The Department of Comparative Literature at New York University offers a rigorous and globally-focused program for students passionate about exploring literature across linguistic, geographic, cultural, political, and disciplinary boundaries. This program fosters an interdisciplinary and expansive understanding of literary studies, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academia and beyond. At Nyu Comparative Literature, students delve into a rich tapestry of world literature, engaging with both ancient and contemporary works while critically examining theoretical, historical, and representational issues. The program extends the definition of literature to encompass diverse cultural practices, including philosophical texts, legal documents, visual arts, and popular culture, revealing literature’s crucial role in material expression and symbolic exchange.
A Deep Dive into the NYU Comparative Literature Program
The NYU Comparative Literature program distinguishes itself by providing an intimate and intellectually stimulating environment. Each year, the department welcomes a select cohort of approximately six fully-funded doctoral students, ensuring close mentorship from core faculty. This personalized approach allows students to deeply engage with faculty expertise while leveraging the extensive resources of NYU and the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium. This consortium grants access to resources at prestigious institutions like Columbia University, CUNY, Princeton University, Rutgers University, Stonybrook, Teachers’ College – Columbia, Fordham University, and The New School for Social Research, further enriching the academic experience.
The faculty at NYU Comparative Literature are experts in their fields, offering courses that span the breadth of world literature. They guide students in critical and theoretical explorations, fostering a deep understanding of literary history and the evolving landscape of literary studies. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to think beyond traditional boundaries, embracing a global perspective in their research and scholarship.
Graduate Student Life and the Comparatorium
Graduate students are integral to the vibrant intellectual community within the Department of Comparative Literature at NYU. A key feature is the Comparatorium, a student-organized colloquium that provides a platform for both graduate students and faculty to present works in progress. This fosters a collaborative and supportive environment for intellectual exchange and development. Furthermore, graduate students play a significant role in organizing and participating in conferences that attract scholars from across the nation and the globe, placing NYU Comparative Literature at the center of cutting-edge conversations in the field. The department actively hosts events featuring prominent speakers who are shaping the future of literary and cultural studies, ensuring students are exposed to diverse and groundbreaking perspectives. Recent distinguished speakers include Elisabeth Anker, Daphne A. Brooks, Xu Bing, Tamara Chin, Michael Hardt, R.A. Judy, Anahid Nersessian, Mark Christian Thompson, Ming Xie, McKenzie Wark, and Slavoj Žižek, reflecting the program’s commitment to engaging with leading thinkers.
Admissions to NYU Comparative Literature
Prospective students applying to the NYU Comparative Literature PhD program must fulfill the general application requirements of the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS). Detailed information on these requirements can be found on the GSAS website. For specific admission criteria and instructions tailored to the Comparative Literature program, please refer to the dedicated Comparative Literature admissions page on the GSAS website. The admissions process is competitive, seeking candidates with a strong academic record, a demonstrated passion for comparative literature, and a compelling research agenda that aligns with the program’s focus on global and interdisciplinary literary studies.
Program Requirements: Charting Your PhD Journey
The NYU Comparative Literature PhD program is structured to provide a comprehensive and rigorous academic experience. Students are required to complete 72 credits of coursework, with a focus on both departmental and interdisciplinary learning.
Coursework Breakdown:
- Major Requirements (40 credits in Comparative Literature): This includes core courses designed to build a strong foundation in research methodologies, advanced writing, and key areas within comparative literature.
- Electives (32 credits outside the department): These elective credits allow students to tailor their studies to their specific research interests and teaching goals, drawing from the vast resources across NYU’s departments.
Course List:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| COLIT-GA 1400 | Sem in Lit:Rsch Mthds Tchnqs: | 4 |
| COLIT-GA 2000 | Advanced Writing Seminar 1 | 8 |
| Non-U.S./Western European Context Course | Literature and/or Theory | 4 |
| Pre-1800 Literary Criticism/Theory | Literary Criticism/Theory Class | 4 |
| 20th-Century Literary Criticism/Theory | Contemporary Literary Criticism/Theory | 4 |
| Pre-1800 Literature Course | Literature Course | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Other Elective Credits | 44 | |
| Total Credits | 72 |
Note: COLIT-GA 2000 is taken twice for a total of 8 credits.
