M.A. in LLCL: Comparative Literature
The M.A. concentration in Comparative Literature involves two areas of study: (i) a primary literary area (French, Italian, or Spanish literature) and (ii) a secondary literary or non-literary area (French, Italian, Spanish, or British/American literature). Comparative Literature broadens the context of single works of literature, provides a method of looking beyond the national frontiers of languages and cultures, and studies major authors, periods, genres, trends and movements in international contexts, and other areas of knowledge and intellectual inquiry. (Please note that our department only offers graduate courses in French, Italian, and Spanish; students who pursue the Comp Lit concentration take graduate-level in lingua courses, so they need to be sufficiently fluent in at least one of the three languages).
Comparative Literature Concentration (thesis):
- Requires a minimum of 30 credits (8 courses plus 6 credits of thesis work). At least 12 credits (4 courses) need to be in the primary literary area (French, Italian, or Spanish).
- In the last semester of study, students defend an M.A. thesis.
Comparative Literature Concentration (non-thesis):
- Requires a minimum of 36 credits (12 courses). At least 18 credits (6 courses) need to be in the primary literary area (French, Italian, or Spanish).
- In the last semester of study, students complete comprehensive written examinations.