THE MAJOR in COMPARATIVE LITERATURE

Comparative Literature is the cross-cultural study of literatures in their original languages. We welcome students with a wide variety of backgrounds, a diversity of interests, and with literary reading competence in another language in addition to English.

As a Comparative Literature major, you will have the opportunity to study texts from various historical periods, geographical, and cultural areas, and literary and artistic movements and to develop the ability to pose and to begin to respond to fundamental questions about the place of the literary text in literary, cultural, and social traditions. Majors are introduced to specific modes of literary analysis as well as to general concepts of "literariness." And they pursue questions of the interaction of literature with other arts (e.g., painting, cinema, music) and disciplines (e.g., philosophy, psychology, history) as well as the political, social, and intellectual contexts of literature. Students in Comparative Literature learn, as well, the history of literary criticism and important issues in literary and cultural theory.

Comparative Literature majors develop important skills in critical reading, thinking, writing, and speaking, fostered by the small size of most of our classes which allow ample opportunity for the discussion and exchange. Comparative Literature courses also offer challenging individual and small group research and writing projects.

The Comparative Literature major is invaluable preparation for a career in a range of fields that require critical comparative thought, clear writing, the presentation of logical arguments, and the critical assessment of written and oral opinions -- whether in law, business, communications, politics and diplomacy, journalism, technical writing, publishing. The major in Comparative Literature is also ideal for students interested in teaching at the secondary level or in pursuing a graduate degree.

Declaring the Major

To declare the major in Comparative Literature, students must have sophomore standing, have taken at least one 200-level course in the department, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective majors should meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in advance of declaring the major in order to discuss the requirements.

In addition, declared majors are strongly encouraged to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in planning their courses each semester. Seniors must arrange a meeting early in the fall semester to assess whether they will have met all requirements for graduation. Please obtain and bring with you a current degree summary from the Registrar's Office before meeting with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.