Students select one of the following four interdepartmental options:

I. General Language/Literature Track
6 courses in Comparative Literature (at least 4 at the 300 level or above)
4 upper-level courses in the first literature; for many students, this is English
3 upper-level courses in a second literature

II. Advanced Language/Literature Track

A. With elementary work in a third language
6 courses in Comparative Literature
4 upper-level courses in the first literature
2 upper-level courses in a second literature
2 elementary courses in a third language

B. With upper-level work in a third language
6 courses in Comparative Literature
3 upper-level courses in the first literature
2 upper-level courses in a second literature
2 upper-level courses in a third literature

III. Literature and a Related Discipline
6 courses in Comparative Literature
3 upper-level courses in the first literature
2 upper-level courses in a second literature
4 upper-level courses in a related discipline

Requirements and Recommendations

Related Departments/Programs
A. Language Departments/Programs: Upper-level courses in literature (not literature in translation) may be counted toward the major. To define “upper-level,” Comparative Literature recognizes each department’s or program’s definition as applied to its own majors. Usually, a course numbered 240 or higher is considered to be upper-level; please inquire at particular departments/programs for details.
B. One Creative Writing course may be counted upon written petition to the Undergraduate Studies Committee in Comparative Literature.
C. Students are encouraged to take courses in the following departments and programs: Afro-American Studies; Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies; Classics; Communication; Film; any of the programs of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Linguistics.

Comparative Literature Courses
A. Courses at or above the 300 level will count toward the major. In addition, two 200-level COMP-LIT courses or one 100-level and one 200-level COMP-LIT course may be counted with instructor approval.
B. All majors must take 394HI History of Literary Criticism. It also satisfies the University's Integrative Experience requirement. It is taught every year, if not every semester. Please check the course catalog.
C. No more than 6 credit hours of Independent Study courses may be counted toward the major, except with written approval of specific requests by the Undergraduate Studies Committee.
D. COMP-LIT 357 Junior Year Writing: Writing Matters meets the University requirement for a second writing course. This course is required of majors and is in addition to the 6 required courses in Comparative Literature. It is offered in the fall semester. Junior Year Writing in Comparative Literature gives students the opportunity to develop and present their own academic and professional interests.

Grade Restrictions
A C average is required of courses counted toward the major. No courses counting toward the major may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.

Education Abroad
Just as the Program of Comparative Literature often plays host to exchange students from abroad, universities in Brazil, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and in other countries have provided opportunities for semester and year-long study to majors in Comparative Literature. Interested students should consult UMass-sponsored programs, many of which are available through the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Also contact the International Programs Office at UMass for opportunities. Most credits transfer to the University, and financial aid is available. Students planning to study abroad must get prior approval for courses they plan to take while abroad and meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.