaho.