Department of Comparative Literature

M.A. in Comparative Literature

[Contact] [ Introduction] [ Admission Requirements] [ Application Materials] [Course Work] [Language Requirements] [ M.A. Essay] [Study Abroad]

Contact Graduate Program Coordinator: Leroy Searle (lsearle@u.washington.edu) Graduate Program Assistant: Yuko Mera (ymera@u.washington.edu)

Introduction The master's program prepares students for advanced studies in Comparative Literature or in related fields such as individual national literatures, philosophy, or religion, or for careers in teaching on the elementary, secondary, or junior college levels. The M.A. curriculum requires a minimum of 45 credits and completion of a master's essay.

Applying for Admission Comparative Literature supports programs leading to both the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. Applications for both programs are received in the Autumn quarter, on a schedule as established by the University of Washington Graduate School.

Requirements for the M.A. program Requires the completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature, English, or any other literature, or equivalent training. Advanced knowledge of at least one language besides English is also required.

The M. A. degree requires the successful completion of 45 hours of graduate credit, including at least 25 hours at the 500 course level, and a minimum of three courses in Comparative Literature. The M.A. also requires the completion of a critical essay, to be approved by two members of the graduate faculty.

Application For Autumn quarter 2008, we have switched to an online application system. The new application and directions for submission are now available at the following Graduate School website: https://www.grad.washington.edu/applForAdmiss/

If you are interested in a Teaching Assistantship, you must submit a hard copy of the following form directly to the department:

Assistantship and Fellowship Application

Note: The Department of Comparative Literature has relatively few teaching assistant positions of its own. Most Comparative Literature TAs are assigned to teaching duties in one or another of the national literature departments. All applicants will be considered for slots in Comparative Literature, but if you would like to be considered for an appointment in any of the following areas- Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German, you should also supply: 1) an academic autobiographical statement in the language, and 2) an audio recording of the statement. Please fill out the form mai with any supplemental materialsl to: Dept. of Comparative Literature, Box 354338, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-4338 ATTN: Graduate Program Assistant

Course work Minimum of 45 quarter credits at the 400 and 500 level, of which at least 25 must be in courses at the 500 level. Of the required work, three courses must be taken in comparative literature. The remaining credits must include study in two or more literatures with at least three courses being taken in each of two literatures. To count for degree credit, independent studies must be approved by the Graduate Program Coordinator before the student registers for the course.

Language Requirements Advanced reading knowledge in at least one language other than English and a basic reading knowledge of a second must be demonstrated before starting to write the M.A. essay. Language competence is attested either by exams or by completion of satisfactory coursework in the language.

M.A. Essay After completion of course work, students prepare a master's essay under the supervision of two faculty members. Essays normally run 25-30 pages on the model of scholarly articles in the student's field of interest.

Study Abroad Comparative Literature graduate students are encouraged to study abroad by participating in exchange programs offered through the individual language and literature departments or through the University of Washington's Office of International Programs and Exchanges.