Comparative Literature, PhD
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Literature
A candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must fulfill the general requirements of the Graduate College in addition to those specified for the master's degree. At least 12 additional gh of work, normally at the 500 level, should be taken in courses regularly offered by the literature departments; among these, courses cross listed with the program in comparative literature are especially recommended. The candidate is responsible for a knowledge of the history of the literature in one modern language. The student also selects a period of major interest and is responsible for a knowledge of two other literatures in this period, which are considered as minors. For Western literatures, the periods may be the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Neoclassicism and the Enlightenment, or the modern (nineteenth and twentieth centuries). Chronological variations in coordinating the minors will be allowed for students studying Asian and/or African literatures. A preliminary examination, i.e. a four-part written examination based on the individual program, and an oral examination with emphasis on the thesis project must be passed. The candidate must present an acceptable thesis embracing several national literatures and pass a final oral examination on the thesis.
The Program in Comparative & World Literature offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy 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. We consider the Master of Arts program to be the first step toward the Ph.D. degree; we expect students admitted to the M.A. program to receive the M.A. and go on to complete a Ph.D. We therefore do not offer a formal terminal M.A. 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 Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Literature
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CWL 582 | Proseminar | 4 |
| Select three of the following: (One of these courses must be cross-cultural.) 1 | 12 | |
| Seminar Lit Movements | ||
| Seminar Genres - Forms | ||
| Seminar in Literary Relations | ||
| Seminar Lit Themes | ||
| Two courses in the major literature | 8 | |
| One course in each of the minor literatures of specialization | 8 | |
| Language Requirement: Command of at least three languages besides English. Three of these four languages must coincide with the student's areas of specialization and with the dissertation field. | ||
| CWL 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 24-32 |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Students must be enrolled in graduate seminars until the preliminary examinations are taken and passed. | |
| Masters Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | Yes |
| Qualifying Eaxam Required: | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required: | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required: | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required: | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.25 |
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 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:
- Medieval Studies
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 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