Comparative Literature Major
Early in their program of study and in consultation with the comparative literature major adviser, students choose to take courses and write their thesis in one of the following areas of study:
- Literature across the languages
- Literature and diaspora studies
- Literature and the humanities, sciences or social sciences (e.g., anthropology, philosophy, political science or the natural sciences among others)
- Literature and film or media
- Literature and the creative arts
- Comparative theories
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| One of the following classes | ||
| Literary Theories | ||
| Literary Theories | ||
| Theory for English Majors | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select at least two comparative literature courses numbered COLI 3001 or above | ||
| Select at least two foreign language and literature electives 1 | ||
| Select up to three elective courses (3000 and above) chosen from among cross-listed courses from other departments 2 | ||
| Capstone | ||
| A senior capstone seminar (4000 and above), open to juniors with permission. This capstone course varies in topic, and has a seminar format and a strong theoretical component | ||
| Thesis | ||
| COLI 4998 | Senior Thesis Tutorial in Comparative Literature (All majors are required to write a thesis under the direction of an adviser and a second reader.) 3 | 4 |
- 1
Any two courses (normally in the same language) offered by the departments of Modern Languages and Literatures (listed here) or Classical Languages and Civilization (listed here) numbered 2500 and above. These courses will allow the students to demonstrate an ability to read and analyze literary texts written in a language other than English.
- 2
(e.g., African and African American studies, communication and media studies, English, history, modern languages and literatures, philosophy, political science, visual arts) or interdisciplinary programs (e.g., Latin American and Latino studies, Medieval studies, urban studies, women’s studies) appropriate to the student’s program of study or concentration.
- 3
Proposals must be approved at the end of the student’s junior year.
In addition, in their senior year students participate in the Senior Project Roundtable, which offers them the opportunity to present and discuss their final projects in a public forum with faculty and students from comparative literature and other disciplines.
Majors are encouraged to pursue a study abroad program, usually in their junior year. It is strongly recommended that students who plan to pursue graduate work in comparative literature develop a reading knowledge in a second foreign language.
Comparative literature majors may take courses at Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Lincoln Center only if these courses are offered under the COLI subject, or are officially cross-listed.
Availability
The major in comparative literature is available at Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, and Fordham's School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center.
Fordham College at Rose Hill students: The requirements above are in addition to those of the Core Curriculum.
Fordham College at Lincoln Center students: The requirements above are in addition to those of the Core Curriculum.
Professional and Continuing Studies students: The requirements above are in addition to those of the PCS Core Curriculum and any additional electives that may be required to earn a minimum of 124 credits.
CIP Code
16.0104 - Comparative Literature.
You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.