Florida Atlantic University Comparative Studies Program
 

Comparative Studies Program

The Cultures, Languages and Literatures Program at Florida Atlantic University is designed as an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary course of study that enables doctoral students to develop expertise within traditional disciplines and across disciplinary and cultural boundaries.

Welcome to the Ph.D. in Comparative Studies!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the website of the Ph.D. in Comparative Studies. At the heart of our program is our strong belief that cultures, languages and literatures are most fruitfully understood through comparative modes of analysis that include an ever-changing landscape of theory and methodologies. The objectives of the CLL Program are to produce scholars who will teach at the university/college level in more than one academic discipline and in interdisciplinary programs, and who will be able to conduct research that crosses over traditional boundaries in an effort to develop new insights. While most graduates of the program will prepare for the challenges of the academy in an increasingly globalized society, others will prepare for a variety of nonacademic positions in public and private organizations.

Primary areas of strength for this broadly based program include studies of literature and migration, rhetoric and composition, U.S. multiethnic literatures, early modern literatures, gender, sexuality and embodiment in literature, modernity and postmodernity in literature, space and place in literature, and postcolonial literature and culture. The curriculum also draws from many disciplines in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. With accomplished faculty and Eminent Scholars, our program is proud to offer an innovative, rigorous, yet flexible course of study. Each year we offer to the most qualified candidates excellent teaching and research fellowships. Our faculty, students and staff collaborate in constructing an energetic, productive and pleasurable learning community. 

I encourage you to explore the site to learn about our exciting program in more detail. I look forward to welcoming you into our unique program.

Sincerely,

Meredith A.B. Ellis, Ph.D.
Director of Comparative Studies

 

EVENTS
 
NEWS ALL NEWS

recent grad students fall 2025
Congratulations to Fall 2025 Graduates

A warm congratulations to all of our recent Comparative Studies graduates more

Hirbod Human Receives Emerging Scholar Award
Hirbod Human Receives Emerging Scholar Award

Comparative Studies Student will receive the Emerging Scholar Award, present work, and serve as session chair at the 2026 Design Principles and Practices Conference more

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Jose Luis Jimenez-Figarotti Appointed to SUNY COIL Center Advisory Council

Comparative Studies PhD Candidate Selected as Latin American Representative in the Newly Formed “International Five” more

Center for Body Mind and Culture Hosts Annual International Conference
Center for Body Mind and Culture Hosts Annual International Conference

The Center for Body Mind and Culture hosts its annual international conference on the Boca Raton Campus. more

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Hassan Pishahang Named IFIA “Inv” Member for Innovations in Materials and Design

FAU Comparative Studies Ph.D. student Hassan Pishahang has been recognized as an “Inv” member of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations for his groundbreaking work in innovative materials, bio-based... more