Harvard University

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Comparative Literature at Harvard University offers students an in-depth exploration of how narratives, languages, and media traverse cultures and historical contexts. The program emphasizes the development of critical skills in literary analysis, translation, and global cultural interpretation, equipping graduates to understand and analyze diverse literary traditions.

What you'll study

Academic focus

The curriculum combines required and elective coursework, enabling students to engage with comparative literary traditions and cultural inquiries. The structure is designed to foster both close reading skills and broader historical or theoretical perspectives.

Typical areas of study include:

• Literature across languages and translation-informed reading
• Media history and the interaction between texts and various forms (e.g., film, performance)
• Literary theory and methodologies for comparative analysis
• Book history and the material contexts of reading and publishing
• Colonial and postcolonial dynamics in global literary traditions

Example course themes may encompass:

• Translating, Retelling, Performing, Illustrating
• What Is a Novel?
• What Is a Book?
• Mysticism and Literature
• Modern Arabic Literature
• Counter-Imperialism and Asian-African Literatures
• Contemporary Southeast Asia through Literature and Film
• Songmaking and the Idea of Lyric
• Prize-Winning Translations

Concentration/major pathway

The program adopts a concentration-based framework, allowing students to complete coursework within a defined academic pathway while selecting additional courses that enhance coherence across themes and methods.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

While specific GRE or GMAT requirements are not outlined for this program, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate strong academic performance. A minimum GPA requirement is also not specified.

English requirements

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate their English proficiency, typically through the TOEFL iBT. Specific minimum scores are not detailed.

Other requirements

• Proof of high school graduation is required, including documentation for homeschooled students. Acceptable forms include a high school diploma or equivalent credentials recognized in the applicant’s home state or evaluated by the Center for Educational Documentation (CED) for international credentials.
• For credits or degrees obtained outside the United States, transcripts must be sent directly to the CED for evaluation. Applicants may request either a course-by-course evaluation for transfer credit or a general evaluation if transfer credit is not applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Comparative Literature program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. They may pursue opportunities in education, publishing, translation, cultural analysis, and more. The skills developed through the program also provide a strong foundation for further study in graduate programs or professional fields such as law, journalism, and international relations.