The Field

Comparative Literature is the international, interdisciplinary study of literature, film, graphic novels, and comics as modes of human expression.  Students in Comparative Literature examine works from many national traditions and also study the relations between literature and the other arts.  The comparative perspective includes insights from philosophy, history, linguistics, sociology, the media, and other human sciences.

Having a degree in Comparative Literature means that you know and understand a variety of cultural perspectives, have facility in at least one language other than English, and read, speak, and write well.  Comparative Literature graduates have gone on to careers in fields including the media, non-profit administration, academia, law, and business.

A fundamentally interdisciplinary program, Comparative Literature also pairs well with other majors.  If you are interested, talk to the Undergraduate Program Director or another faculty member about how you might integrate Comparative Literature into your field of study.