Comparative Literature, PhD
The Ph.D. Program in Comparative Literature covers the study of narrative, poetry, representation and cultural history. The Program enables students to engage rigorously with critical theory. We draw our faculty from many disciplines: the languages and literary histories of Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, East Asia, and South Asia: history, art history, religion; anthropology; folklore; political science; Africana studies; Jewish studies; Gender and Sexuality studies; sociology; communications.
We provide a structured and challenging program in which graduate students can combine the careful study of a particular literary tradition with interests in other languages and disciplinary approaches. The broad interests that our students bring to their projects include the history of philosophy, film and media studies, technology and the history of science, and area studies. Students work in varied historical periods, from antiquity and the Middle Ages to the postmodern, and in diverse language fields. Proficiency in two languages is required for graduation (English excluded).
Comparative Literature at Penn has a dynamic intellectual community. Our signature event is our public colloquium series, Theorizing, which is organized primarily by the graduate students. Our students and faculty are active participants in the many interdisciplinary lecture and seminar series at Penn, including the Medieval-Renaissance Seminar, the History of Material Texts Seminar, the Wolf Humanities Center, the Latitudes Seminar, and several student reading groups.
For more information: http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/Complit/graduate.htm
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| COML 5010 | Comparative Literature Proseminar | 1 |
| COML 9810 | M.A. Exam Prep | 1 |
| COML 9920 | Qualifying Examination Preparation (take in Fall and Spring) | 2 |
| COML 9930 | Dissertation Prospectus Research (take in Fall and Spring) | 2-4 |
| COML 9940 | Dissertation Prospectus Workshop (take in Fall and Spring) | 2 |
| Graduate work as advised | 10-12 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Teaching Requirement | ||
Four semesters of teaching are required. | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in two languages. | ||
| Total Course Units | 20 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.