Major in Comparative Literature

I. General Languages and Literature

• 6 courses in Comparative Literature (up to 2 may be at the 200 level, or 1 at the 100 level and 1 at the 200 level)
• 4 upper-level courses in your choice of a first language (this is often English)
• 3 upper-level courses in a second language

II. Advanced Language and Literature with Work in a Third Language

Either:

• 6 courses in Comparative Literature (up to 2 may be at the 200 level, or 1 at the 100 level and 1 at the 200 level)
• 4 upper-level courses in the first language
• 2 upper-level courses in a second language
• 2 courses or 6 credits of elementary work in a third language

Or:

• 6 courses in Comparative Literature (up to 2 may be at the 200 level, or 1 at the 100 level and 1 at the 200 level)
• 3 upper-level courses in the first language
• 2 upper-level courses in a second language
• 2 upper-level courses in a third language

III. Literature and a Related Discipline

• 6 courses in Comparative Literature (up to 2 may be at the 200 level, or 1 at the 100 level and 1 at the 200 level)
• 3 upper-level courses in the first language
• 2 upper-level courses in a second language
• 4 upper-level courses in the department of a related discipline of your choice

For a full description of film studies and translation studies as related disciplines, see Film Concentration and Translation Concentration.

For further help, see our sample course plans.

In the English Department courses numbered 200 and above count toward the major.

In other language and literature programs:

Upper-level courses start from the 10th credit into the study of the language, if the courses were done in sequence.

For example:

For languages with sequences of courses that are 3 credits each, upper-level courses begin in the fourth semester of study (e.g. Spanish 240).

For languages with sequences of courses that are 4 credits each, upper-level courses begin in the third semester of study (e.g. Korean 235).

For languages with sequences of intensive 6-credit courses, upper-level courses begin in the second semester (e.g. Chinese 246), which count as one upper-level course.

An exception is made for ASL, since only a sequence of four total courses is offered at UMass. In this case, both the third and fourth courses in the sequence count as upper-level.

See the attached file for more information. 

In the Related Discipline:

• Any course that counts towards the major in the Related Discipline will count in this category.
• Film Concentration: Any film class, taken in any department, may count towards the Related Discipline component of the major.
• Translation Concentration: Any translation class, taken in any department, may count towards the Related Discipline component of the major.

All students should consult with their advisors or the Undergraduate Program Director to ensure that they are on track.

• All Comp Lit courses numbered 300 and above count towards the major.
• One 100-level CL course and one 200-level CL course or two 200-level CL courses may be counted towards the major.
• The 4-credit Integrative Experience course Literary Theory and Criticism (CL394TI) is required for all majors. It is typically offered in the spring.
• Students are strongly encouraged to take courses that focus on diverse geographical and/or linguistic regions, historical periods, and genres or media.
• No more than 6 Independent Study credits may be counted towards the major.
• The Junior Year Writing requirement is fulfilled by CL357 (Writing Matters), offered every fall. This course fulfills a General Education requirement and does not count towards the major.
• Advanced intermediate proficiency in the languages of your two main literatures is expected, demonstrated through coursework, a placement exam, or other means for languages other than English. Upper-level courses in literatures other than English should be taught (readings, discussions, and/or written work) in those languages whenever possible. If you are interested in an upper-level course taught in English translation, you may consult with the instructor about completing the readings and/or written work in the original language of the literature being studied.  
• Other than in exceptional circumstances, students must take at least one course in each of their languages that concentrates on cultural products (such as literature, film, graphic novels, dance, or music, etc.). Such exceptions must be approved by the UPD.

• A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in all courses counting towards the major.
• No courses counting towards the major may be taken pass/fail.

For information about Honors in Comp Lit, please see our Honors information page. If you have any questions, contact the Comparative Literature Honors Coordinator, Professor Moira Inghilleri, at minghilleri@complit.umass.edu.