Comparative Literature

Major

Bachelor of Arts

Are you intrigued by the different ways different cultures tell their stories? Do you like learning languages and using them to connect to a culture’s arts and history? If you answered yes to either of these questions, look no further: Comparative literature is for you. We offer literary studies without borders.

Major Requirements

After an initial course sequence designed to introduce you to the Western literary tradition and to the major works of contemporary world literature, you will begin combining courses in one or more non-English literature (such as French, German or Japanese) with your work in comparative literature, theory and criticism. Your coursework will sharpen your analytical and writing skills as you focus on the national literatures of your choice. You may also specialize in a particular genre (such as poetry or drama), historical period (such as the Renaissance or the modern era), or movement (such as Romanticism or Naturalism). To complete your graduation requirement, you may work directly with a faculty member to write a senior thesis.