Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (Comparative Literature) (MA)

Track II: Comparative Literature

The primary goal of graduate study in the comparative literature track is to prepare students to engage in original research and teaching after acquiring: a broadly based knowledge of literature’s formal or generic development extending across linguistic boundaries; an understanding of literature’s historical development within a number of specific cultural or ideological contexts; and a knowledge of the principles of literary criticism and theory essential to the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of individual works. The core of the discipline of comparative literature is advanced competence in several languages allowing research in their literary traditions.

Course Requirements

Completion of at least eight courses (29–32 units) distributed as follows: CSLC 501 , CSLC 502  and CSLC 503 ; three courses in a first literary tradition; two courses in a second literary tradition. No more than one of these eight courses may be in directed research (590).

First-year Review

The program conducts a thorough review of all first-year students at the end of the second semester. To be permitted to continue doctoral work, students must receive a satisfactory evaluation in this review.

Track II Field Examination

A written exam based on a reading list must be successfully passed by all students in the track. It is normally taken at the end of the semester in which MA course work is completed.