Searching for the best schools for Literature in California

I suppose this is a rather specific request, but I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I'm a literature buff, always have been. I want to major in it in college and was looking for advice on which colleges in California have the best literature programs. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Interesting question! Given your interest in literature, there are several great options in California to consider.

Stanford University comes to mind instantly—it offers an English major with an option to concentrate in literature. The department focuses on critical analysis skills paired with a broad range of coursework covering different periods, authors, and genres.

UC Berkeley is another great option with a highly regarded English department. It's known for its rigorous curriculum presenting various theoretical perspectives and geographic and temporal specializations.

Another one worth considering is the University of Southern California (USC). Their English department offers a "Literature and the Mind" initiative where the intersection of literature, psychology, and cognitive sciences is explored.

Pomona College, a member of the Claremont Colleges, also has a strong English program. It allows for more individualized attention given its smaller size. Also, Pomona's humanities program, for which English is a part, is one of its most popular.

UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara both have reputable literature and English programs as well—coalescing theory and literary critique.

Remember, the best program for you will also depend largely on the kind of environment you feel you’ll thrive in—be it in a large research university or a smaller liberal arts college. Depending on your aspirations, additional considerations may be the opportunities for research, the faculty's strength in your area of interest, or the availability of graduate-level classes for undergraduates. Hope this helps!