PhD Comparative Literature at University of Chicago

Programme overview

Comparative Literature at Chicago is the multidisciplinary, historically self-reflective and cross-cultural study of cultural expressions across languages, periods, genres and disciplines. Faculty and students work across many traditions, from Classical and Persian to Yiddish, Nahuatl and Lakota.

Faculty: Division of the Arts & Humanities | Department: Department of Comparative Literature | Intake: Autumn | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chicago, IL, United States

What you will study

Students take a two-quarter sequence in literary criticism and theory in their MA year, then design the remaining coursework either across several national literatures with one primary emphasis or in relation to another discipline. Each student has a faculty mentor, takes a qualifying exam and develops an individual dissertation topic. A joint programme with Theater and Performance Studies is available.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Comparative Literature PhD: BA or equivalent with a record of marked distinction (no GPA minimum stated); three to four confidential letters of recommendation; writing sample of 15-20 double-spaced pages; statement of academic purpose of 1-3 single-spaced pages; high proficiency in two languages other than English (advanced in one); GRE not required and not considered; TOEFL or IELTS may be required for applicants whose primary language is not English (scores no more than two years old); $90 application fee; fall entry only.

Intake: Autumn

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