Master of Arts in Comparative Literature
An exploration of literature and other texts as modes of human expression.
The UMass MA in comparative literature is an innovative, rigorous, and supportive 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.
Through your coursework and master’s thesis or project, you’ll develop three areas of concentration. In your primary literature or field of concentration, you 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 your second and third fields, you are expected to focus on a related period or genre.
You may also choose the master’s track in translation and interpreting studies or you may complement your credentials by earning additional certificates in such areas as Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino studies, feminist studies, and film studies.