Comparative Literature

Understand the cultural, national, and global context of literature through time. Comparative literature is a deeply interdisciplinary field that examines literary works from across human societies and examines their meaning in different contexts. Drawing from philosophy, history, linguistics, sociology, and the media, comparative literature asks what literature can tell us about our society and human society more broadly. At UMass Amherst, students of comparative literature have opportunities to focus on the impact of translation, comparative literature theory and media, or the future of national literature in the era of globalization. A degree in comparative literature can lead to careers in academia, as well as in education, business, and any field requiring critical thought and effective communication.