Master of Arts in English (Comparative Literature)

Claudia Sadowski-Smith, director
About the Program
Admission
Course Requirements
FAQ

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in comparative literature introduces students to the study of literary and cultural phenomena beyond linguistic, national or academic boundaries. Students are asked to study cultural productions in English and at least one other language, and to explore approaches ranging from textual criticism, critical theory and translation to cultural studies and the social sciences. Comparative Literature invites students to investigate the interactions of literary and cultural productions with adjacent fields like film, theater, linguistics, history, philosophy, American Indian, ethnic, area, women and gender studies and with the social sciences. The field of Comparative Literature also encourages the exploration of cultural phenomena from a transnational and global perspective.

In coordination with the director of the program and with the students’ supervisory committee, students can largely design their own programs of study within a general set of requirements. The M.A. in comparative literature can provide students with an excellent education in the humanities as well as with the flexibility to pursue other fields of interests if desired. The M.A. qualifies for admission to doctoral programs in comparative literature, English and other language-based literature and culture programs of a student's specialization as well as to interdisciplinary programs more generally. The degree also prepares students for careers in business, government and the media. For admission to the M.A. in comparative literature program, fluency in at least two languages is required; students may specialize in any language and culture to the extent that they are sufficiently covered at ASU.

Specific Course Requirements

At least 30 hours at the graduate level are required, with a minimum of 12 hours in a language other than English. The course listing below illustrates not only the breadth offered by the program but also makes suggestions for the kinds of in-depth study that is possible. In addition, special needs can be met with reading and conference (ENG 590).

Concepts and methodology (6)

ENG 500 Research Methods or one of the following courses:

FRE 500 Bibliography and Research Methods
GER 500 Research Methods
CHI 500 Bibliography and Research Methods
JPN 500 Bibliography and Research Methods

One course selected from one of the following areas:

I.  Comparative literary and cultural studies, e.g.

ENG 503 Comparative Literature, Theory, and Practice
ENG 504 Cross-Cultural Studies
ENG 603 Advanced Studies in Comparative Literature.

II.   Criticism and theory, e.g.,

ENG 400 History of Literary Criticism
ENG 502 Contemporary Critical Theories
ENG 602 Advanced Studies in Theory and/or Criticism
ENG 604 Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies
FRE 510 Introduction to Textual Analysis
SPA 545 Concepts of Literary Criticism

III.   Theory and Problems of Translation, e.g., ENG 550 Translation or JPN 585 Advanced Problems of Translation.

Courses in a language other than English (12), exclusive of courses in translation.

Topics (6)

• Period or topics courses, appropriate to the individual course of study, e.g., ENG 538 Studies in Modern and Contemporary American Literature or SPA 564 Nineteenth-Century Spanish Prose Fiction.
• Courses in related fields, such as:  Anthropology, art, film, geography, history (e.g., HST 417 Topics in Mexican American History), Linguistics (e.g., LIN 510 Linguistics, CHI 543 Chinese Language and Linguistics, ASB 480 Principles of Linguistics), Philosophy, Political Science (e.g., POS 550 Comparative Politics), Religious Studies (e.g., REL 444 Religion in Japan), Theater (e.g., THE 591 Theater and Performance in the Americas), Sociology (SOC 486 Contemporary Theory)
  Women and gender, ethnic or area studies (e.g., TCL 464 Latino-Latina Literature)

Thesis: (ENG 599 6 hours) Under the direction of the supervisory committee, the student writes a master's thesis and defends it at an oral examination. Each candidate in the program is closely advised by a three-member supervisory committee, chosen by the student. Each examination will be evaluated by the student’s supervisory committee as named on the student's program of study.

Non-thesis Option: 27 coursework and 3 hours of Applied Project (ENG 593). Student works with an Applied Project director and has the option of two additional committee members. There will be an oral presentation of the project.

Admission Requirements

The Graduate College requires a grade point average of “B” (3.00) or better in the last two years of work leading to the bachelor’s degree. Applicants must apply online to Graduate College. The following items must be submitted along with the application:

1. A statement of purpose detailing the student’s background, reasons for wanting to do graduate work in comparative literature, and plans for the future.
2. Three letters of recommendation from faculty familiar with the applicant’s work.
3. Resume or vita.
4. Academic writing sample relevant to the field (minimum 15 pages in length).
5. Official transcripts.

 Information on how to apply.

Deadline: January 15th.