A student who elects comparative literature as a major must complete 48 hours , including at least 12 hours in courses numbered 300 or above. The major comprises two concentrations, a Comparative Literature concentration and a World Literature concentration (foreign literatures in translation).?

Besides knowing English, the student who chooses the Comparative Literature concentration must have sufficient linguistic skill in at least one foreign language to participate in 200- to 400-level literature courses offered by the various foreign language and literature departments.

As soon as a student contemplates choosing comparative and world literature as a major, the faculty adviser should be consulted. The adviser will assist the student in selecting appropriate courses that will be especially helpful as preparation for the advanced comparative literature training beginning with the junior year. Courses in classical civilization and in literature (particularly courses dealing with works from several countries) are especially recommended at relatively early stages of study. An ample selection of such courses at the 100- and 200-levels exists in the various literature departments.

The distribution of course work allows for considerable flexibility. The major is administered by the Program in Comparative and World Literature.