Comparative Literature
Source: https://www.brown.edu/undergraduate-programs/comparative-literature-ab Parent: https://www.brown.edu/undergraduate-programs
The concentration in Comparative Literature enables students to study an illustrative range of literary topics and to develop a focused critical understanding of how cultures differ from one another and what those differences mean.
Degree Type
A.B.
department
Department of Comparative Literature
CIP Code
16.0104ℹ
The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) was developed by the U.S. Department of Education to categorize educational programs in the U.S. for a variety of reporting purposes. Each program at Brown is assigned a CIP code that best matches its academic curriculum.
Current STEM Eligible CIP Codes
- Classics
- East Asian Studies
- English
- French Studies
- German Studies
- Hispanic Studies
- Italian Studies
- Middle East Studies
- Portuguese and Brazilian Studies
- Slavic Studies
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Comparative Literature
The concentration in Comparative Literature enables students to study an illustrative range of literary topics and to develop a focused critical understanding of how cultures differ from one another and what those differences mean.
Our courses provide opportunities to engage with literary works across linguistic and cultural boundaries, exploring the traditions and innovations of the literatures of the world.
In the spirit of Brown’s Open Curriculum, a concentration in Comparative Literature affords great academic freedom. Advanced literature courses from any literature department at Brown count for concentration credit. Any language — ancient or modern — supported at Brown may form part of a Comparative Literature concentration program. All students take a course in literary theory and have the opportunity to complete a senior essay.
Student Goals
Students in this concentration will:
- Gain fluency in at least one language other than English
- Develop an understanding of poetry, drama, and narrative in more than one culture and in different historical periods
- Become conversant in literary theory
- Develop sophisticated reading and writing skills
- Produce a body of critical papers
Tracks
- Comparative Literature with Three Languages
- Comparative Literature with Two Languages
- Literary Translation
Department Undergraduate Group (DUG)
Student Leaders: Martina Herman, Justin Nourian, Paulina Gasiorowska
Graduating Class
| Class Year | Total Students | Honors Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 14 | 10 |
| 2022 | 11 | 6 |
| 2023 | 14 | 9 |
| 2024 | 26 | 10 |
| 2025 | 26 | 10 |
Graduates with a degree in Comparative Literature have pursued careers as writers and editors, artists, physicians, curators, marketing executives and consultants, journalists, directors of film and television, university faculty, and legislators. Hear what recent alumni have to say about their concentration and their career trajectories on the Comparative Literature department's Career Forum.
What are Comparative Literature concentrators doing…
The Director of Undergraduate Studies is typically the first point of contact for prospective concentrators. Once students have declared, they may be assigned a specific concentration advisor from within the department or program.