M.A. in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies

  1. All master’s candidates must take CLCS 51903 Introduction to Comparative Literature and COMM 55003 Communication and Cultural Studies
  2. All master’s candidates must take 6 hours of world languages and literatures in areas and historical periods different from their primary fields. 
  3. All master’s candidates must demonstrate reading proficiency in a language other than English. The language requirement may be fulfilled either by taking 12 hours in the target language or by taking the reading exam administered by the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Documented coursework from an accredited institution in which the language of instruction is other than English may be used to substitute for a language exam.
  4. Master’s candidates in the non-thesis option must take ENGL 52103 Portfolio Workshop.  

Requirements of the Thesis Option   

  1. Candidates in the master’s option must complete 30 hours of graduate course work and 6 thesis hours. Master’s candidates intending to enter the Ph.D. program are recommended to choose the thesis option.
  2. Candidates will take 6 hours of course work and 6 thesis hours in their primary area of concentration.
  3. Candidates will take 12 hours of graduate course work in a second field (other literary tradition or cultural studies).
  4. Master’s candidates in the thesis option must present a thesis proposal early in their second year of study and must turn in the thesis during the last semester of course work, following Graduate School guidelines for thesis submission.
  5. Theses in a language other than English. Students in the Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies Program may request permission to submit their thesis in a language other than English, with legitimate justification.  Valid reasons for submitting a thesis in a language other than English includes the subject matter, special primary audience, publication venues, academic position in a foreign country, historical or literary value, and the documents to be used, analyzed and interpreted. Limited English writing skills is not a valid justification. Students must request approval of the target language from the thesis committee, the program advisory committee, the program director and the dean of the graduate school before starting the project.  All committee members must be proficient in the target language and approve target language usage.  Abstracts must be written in English.
  6. Candidates in the thesis option are required to take a world literatures and cultures comprehensive exam. This is a pass/fail exam that may be repeated only once.  Further instructions for the exam are available in the CLCS Student Handbook. 

 

Requirements for the Non-Thesis Option

  1. In addition to the general requirements, Master’s candidates in the non-thesis option must select two fields and complete 12 hours of graduate course work in each field (Arabic, Classics, English, French, German, Spanish, and courses in other disciplines in the humanities and the social sciences).
  2. Master’s candidates in the non-thesis option must take ENGL 52103 Portfolio Workshop in their fourth semester and present a portfolio showcasing their best work and highlighting the skills and knowledge acquired in the program. The portfolio is evaluated by a three-member faculty panel, including the instructor of record, the CLCS Program Director and another CLCS-affiliated faculty member.