M.A. in Comp Lit

Use the above links or scroll down for program information

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. Ph.D requirements can be found by clicking on “Ph.D.” above or to the right.

The core faculty in the Department of Comparative Literature has particular strength in comparative world cinema; silent-era film and fin-de-siècle media technologies; Asian film and literature (Chinese, Southeast Asian and South Asian); 19th Century German, British and American literature; Latin American literature and film; Criticism and Theory, and Textual Studies. We administer Ph.D. programs in the areas of Cinema and Media Studies, Criticism and Theory, and Textual Studies.

Program Requirements

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

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.

The application and directions for submission are now available at the following Graduate School website: https://www.grad.washington.edu/applForAdmiss/

Please refer to the following  for information to apply to the Graduate School.

If you are interested in a Teaching Assistantship, you must upload a copy with your online application OR 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

Program Curriculum

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.

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.

Progress Guideline for current students

Contact

Graduate Program Coordinator: Leroy Searle (lsearle@uw.edu) Graduate Program Advisor: Yuko Mera (ymera@uw.edu)