The Master's degree includes nine (9) courses:
For current course descriptions, click here: Comparative Literature
The Major Text Presentation:
The major text presentation is prepared in conjunction with the Tutorial (CL 102) and CL 105. Students present one literary or cultural text related to their tutorial topic. The main object is to illustrate the methods of analysis proposed for the M.A. Essay, including theoretical approaches, historical contexts, and comparative connections.
In their third term on campus, students produce an article of professional standard with potential for publication based on the readings and theoretical explorations undertaken in the fall and winter terms. They work in close collaboration with their tutor, the Graduate Advisor, and the instructor of CL 103.
Depending on the topic and the choice of target journal for the publication of the paper, its length will vary between 20-30 pages. Its format should correspond to the guidelines in the MLA Handbook. While the research and conceptualization should have been done in prior terms, a "Workshop in Critical Writing" assists the students throughout the writing process.
In the workshop, students learn to produce outlines, critical introductions, abstracts, and critical evaluations of the manuscripts of others. In conjunction with CL 103, students prepare a paper of publishable quality representing methodological training in comparative literary study.
Students are expected to work for at least two terms as a teaching or research assistant. Options include serving as: an “apprentice teacher” in a foreign language course (applicants attend training workshops and audition to be hired in the relevant department), a teaching assistant in a literature course, a research assistant working with an individual professor, and/or an intern in a relevant campus office (e.g. Leslie Center for the Humanities, Dartmouth Center for Teaching and Learning, Rauner Special Collections Library). All appointments depend on the availability of matches appropriate to students’ interests and prior experience.
