Comparative Literature, MA
for the degree of Master of Arts in Comparative Literature
The candidate must demonstrate a competency in at least two foreign languages as well as in English. Latin is required for students specializing in European and/or American literatures before 1800. Competence in the languages offered is measured either by the successful completion of one advanced course in the literature of each of the languages chosen or by passing an examination administered by the program in comparative literature with the assistance of an expert in the language concerned. This choice is intended to provide for languages that may not be taught in regular departments.
The Program in Comparative & World Literature offers graduate courses leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree, and is designed to provide a systematic study of subjects and problems common to several literatures. Its purpose is to enable students who have varied linguistic competence and preparation to explore the theory of literature and criticism; the interrelations of several literatures; the main currents, periods, and movements in literary history; the development of literary themes and types; and the relations between literature and the other arts. Students are not normally admitted to a terminal master's degree program.
Admission
A student entering the program should have an undergraduate major in Comparative Literature, English, the classics, or a foreign language. Majors in history and philosophy or other humanistic areas that present suitable linguistic and literary competence may also be granted admission by the Admissions Committee.
Applicants should apply online, submit a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation and a writing sample.
Original transcripts showing all undergraduate and graduate work completed should be sent to SLCL Graduate Student Services, 3070 Literatures, Cultures, and Linguistics Bldg., 707 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required and should be submitted to institution code 1836. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and must score at least 105 on the internet-based test (iBT); they must also pass the speaking sub-section of the iBT with a minimum score of 24. Applications are accepted for fall admission only. Application questions may be directed to SLCL Graduate Student Services.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program. Non-native English speakers must first pass a test of their oral English ability.
Financial Aid
The Program aims to support all graduate students for five years through a combination of fellowships, teaching, and other means, but support is always contingent on the student making timely progress to the degree. Such progress is measured by course load, taking exams on time, grades, and other factors.
for the degree of Master of Arts in Comparative Literature
The candidate must complete a minimum of 32 gh of credit, including two courses in the theory of literature (CWL 501 and CWL 502), and two seminars in comparative literature selected from CWL 551, CWL 561, CWL 571, and CWL 581. At least 12 of the other 16 gh should be taken in two or three national literatures in a distribution approved by the adviser. The candidate must pass a written examination based on a reading list, which is designed to test knowledge of literary history as well as ability to interpret a literary or critical text.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CWL 501 & CWL 502 | Theory of Literature and Methods of Comparative Lit | 8 |
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Seminar Lit Movements | ||
| Seminar Genres - Forms | ||
| Seminar in Literary Relations | ||
| Seminar Lit Themes | ||
| One or two courses in the major literature | 4-8 | |
| At least one course in the minor literature | 4 | |
| One or two courses from the above categories. (A student may take one course in a non-literary field that will provide cultural and historical contexts for the study of the student's literatures.) | 4-8 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| The candidate must pass a written examination based on a reading list, which is designed to test knowledge of literary history as well as ability to interpret a literary or critical text. | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 20 |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.25 |
for the degree of Master of Arts in Comparative Literature
- Linguistic Mastery: Mastery of at least three foreign languages (one of which can be English) and a research language.
- Comparative and Cross-Cultural Analysis: Ability to analyze problems and questions that cut across national, linguistic, and cultural lines.
- Literary / Critical Theory: Demonstration of mastery of major fields of theoretical inquiry current in the discipline, such as Marxism, psychoanalysis, post-structuralism, feminism / queer studies, post-colonialism.
- Teaching experience: Ability to teach a wide range of literary topics; put together syllabi, tests, written assignments, and lectures. Familiarity with current trends in pedagogy for language, literature, and culture. Depending on the area of specialization, teaching in the target language or in the Rhetoric program.
- Professionalization: Completion of CWL 582 (Proseminar), including learning to give talks, making a syllabus, converting seminar papers into conference presentations and journal articles, learning to write book reviews, learning to write cover letters, fellowship applications, and grant applications.Preparation for the academic job market in literary studies and other allied fields.Preparation for relevant non-academic jobs, including editing and publishing, museum work, journalism, artistic and creative careers.
Graduate Degree Programs in Comparative Literature
- Comparative Literature, MA
- concentration:
- Comparative Literature, PhD
- concentration:
for the degree of Master of Arts in Comparative Literature
Program in Comparative & World Literature
Chair of Department: Robert A. Rushing
Director of Graduate Studies: Brett Kaplan
Comparative & World Literature website
3080 Foreign Languages Building, 707 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-4987
Comparative & World Literature email
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website