Requirements at the Time of Application (Major and Concentration)

1. Foreign language 1: four semesters of language training (or equivalent) and two semesters of introductory literature courses, typically numbered 3330-3350
2. Foreign language 2: four semesters of one language or two semesters of two languages
3. CPLS V3900 Introduction to comparative literature and society, usually taken in the spring of the sophomore year
4. A GPA of at least 3.5
5. A focus statement of between one and two pages in length. The focus is a period, theme, problematic, movement, etc., that is explored from an interdisciplinary and/or a comparative perspective. The faculty understands that this statement is a work in progress, but also that it serves as a useful guide to the student's academic pursuits and course selection

For a Major in Comparative Literature and Society

The requirements for the major in comparative literature and society consist of a total of 42 points, or fourteen courses in comparative literature and society as follows. Please note that language courses taken to fulfill the application requirements 1 and 2 above, do not count toward the major or concentration. In the description below "affiliated disciplines" refers to the humanities (except the language and literature departments), the social sciences (history, anthropology, political science, etc.), law, and architecture:

1. CPLS V3900 Introduction to comparative literature and society, normally taken in the spring of the sophomore year
2. Advanced courses as follows (please note that one course may be used to fulfill two of the advanced course requirements):
   
   • Two courses with a CPLS designator. CLxx courses, i.e., courses designated as comparative in nature by the various language and literature departments, may count for the major with director of undergraduate studies' approval
   • Two seminars (discussion-driven courses at the 3000- or 4000-level), chosen from among the affiliated disciplines
   • Two courses requiring readings in a language other than English, preferably conducted in the target language and for which written assignments are composed in the language as well
   • Three courses in a single national or regional literature and/or culture, chosen from any discipline or school
   • Four courses in literature or any of the affiliated disciplines and related to the student’s historical or thematic focus
3. CPLS V3991 Senior seminar in comparative literature and society
   
4. Senior thesis (optional)

For a Concentration in Comparative Literature and Society

The requirements for the concentration in comparative literature and society as consist of a total of 36 points, or 12 courses in comparative literature and society as follows:

1. CPLS V3900 Introduction to comparative literature and society, normally taken in the spring of the sophomore year
2. Advanced courses as follows:
   • Two courses with a CPLS designator. CLxx courses, i.e., courses designated as comparative in nature by the various language and literature departments, may count for the major with director of undergraduate studies' approval
   • Two seminars (discussion-driven courses at the 3000- or 4000-level), chosen from among the affiliated disciplines
   • One to two courses requiring readings in a language other than English, preferably conducted in the target language and for which written assignments are composed in the language as well
   • Two to three courses in a single national or regional literature and/or culture, chosen from any discipline or school
   • Two to four courses in literature or any of the affiliated disciplines and related to the student's historical or thematic focus