Program Overview

Master of Arts in Comparative Literature

Overview

The Master of Arts in Comparative Literature is a graduate program that focuses on the study of literature across different cultures and languages. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the scope and goals of the field of Comparative Literature, as well as various traditions of literary theory.

Admission to Program

To be admitted to the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• An undergraduate major in literature (comparative and/or world literature, English, or any foreign language and literature)
• Grade point average of 3.0 in the undergraduate major or consent of the graduate coordinator
• Sufficient proficiency in a foreign language/literature taught at the graduate level at SF State (or the University of California, Berkeley)
• Submit a two to three-page statement of purpose, including information on proficiency in the foreign language(s) and literature(s), and an 8-10 page formal writing sample of literary analysis to the Department of Comparative and World Literature
• Meet the University requirements for Graduate Admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes for the Master of Arts in Comparative Literature include:

1. Developing an understanding of the scope and goals of the field of Comparative Literature
2. Becoming familiar with various traditions of literary theory
3. Exploring one particular body of literary theory or criticism in depth
4. Learning to analyze, in oral form, texts from multiple literary traditions
5. Learning to analyze, in written form, texts from multiple literary traditions
6. Achieving the ability to read and analyze literature in at least one foreign language at the graduate level
7. Exploring the relation of a single national literature to other literatures
8. Participating in the larger community of comparatists

Written English Proficiency Requirement

The Written English Proficiency Requirement is satisfied in two levels:

Level One

Satisfied by the writing sample submitted as part of the application process

Level Two

Satisfied by the final paper in CWL 825

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, students must complete successfully, with a grade of B or higher, the course CWL 800, in which the ability to do critical writing will be demonstrated.

Student Portfolio

All students will complete a portfolio prior to graduation, following departmental guidelines.

Program Requirements

The Master of Arts in Comparative Literature requires a minimum of 30 units, including:

Core Requirements (12 units)

• CWL 800: Introduction to Graduate Study in Comparative Literature (3 units)
• CWL 815: Seminar: Topics in Critical Theory (3 units)
• CWL 820: Topics in Comparative Literature (3 units)
• CWL 825: Advanced Study in Humanities and Comparative Literature (3 units)

Foreign Literature Requirement (9 units)

Graduate seminars in a single foreign literature

Program Electives (6 units)

Upper-division or graduate courses other than that of the Foreign Literature Requirement

Culminating Experience (3 units)

Students can choose from two options:

• CWL 896: Directed Reading in Comparative Literature (and Comprehensive Oral Examination) (3 units)
• CWL 898: Master's Thesis (and Prospectus) (3 units)

Comprehensive Oral Examination

Upon completion of course work, the student not writing a thesis must pass a comprehensive oral examination administered by a committee of a minimum of two faculty members.

Master's Thesis and Prospectus

A written and oral presentation of the thesis prospectus is required before the writing of the thesis. The student's committee of a minimum of two faculty members must approve the prospectus.