MA in Comparative Literary Studies: Pathway in Comparative Literature & Criticism

This pathway of the MA in Comparative Literary Studies will centre on the study of the theory and practice of comparative literature. The core course, "Studies in Comparative Literature & Criticism", will introduce you to the history, main concepts, and debates of comparative literary theory, complementing these with close readings of a wide range of texts from different periods, media (verbal, visual, filmic), and from diverse cultural, geographic and linguistic backgrounds, thus giving you the opportunity to engage in detailed comparative readings.

While the core course gives you a strong grounding in comparative literature, you also have the opportunity to pursue your wider interests thanks to the flexible structure of the MA, by studying three options from the large provision of the department, choosing at least one of these in an area that is relevant to comparative studies. Both the core course and the options are taught by leading specialists of the subject.

You will be able to further develop your own comparative reading skills and reflections through a 15,000-word dissertation to be submitted at the end of your programme of study.

Though at least a reading competence in another language will be useful (though not compulsory), and you will be invited to read texts in the original whenever you can, all texts will be studied in English, in English translation, or with English subtitles.