A minimum of 30 credits, which should normally be distributed in the following manner, is required:

15 credits in Comparative Literature. All students are required to complete C L 79500 Theory and Practice of Literary Scholarship and Criticism in the first year.
12 or more credits in individual national literatures, in courses offered in other literature programs. At least 6 of these credits must be in a foreign literature.
3 credits to be determined in consultation with the Executive Officer.

Upon completion of 30 credits, students will be required to take a written examination. This examination will test the students’ general competence in Comparative Literature as well as in their special areas of literature. A special circular obtained from the Executive Officer provides detailed information and instructions. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program who wish to meet the requirements for the Master of Arts may take the First Examination in lieu of the written comprehensive examination.

The student must demonstrate by written examination a reading knowledge of two approved foreign languages. The Executive Officer may recommend exemption from a language examination for students who have passed at least two graduate courses in the literature of that language with a grade of A or B in each course.

After passing the comprehensive examination, the student will be required to write a thesis on an approved subject. It may be directed by any member of the Comparative Literature doctoral faculty, subject to the written approval of the faculty member and the Executive Officer. The thesis must be approved by a faculty committee. A registration form is obtainable from the Executive Officer.

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Comparative Literature

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