Master of Arts in Comparative Literature

The MA in comparative literature at UMass Amherst is a rigorous two-year program designed to give students a strong grounding in literary and social theory; expert knowledge of one language and its literature; reading knowledge of three languages (including English); broad understanding of the literature of one main historical period; and familiarity in research methods, literary translation, and problems of criticism. Our MA students take courses alongside our PhD students—together, they form an exceptionally supportive and dynamic community. MA students belong to OGSCL (the Organization of Graduate Students in Comparative Literature) and co-organize two national conferences: the Translation Studies Conference and the Crossroads Comparative Literature Conference.