Students majoring in Comparative Literature join a vibrant community of scholars, critics, and writers. They acquire broad and rigorous knowledge of literature from antiquity to the present in its historical and geographical contexts. The Major fosters close analysis of the details of literary production and well-informed attention to linguistic as well as cultural diversity and to recent movements in literary and critical theory. Students are encouraged to shape their insights by exploring related work in other disciplines and to apply their critical skills in a professional internship experience. The flexible, interdisciplinary, student-centered curriculum of the Major in Comparative Literature facilitates combinations with other majors and minors.
Solid knowledge, critical praxis, and strong linguistic endeavor form the foundations of professional skills and creative production. Students are encouraged to acquire abilities and knowledge in three different language areas. Mentored by the department's faculty and their individual advisor, students develop and articulate a personal focus for their reading, which issues in a portfolio of work and a senior thesis in the final year.
The department offers honors options to particularly motivated students; there is no GPA requirement. Students are nominated to honors by the department on the basis of a portfolio of work. Honors students in Comparative Literature must demonstrate intermediate proficiency in two languages other than English, and must have studied the primary texts for two of the major elective courses in the original (non-English) language. All honors students write a senior project, which may be an academic thesis or a piece of creative work, of around 40 pages or the equivalent. |
| Application Notes : | The American University of Paris reviews completed applications in “rounds” throughout the year. You’re encouraged to apply early as priority for admission and scholarship is given in earlier rounds. The first deadline for fall admission is November 15th. The first deadline for spring admission is October 1st.
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| Additional Admission Requirements: | - Letter(s) of Reference
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Research Interests
Applicants also need to submit the following: online application; personal statement; extracurricular actives and work experience; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts; English language tests; and, SAT/ACT test scores (optional). |
* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.