Course Requirements for MA Program in Comparative Literature
Plan A: Standard
Courses:
COLI 592. Proseminar
First literature
Second literature or minor
Electives
TOTAL:
Credits:
4
12- 6
8-12
0-8
32
Plan B: Translation Studies
Courses:
COLI 592, Proseminar
TRIP 572 and 573, Translation Workshops
TRIP 580A, Intro to Translation Studies, or another Translation Studies seminar
Literature, language theory, history, or linguistics as suited to individual program needs
Literature in source languages (two courses)
TOTAL:
Note: Our MA in Translation Studies offers a theoretical and literary studies approach to studying translation. If you seek a theory-guided and skills-focused option, see the Translation Research and Instruction Program's MA in translation. See this flow chart to help distinguish between the two options.
Credits:
4
8
4
8
8
32
Languages
Normally, MA candidates are expected to use two foreign languages in the course of their studies, as well as to show an adequate command of English. By the time the student takes the MA examination, he or she must have met the language requirement in at least one idiom.
Teaching Requirement
Graduate students in comparative literature, including MA students, are expected, in accordance with state regulations, to acquire competence as teachers. This requirement is normally fulfilled by teaching an undergraduate comparative literature course or a series of such courses.
Examinations
The take-home written examination for the MA consists of four sections (Literature I and II, Theory, and Literary Specialization) and is taken by all candidates following Plan A. (Reading lists for these examinations are available to students at the departmental office.) Students following Plan B, translation studies, take one of the following sections from the Plan A MA examination: Literature I, Literature II or Theory. MA Plan B students must also successfully complete a graduate certificate in translation.
Students wishing to qualify for study toward the doctorate must achieve a grade of B+ or better on all sections of the examination. A grade of B or better on each section constitutes a passing grade. These examinations are given in November, and, when necessary, also in April; they may be repeated once. Students may petition to take the MA examination in April of the academic year in which they have entered the program.
