Northwestern University

Overview

The Comparative Literary Studies program at Northwestern University immerses students in the rich tapestry of literature from diverse languages, cultures, and historical contexts. This interdisciplinary course emphasizes the interconnections between literary texts and their broader cultural and intellectual landscapes, encouraging students to engage in close reading while exploring significant critical approaches.

What you'll study

Programme Structure

• Comparative reading: Students will analyze texts from various regions and eras, identifying common themes, genres, and literary movements.
• Literary theory: The curriculum includes a focus on major critical theories that influence literary interpretation and analysis.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: Learners are encouraged to explore literature's connections to other fields and creative media, enhancing their analytical skills.

Sample course themes include:

• Reading World Literature: Global Literary Ecologies
• Oral Poetry from Homer to Hip Hop
• Literature of French Existentialism
• 20th Century Russian Literature
• Gender and Revolution in Soviet Russia
• Taiwanese New Wave Cinemas
• Politics, Gender, and Philosophy

Capstone / thesis: Students are encouraged to verify whether the program includes a thesis or capstone project to synthesize their learning experiences.

Entry requirements

Prospective students should prepare the following application materials:

• Common Application or Coalition Application*
• Official secondary school transcript and school report
• Counselor recommendation
• At least one teacher recommendation
• SAT or ACT scores, with no minimum score specified; however, competitive applicants typically demonstrate strong English proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Comparative Literary Studies program are well-equipped for various career paths in fields such as education, publishing, translation, cultural analysis, and arts administration. The ability to critically engage with texts and understand cultural contexts prepares students for roles in diverse professional environments.