B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Comparative Literature
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Comparative Literature at Queens College encourages students to transcend national and linguistic boundaries to explore literature in a broad, global context. Students examine and analyze literary texts from various cultures, languages, and periods, comparing them to find common themes, styles, and historical developments. The program aims to broaden students' intellectual horizons, inviting them to consider multiple points of view and recognize the intricate similarities and differences among human experiences across the globe. It prepares students for advanced study in various humanities fields, as well as for careers that demand sophisticated textual analysis, cross-cultural understanding, and superior communication skills.
Curriculum: The curriculum is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on courses taught by faculty from various language and literature departments, as well as philosophy and anthropology. Students are required to develop proficiency in at least one language other than English. Core coursework often includes "Writing about World Literature," "Introduction to Comparative Literature," and seminars on literary criticism and advanced topics. The program requires students to study a range of literary works from different geographical areas and time periods, engaging with texts from ancient times to the contemporary moment, including classics from diverse cultures like the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Bible, the Qur'an, and works from African, East Asian, and Francophone literatures. The curriculum heavily emphasizes critical analysis and effective oral and written expression through discussions, essays, and research papers, often culminating in a formal research paper that requires close readings and historical contextualization.
Research Focus: The Department of Comparative Literature at Queens College is home to faculty with diverse research interests that actively inform the undergraduate program. Their scholarly work often explores global literary history, postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality in literature, cultural relations, the intersection of literature with other disciplines like history, philosophy, anthropology, psychology, film, and visual art. For instance, faculty research includes Renaissance studies, early modern colonialism, epic poetry, and historiography, as well as literature and film of France, North Africa, and the Middle East. While formal undergraduate research opportunities might vary, students are encouraged to engage in in-depth textual analysis and independent study under faculty guidance, benefiting directly from their professors' active scholarly pursuits.
Industry Engagement: While Comparative Literature does not have "industry partners" in the traditional sense of direct employment pipelines like some STEM fields, the program at Queens College excels in developing highly valuable and transferable skills for a wide array of professional fields. The department highlights that majors are well-prepared for graduate study and careers in areas such as law, education, publishing, writing, and translation. The college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships provides resources and support to help students identify internship opportunities in fields like publishing houses, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations where strong analytical, communication, and cross-cultural skills are essential. Alumni often pursue paths that leverage their sophisticated understanding of diverse cultures and effective communication.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Comparative Literature at Queens College inherently embraces a strong global perspective. The core mission of the department is to "prepare students to become leading citizens of an increasingly global society" by examining literature across national and linguistic borders. Students delve into the contributions of all peoples to human adventure, comparing and contrasting different languages and cultures to expand their horizons and recognize similarities while appreciating tangible differences. Courses cover world literature from ancient to contemporary times, including African, East Asian, Francophone, and Middle Eastern literatures. Furthermore, Queens College's exceptional student body, representing over 96 languages, creates a naturally multicultural learning environment that further enriches the global outlook of the program.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College, a distinguished liberal arts institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Comparative Literature.
Publishing Professional (Editor, Literary Agent, Publicist): The intense focus on textual analysis, close reading, and persuasive writing makes comparative literature graduates ideal for roles in publishing houses. They can work as editors (acquiring, developmental, or copy editors), literary agents (representing authors), or publicists (promoting books and authors), leveraging their deep understanding of narrative and literary trends.
Journalist/Content Creator: With their strong research skills, ability to synthesize complex information, and clear, engaging writing, graduates can pursue careers in journalism (print, digital, broadcast), content marketing, or technical writing. Their cross-cultural awareness is particularly valuable for international reporting or diverse audience engagement.
Translator/Interpreter: Proficiency in multiple languages and a nuanced understanding of cultural context, which are central to comparative literature, directly prepare graduates for roles as translators (written content) or interpreters (spoken communication) in various sectors, including legal, medical, business, or academic fields.
Educator (K-12 or Higher Education): A B.A. in Comparative Literature provides an excellent foundation for teaching. Graduates can pursue teaching English, history, or foreign languages at the secondary school level (often requiring additional certification). For those aspiring to academia, it serves as a strong stepping stone for graduate studies (MA, PhD) leading to university professorships in literature or related humanities.
Lawyer/Legal Professional: The rigorous analytical demands of a comparative literature degree, including critical reading, logical argumentation, and persuasive writing, are highly valued in the legal field. Many graduates pursue law school, leveraging their undergraduate training as a strong foundation for legal careers as paralegals, legal researchers, or attorneys.
Human Resources Specialist: Understanding diverse cultures, communication styles, and human relationships, honed through literary studies, makes graduates well-suited for HR roles. They can contribute to talent acquisition, employee relations, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and fostering positive workplace environments.
International Relations/Diplomacy: The program's emphasis on global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding is highly beneficial for careers in international relations, foreign service, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Graduates can work in cultural diplomacy, policy analysis, or program coordination, bridging cultural divides.
Arts and Cultural Management: Graduates can apply their passion for the arts and their understanding of cultural contexts in administrative or managerial roles within museums, galleries, cultural centers, non-profit arts organizations, or even in film and media production.
Marketing and Communications Specialist: The ability to craft compelling narratives, understand audience nuances, and engage with diverse cultural landscapes makes comparative literature graduates valuable in marketing, advertising, and public relations roles. They can develop communication strategies and write persuasive copy.
Librarian/Archivist (Special Collections): For those interested in preserving and organizing knowledge, a comparative literature degree provides excellent preparation for roles in libraries, archives, or special collections, particularly those focused on literary manuscripts, historical documents, or multilingual resources.
