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Comics and Graphic Novels
Professor Chris Couch teaches courses on the graphic novel, animation, and comics, including Comic Art in North America, International Graphic Novel, and International History of Animation. He has served as senior editor at Kitchen Sink Press (Northampton) and editor in chief at CPM Manga (New York). His edited publications have won or were nominated for 17 Eisner and Harvey Awards. Current publications include the edited volume Conversations with Harvey Kurtzman, and a book on Batman artist and editorial cartoonist Jerry Robinson.
Film Concentration
Comparative Literature film courses explore multiple cultures, languages, and genres, with an emphasis on film theory and analysis. These courses include Introduction to Film Analysis: Cinematic Time Travel, International Film, Cinema and Psyche, International Science Fiction, Polish Film, and International History of Animation. In addition to fulfilling requirements in the Comp Lit major tracks, our film courses fulfill Gen Ed requirements and count towards the Film Studies Certificate.
Translation and Interpreting Studies
Our program in Translation and Interpreting Studies provides a grounding in translation and interpreting theory and research, practical expertise in translation and interpreting, an introduction to translation and interpreting technologies, and experience in creating and analyzing written and spoken translations. We offer Certificates in Translation and Interpreting Studies at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For more information about our undergraduate and graduate courses and certificates, see Translation and Interpreting Studies.
Crossroads 2026
Crossroads is the biannual conference organized by the graduate students in Comparative Literature. This year, the conference will take place on April 10-11, 2026, with the theme "Alterity and the Comparative Imagination." More information can be found here.
What Our Students Say
I entered UMass as an English major, and when I discovered Comparative Literature through a class on Arthurian legend my freshman year, I knew I needed to pursue it as my second major. The program has allowed me to meet students who share my passion for literature from across the world and to take classes on a wide range of topics, such as translation studies and queer theory. I have enjoyed learning from translators, medievalists, and the faculty of the Japanese program while completing the requirements, and I know I will graduate with an expanded view of the world and its opportunities.
Marissa Bell, class of 2026
Double Major in English and Comparative Literature (dual degree)
“What I love most about the Comparative Literature program is that it challenges you to study ideas, experiences, theories, cultures, and languages beyond your familiar boundaries. I know much more about history, people, and culture just based on the texts, media, and materials we cover. I also cannot express enough how incredible our professors are—each one so incredibly brilliant and passionate about their research and Comp Lit, and each one dedicated to their students. Comp Lit will make you see the world through literature and media, and whisper in your ear to go out and experience the world for yourself. You'll never see the world in the same way, and you’ll love it.”
Sandra Sellers, class of 2026
BA in Comparative Literature
In addition to our outstanding undergraduate program, the Doctoral Program in Comparative Literature is highly competitive and attracts exceptional students from around the world. We are especially proud of the professional development opportunities that we offer our graduate students, and our job placement rate is excellent, which means that our students and alumni are automatically part of an international network of scholars.