Additional Program Milestones:
- Foreign Language Proficiency: Students must demonstrate proficiency in three non-English languages, or two non-English languages and three doctoral-level courses in a non-literary discipline. Proficiency can be shown through translation exams or other methods.
- Qualifying Paper: After completing 32 credits, students submit a seminar paper to be reviewed and approved, demonstrating their ability to produce publishable-quality work.
- Comprehensive Exams: These exams consist of written and oral components. The written exam covers three topics: literary criticism and theory, the student’s major field, and a nodal field of interest. The oral exam follows, focusing on the dissertation prospectus.
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil): Students are awarded an MPhil upon completing all coursework, language requirements, the qualifying paper, and comprehensive exams, typically by the end of their fourth summer.
- Dissertation Defense: The culmination of the PhD program is the dissertation, which must address comparative issues. Students must successfully defend their dissertation before a committee.
- Departmental Approval: Final departmental approval is required for the PhD degree to be awarded by the Graduate School of Arts & Science.
Sample Plan of Study: A Semester-by-Semester Guide
The following table provides a sample plan of study to guide students through the NYU Comparative Literature PhD program. This is a flexible framework, and the specific timing of requirements may vary.
Plan of Study Grid:
| 1st Semester/Term | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COLIT-GA 1400 | Sem in Lit:Rsch Mthds Tchnqs: | 4 |
| Elective Example | Pre-1800 Literature Course (Requirement Fulfillment) | 4 |
| Other Elective Credits | 4 | |
| Foreign Language | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | Course | Credits |
| Elective Example | Non-U.S./Western European Literature or Theory Course (Requirement Fulfillment) | 4 |
| Other Elective Credits | 4 | |
| Other Elective Credits | 4 | |
| Foreign Language | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | Course | Credits |
| Elective Example | Contemporary (20th century) Literary Criticism or Theory Course (Requirement Fulfillment) | 4 |
| Other Elective Credits | 4 | |
| Other Elective Credits | 4 | |
| Foreign Language | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | Course | Credits |
| Elective Example | Pre-1800 Literature/Theory course (Requirement Fulfillment) | 4 |
| Other Elective Credits | 4 | |
| Other Elective Credits | 4 | |
| Foreign Language | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| 5th Semester/Term | Course | Credits |
| COLIT-GA 2000 | Advanced Writing Seminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
| 6th Semester/Term | Course | Credits |
| COLIT-GA 2000 | Advanced Writing Seminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits (Overall) | 72 |
Post-coursework, students maintain active status through research/writing courses or Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GA 4747). Non-course requirements must be completed before degree conferral.
Learning Outcomes: What to Expect Upon Graduation
Graduates of the NYU Comparative Literature program will emerge with a distinctive set of skills and knowledge:
- Deep Comparative Knowledge: Graduates will possess detailed and comparative knowledge of at least two national or linguistic literary traditions.
- Sophisticated Theoretical Approach: They will develop a sophisticated theoretical framework for interpreting literary and artistic forms across various cultures and contexts.
- Original Research Capabilities: Graduates will be equipped with the ability to conduct original research in multiple languages, leading to significant contributions to the field of comparative literature.
Policies: Navigating Your Academic Journey
NYU Policies
For university-wide policies, please consult the official New York University Policy pages.
Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies
Academic policies specific to the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the GSAS Academic Policies page. These policies provide essential guidelines for your academic journey at NYU.
NYU Comparative Literature offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring scholars of global literature. With its distinguished faculty, rigorous curriculum, and vibrant intellectual community, the program provides the ideal environment to pursue advanced studies and contribute meaningfully to the field.
