Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Comparative Literature, B.A.


The flexibility to combine courses from several national literatures and to study literature along with other disciplines is the hallmark of the Comparative Literature major.

Students may also count courses which read literature in translation; however, a minimum of eight credits must come from upper-level (300 or 400 level) literature courses in a language other than English.  

Program Learning Outcomes


Students will demonstrate:

1. The ability to write analytically about texts in accordance with the conventions of comparative criticism
2. The ability to develop clear and effective arguments about literature following the conventions of standard English
3. The ability to evaluate the nature, function and value of literature from a global perspective
4. The ability to read texts closely to demonstrate familiarity with a variety of world literatures as well as methods of studying genres and literatures across national and linguistic boundaries
5. The ability to read texts in relation to history and culture
6. An understanding of how texts are related to social and cultural categories (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, ability), ideologies and belief systems (e.g. philosophy, science, politics, religion, education)
7. The ability to “join the conversation” that is always ongoing among critics and scholars regarding texts, authors, contexts, and topics by engaging with secondary sources
8. An in-depth understanding of a single author, a small group of authors, or a narrowly-defined topic, theme, period, or issue

General Education Requirements (30-46 Credits)


Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 38-46


Basic Requirements: (8 Credits)


Other requirements by category: (18-22 Credits)


One course with an emphasis on genre from (3-4 Credits)


One course with an emphasis on theory from (3-4 Credits)


Electives: (12-16 Credits)


Four additional courses (ENGL, Languages and Literatures, and fields of interdisciplinary relevance to the student’s interest, chosen in consultation with the program coordinator)

Minimum Competence Requirement


A grade of C- or better is required in all courses submitted in fulfillment of the Comparative Literature major.

Department Writing Requirement


All courses in Comparative Literature emphasize the skills of effective writing. In addition, successfully completion of a Senior Thesis satisfies the Department Writing Requirement.