MA Comparative Literature at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Programme overview

The MA offers systematic study of subjects and problems common to several literatures: literary theory, relations among literatures, periods and movements, and literature and the other arts. Students show competence in at least two foreign languages and English; Latin is required for specialization in European/American literature before 1800.

What you will study

CWL 501 and 502 (Theory of Literature and Methods of Comparative Literature), seminars CWL 551, 561, 571 and 581 on movements, genres, literary relations and themes, and CWL 582 Proseminar.

Career pathways

Academic jobs in literary studies and allied fields; non-academic work such as editing and publishing, museum work, journalism and creative careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A student entering the program should have an undergraduate major in Comparative Literature, English, the classics, or a foreign language. Majors in history and philosophy or other humanistic areas that present suitable linguistic and literary competence may also be granted admission by the Admissions Committee. Applicants should apply online , submit a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation and a writing sample. Original transcripts showing all undergraduate and graduate work completed should be sent to SLCL Graduate Student Services, 3070 Literatures, Cultures, and Linguistics Bldg., 707 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required and should be submitted to institution code 1836. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and must score at

Not all graduate programmes offer admission in all terms; term availability is set by each programme of study.

Graduate applicants apply online through the Graduate College application; deadlines and term availability are set by each programme. Medicine, law and veterinary medicine applicants apply directly to their colleges.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply

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