Program Overview
Comparative Studies Program
The cross-cultural and interdisciplinary field of comparative studies provides students the opportunity for critical analysis of social and cultural processes and their expression in religion, literature, media, the arts, science, and technology. Students in the comparative studies program develop strong skills in analytical and critical thinking and in written and spoken communication. Students broaden their understanding of cultural differences as they attend to the intersections of gender, ethnicity, race, and class.
Degree and Campus
- Degree: BA
- Campus: Columbus
- College: Arts and Sciences
Focus Areas
The program offers several focus areas, including:
- Comparative cultural studies, the comparative study of cultural production in different contexts
- Comparative ethnic and American studies, the study of ethnicity and race in the Americas
- Comparative literature, the study of world literary traditions in cultural context
- Folklore, the study of everyday forms of cultural expression
- Religious studies, the study of different religious traditions in cultural context
- Science and technology studies, the study of science and technology as forms of cultural expression
Curriculum
The comparative studies undergraduate program is interdisciplinary and calls upon students to participate actively in shaping the major for themselves. Consequently, the major is both academically rigorous and tailored to students particular interests. The comparative studies major requires 36 semester hours in comparative studies and in fields related to the students area of concentration, including at least 21 semester hours at the 3000-level and above.
Course Work
In consultation with their faculty advisors, students choose elective courses from a list of specified classes in other departments as well as required and elective courses in comparative studies. Each students course work will be different but will be coherent and focused within one of the areas of concentration. Each area of concentration includes:
- Foundation courses to provide an introduction to the area of study
- Interdisciplinary requirements to analyze different disciplinary perspectives in relation to each subject and to emphasize interconnections among different areas of study
- Distribution requirements to provide depth and focus within the area of concentration
Research
The department supports student research in a variety of ways, but most importantly through opportunities to work closely with faculty to develop a personalized research agenda that culminates in a thesis project. Most comparative studies majors graduate with research distinction.
Student Organizations
Students can join the Comparative Studies Undergraduate Club and participate in social events and social justice initiatives.
Possible Careers
Students majoring in comparative studies develop strong skills in analytical and critical thinking and in written and spoken communication. These skills are essential to many positions in both the public and private sector: government; local, national, and international service organizations; business and industry; and all levels of education. Comparative studies students also develop their understanding of cultural differences as they attend to the intersections of gender, ethnicity, race, and class. In an increasingly diverse nation and interconnected world, employers have come to value this important area of expertise.
Graduates have further pursued a wide range of academic fieldsincluding religious studies, cultural studies, English, history, and American studiesat some of the best graduate schools in the nation. Many graduates of the program choose to attend professional schools and pursue law, medical, teaching, or social work degrees. Whether moving immediately to a graduate or professional school, finding a rewarding job in the public or private sector, or taking a few years off to travel or to serve in the Peace Corps or other organizations, comparative studies students are well prepared to make their way in the diverse and complicated world they will inherit.