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Comparative Literature

Students take courses in Comparative Literature and at least two other national literatures. Each student individually structures a program of study under the direction of an advisor. Areas of study and research include literary theory and history, translation and interpretation, gender studies, nationalism and postcolonialism, East and West literary relations, visual representation and culture, literature and philosophy. Faculty are affiliated with the departments of English, French and Italian, Asian Languages and Cultures, Spanish and Portuguese, Classics, Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Film Studies, Humanities, and Communication.

Degrees Offered:

  • MA, PhD
Degree Details: 

MA
Requires the Proseminar in Comparative Literature, Introduction to Literary Theory, and additional courses in Comparative Literature as well as a primary national literature and a secondary national literature comprising a minimum of 30 hours of course work; proficiency in two foreign languages, and an article length MA thesis (6 credits).

PhD
Requires the Proseminar in Comparative Literature, Introduction to Literary Theory, and additional courses in Comparative Literature, as well as a primary and a secondary national literature comprising a minimum of 36 hours of coursework, 30 hours of dissertation work; comprehensive examinations, advanced proficiency in two foreign languages and a good reading knowledge of a third. Students must successfully complete the comprehensive examinations, prepare a dissertation prospectus; and write and defend their dissertations.

Admissions Requirements: 
  1. Hold a BA and will normally have majored in a national literature. Applicants who majored in a related field and have substantial undergraduate training in literature are also encouraged to apply. Students should have at least a 3.0 GPA.
  2. Complete the online application.
  3. Provide a statement of purpose for MA or PhD study.
  4. Provide three letters of recommendation.
  5. Submit a writing sample in English of no more than 20 pages.
  6. Complete the CU Comp Lit Application.
  7. Provide one official transcript from each college or university attended.
  8. Submit scores from the verbal and analytical writing sections of the GRE General Test

 

In addition to the above, International Applicants must:

  1. Submit TOEFL scores. Successful candidates will have minimum scores of 550/213 (computer based)/79 (internet based).
  2. Provide evidence of adequate financial support to complete a program of study (if an F-1 or J-1 visa will be requested or renewed).

Applicants must visit the department website for complete program and application materials.

GRE Scores: 
Verbal: 600/or 160 Analytical Writing: 5
Students who have lower scores may still apply
Financial Support: 

Financial support is available in the form of teaching assistantships (applications on website). In addition students may be nominated for university-wide competitive fellowships. Nominations for all fellowships are based on the admission application materials, no additional materials are required. Applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid directly to the Office of Financial Aid or by calling 303-492-5091.

Fall Domestic Application Deadline: 
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Fall International Application Deadline: 
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Contact Information: 

University of Colorado Boulder
Comparative Literature Graduate Program
Ketchum 230
331 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0331
Phone: 303-492-7376
Fax: 303-492-2311

Website: 
complit.colorado.edu
Email: 
complit@colorado.edu
Where To Send Your Materials: 

Application Mailing Instructions

Domestic Applicants:

Transcripts and other supporting materials required by your department should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions. Transcripts must be official copies and should include ALL post-secondary academic work completed to date, including courses appearing as transfer credit on other transcripts, credits earned in study abroad programs, and courses taken for college credit while in high school. Copies of transcripts mailed in unsealed envelopes and sent directly by applicants are NOT official transcripts.

For standard international mail or mail within the US, including USPS Priority and Express:

Graduate Admissions
University of Colorado Boulder
3100 Marine St Suite A122
553 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0553 USA

For overnight or express mail (DHL, FEDEX, UPS):

Graduate Admissions             
University of Colorado Boulder                     
3100 Marine Street - 553 UCB
Bldg RL3 Suite A122
Boulder, CO 80303-1058 USA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (303) 492-6301
  

All International Applicants

Transcripts and other supporting materials required by your department should be sent directly to Office of Admissions/International.  Transcripts must be official copies and should include ALL post-secondary academic work completed to date, including courses appearing as transfer credit on other transcripts, credits earned in study abroad programs, and courses taken for college credit while in high school. Copies of transcripts mailed in unsealed envelopes and sent directly by applicants are NOT official transcripts.

For standard international mail or mail within the US, including USPS Priority and Express:

Office of Admissions/International
University of Colorado Boulder
3100 Marine St Suite A122
65 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0065 USA

Overnight/Express Mailing Address (DHL, UPS, Fedex)          

Office of Admissions/International               
University of Colorado Boulder                     
3100 Marine Street - 65 UCB
Bldg RL3 Suite A122
Boulder, CO 80303-1058 USA
303-492-6301