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REQUIREMENTS for the MAJOR

The major requires a total of 30 credits (32 for Honors) in Comparative Literature, plus 9 credits in literature in a single foreign language for a total of 39 credits (41 for Honors).

Literary fluency in a language other than English is the basis for comparative literary work.

The 30 credits (32 for Honors) in the Department must include:

  • 24 credits at the intermediate and advanced levels (300 level and higher)
  • 6 credits (2 classes) from the 200 level sequence (CL 201, 202, 203 or 205);

or, for Honors in the major:

  • 8 credits (2 classes) from the 200 level Honors sequence (CL 287, 288, or 289) or 8 credits from the 200 level sequence by signing up for those courses

Courses in the major must also include:

  • 2 courses in criticism or theory (CL 310, 371, or 475);
  • the Comparative Literature Proseminar (CL 690, typically offered every other spring semester);
  • 9 credits of literature in a single foreign language with a grade of B or better. Independent study or literature in translation courses will not count toward this requirement.

The Senior Honors Thesis (CL 681-682, for a total of 6 credits) is required for Honors majors. The Senior Thesis (CL 691-692, for a total of 6 credits) is strongly recommended (though not required) for non-honors majors. The thesis can be started or completed during a summer semester if a faculty director is willing.

Introduction to Comparative Literature (CL 310) is strongly advised as a bridge between the 200- and the 300- and 400-level courses.

Work in the major must show a degree of continuity. The exact configuration of courses in the major will be determined individually for each student in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Majors are strongly encouraged to maintain an average GPA of 3.25 in the major.

All students are required to fulfill the L&S requirement of at least 15 credits of upper-level work in the major completed in residence. Any course in the department numbered 300 or above will count toward this requirement.

Students are urged to fulfill the university breadth requirements with courses relevant to the program in the major.