Comparative Literature PhD

The Department of Comparative Literature is a small department whose distinctiveness lies in fostering students’ originality and independent intellectual inquiries. Its core identity consists in the theoretical studies of literature, politics and culture. The department stresses philosophical and theoretical graduate studies in the humanities, and is best known for its interdisciplinary work in post-Kantian philosophy, poststructuralism, and literatures of the 18th through 21st centuries. The cutting-edge, theoretical-philosophical approaches frame the various fields in our department’s research and teaching.

Coursework

Since the department affords a variety of general fields of study, the selection of courses will be determined by the student’s specific area of research. A minimum of ten courses will be required for the PhD. Supervised reading courses with individual faculty are not considered in fulfillment of this requirement. At least five courses must be “core” COL courses-that is, they must be taught by COL faculty. Cross-listed courses taught by affiliated faculty do not count toward those “core” five. The proportion of literary to theoretical and interdisciplinary courses will be determined in consultation with faculty advisers, subject to the approval of the director of graduate studies.

Core Comparative Literature Requirements (15 credits)

From the list of departmental offerings, students choose a minimum of five “intensive” (noted with an A in the #) Comparative Literature Seminar courses taught by COL faculty.

COL, Comparative Literature
APY, Anthropology
CL, Classics
ENG, English
FR, French
JDS, Judiac Studies
PHI, Philosophy
SPA, Spanish
Other departments with approval by Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

Electives (18-24 credits)

Students choose the remainder of their coursework in consultation with their PhD advisor.

Open Seminar Requirements (15 credits)

In consultation with the department’s director of graduate studies, students choose an additional five “intensive” (noted with an A in the #) graduate seminar courses, from related disciplines, including the Comparative Literature offerings. Such related disciplines include:

APY, Anthropology
CL, Classics
ENG, English
FR, French
JDS, Judaic Studies
PHI, Philosophy
SPA, Spanish
Other departments with approval by Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

Oral Examination (9-18 credits)

Typically, upon completion of at least two years of coursework seminars students will enroll in Directed Readings credits in preparation for the oral exam. Upon passing the oral exam, students may apply for and receive the MA in Comparative Literature. After passing the oral exam, the student is considered a candidate for the PhD and may file for “ABD” status accordingly.

Dissertation (12-15 credits)

Upon passing the oral examinations, students typically take COL 700 Dissertation Guidance for 2 or more years until the dissertation is ready to defend.

Languages

PhD candidates must be:

Competent in at least one foreign language upon entering, demonstrated by advanced literary study at the undergraduate level.
Competent in a second foreign modern or classical language, demonstrated by course grades or examination, by the end of the fifth semester.

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$75

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.