Comparative & World Literature, BALAS

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Comparative & World Literature


Students must select one of the following in consultation with an advisor:

Major in Comparative & World Literature, Comparative Literature Concentration

Major in Comparative & World Literature, World Literature Concentration

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Comparative & World Literature


Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General and Education Requirements page.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Free elective course1CWL core course3
CWL 2023CWL core course prior to 18003
Free elective course3Language Other than English (3rd level) or Comp. I4
Language Other than English (3rd level)4General Education course or Composition 13
Composition I or General Education course4General Education course3
 15 16
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
CWL core course since 18003CWL core 300-400 level course3
CWL National Traditions 200-400 level course3CWL National Traditions 200-400 level course3
General Education course3General Education course3
General Education course3 General Education course3
Free elective course3Free elective course3
 15 15
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
CWL core 300-400 level course3CWL Area/Cultural Studies 300- or 400- level course3
CWL Area/Cultural Studies 300- or 400- level course3CWL National Traditions 300- or 400-level course3
General Education course3General Education course3
Free elective course3Free elective course3
Free elective course3Free elective course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
General Education course3General Education course3
Free elective course3Free elective course3
Free elective course3Free elective course3
Free elective course3Free elective course3
Free elective course3Free elective course2
 15 14
Total Hours 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Comparative Literature


  1. Social Awareness and Cultural Understanding / Global Consciousness: CWL students will develop a comparative understanding of national literatures in the context of a globalizing world, and an ability to situate texts in their cultural and historical contexts.
    1. Measurable by: analysis of student work samples; degree progress and course completion; focus groups; course syllabus comparison.
  2. Intellectual Reasoning and Knowledge: CWL students will appreciate the aesthetic qualities of literary texts and develop an awareness of influential critical and interpretive methods.
    1. Measurable by: analysis of student work samples; degree progress and course completion; focus groups; course syllabus comparison.
  3. Intellectual Reasoning and Knowledge: CWL students will demonstrate a general understanding of the conventions of literary genres and of the major developments in literary history.
    1. Measurable by: analysis of student work samples; degree progress and course completion; focus groups; course syllabus comparison.
  4. Creative Inquiry and Discovery: Students will demonstrate ability to express oneself orally and in writing in a clear, coherent and persuasive manner, and to construct an interpretive argument.
    1. Measurable by: analysis of student work samples; focus groups.
  5. For Comparative Literature concentration only: Students will demonstrate mastery of at least two languages.
    1. Measurable by: participation in 200-400 level courses in the original language; degree progress and course completion.

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Comparative & World Literature


program website

program faculty: Comparative & World Literature Faculty

advising: Comparative & World Literature advising

overview of college admissions & requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences

college website