Major Mondays: Narrative Studies
Major: Narrative Studies combines the study of storytelling across multiple mediums, including “the development of original content for novels, films, theatre and other narrative platforms.” The range of professional opportunities is not limited to the role of author, screenwriter, or playwright; rather, the major strives to provide a flexible curriculum for students to explore a myriad of subjects.
In their senior year, students complete a Capstone Project and a seminar/directed research course. This way, students pursue research that aligns with their academic pursuits and is already established in their academic schedule.
Overview: Narrative Studies students have the agency to create a unique academic pathway. The trajectory of this program may look distinct for each student, but there are a few universal elements:
Each student will complete 4 units in the following categories:
Introduction to Narrative Media
Writing and Narrative Forms
Popular Culture and Ethnicity
Narrative in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Contemporary Fiction and Drama
There is a wide list of courses to choose from for each category, including “Comparative Literature,” “Theatre,” “Screenwriting,” “East Asian Languages and Cultures,” “Cinema and Media Studies,” “Music,” and more!
Alum Perspective: Tata Vivas, USC Class of 2021, pursued a Narrative Studies Major with a double-major in Theatre (Acting Emphasis). Here are words of wisdom from Tata:
“My favorite part was gathering my knowledge of all these different areas and putting it into my capstone. It was also so cool to meet other narrative studies majors and see how they catered their own academic journeys different to mine. I would highly recommend this area of study for anyone who is excited by the flexibility choose your own academic adventure!”
Unique Opportunities: Speaking of adventures, let’s talk about study abroad opportunities!
When a Narrative Studies student applies for study abroad, they select courses that receive pre-approval by an academic advisor. This process ensures that the selected courses will fulfill major requirements or credit. Example courses include:
“The Limits of Access to Truth: Realism and Fiction in Literature and Cinema in Latin America” at the University of San Andrés in Argentina
“The Making of Modern Fantasy” at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland
Some of the cool courses a Narrative Studies major could pursue at USC include:
Masterpieces and Masterminds: Literature and Thought
African American Popular Culture
Native American Literature
Exploring Ethnicity through Film
Playwriting
Chicano and Latino Literature
The Fundamentals of Screenwriting
Los Angeles Crime Fiction
Progressive Degree Program: Students majoring in Narrative Studies are eligible to apply to our progressive degree program in Literary Editing and Publishing and earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from USC Dornsife in just five years.
Interested in learning more?
Narrative Studies is a major that students can select as their first-choice when applying to USC. You can read more about the major on the Dornsife website: https://dornsife.usc.edu/engl/narrative-studies-major/
Written by: Lina Goggins-Rendon, Assistant Director – USC Office of Admission