The Field of Comparative Literature at Cornell offers a Ph.D. degree in all major areas of literary study, with particular emphasis on European literature from the Renaissance to the modern period and on literary criticism and theory. Entering students design a program in consultation with the Field Committee, which is chaired by the director of graduate studies. Those intending to specialize in a foreign literature are strongly encouraged to acquire fluency in the relevant language.
Students normally take fourteen courses, ten of which deal with texts in the chosen languages.
All candidates are required to do at least one year of classroom teaching as part of the doctoral program. There are two examination options, each of which has three components. Both options require the student to demonstrate knowledge of a historical period in three literatures. The additional components of the second option are additional periods in one national literature and a minor concentration. Applicants are required to submit GRE general test scores, a writing sample, and to demonstrate proficiency in two foreign literatures.