Thus, the program enables students not only to read texts critically but also to reflect upon the theories and methods that have guided literary study in the past and in the present. The Program in Comparative Literary Studies offers an undergraduate major and a graduate program leading to the PhD degree. The major in comparative literary studies includes a core curriculum and electives that make up a concentration. The core curriculum consists of eight courses common to all majors that introduce basic texts, methods, and theoretical models of the discipline.
Students consult with an undergraduate adviser to plan an eight-elective concentration.
Each concentration exemplifies an important orientation of comparative literary studies. During the spring quarter of the junior year, comparative literary studies majors submit written proposals to the program adviser explaining in detail the concentration chosen and how the requirements will be fulfilled. Majors in study abroad programs during their their junior year should submit their proposal before leaving Northwestern. Majors may preregister each quarter during the week preceding general preregistration. Additional information may be obtained from the program office.