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Degree Requirements
Through their coursework and thesis, M.A. students develop three areas of concentration. In their primary literature or field of concentration, they are expected to achieve a broad historical understanding of how that literature has evolved from its earliest forms to the present, with emphasis either on one particular genre or a major period, and a thorough reading knowledge of the language. In their second and third fields, they are expected to focus on a related period or genre. Students are required to demonstrate advanced reading knowledge in a second language. Students are expected to do a semester of coursework at UMass or one of the Five Colleges in a third language if they do not already possess mastery of a third language upon enrolling. (Note: English may count as the first language.) Students must successfully complete 33 course credits and the M.A. thesis or project.
Course Requirements: A minimum of 33 credit hours is required for the M.A., 6 of which must be at the 600-800 level (excluding thesis credits). In addition, teaching assistants must take the one-credit Teaching Workshop.
Comparative Literature: 12 credits
- First Concentration: 6 credits
- Second Concentration: 6 credits
- Elective: 3 credits
- Thesis/Project: 6 credits
Please note the following required courses:
- Comp Lit 752, Theory and Practice of Comparative Literature, a course which combines theoretical perspectives with practical criticism, is required for the MA Comparative Literature.
- Students planning to write a translation thesis are required to take Comp Lit 751, Theory and Practice of Translation.
- For the M.A., up to three credits of Independent Study (one course) may be counted towards the fulfillment of the requirements for the degree. Additional Independent Studies require the approval of the Graduate Program Director.
- Literature in translation courses may not be counted towards the literature components of the Distribution Requirements unless special arrangements are made to complete required reading in the original language. This must be approved by the GPD.