The master of arts degree programs introduce students to the comparative study of literature, to interdisciplinary studies involving literature, and to the theory and practice of literary translation. Essential to the programs is the acquisition of the critical tools required by comparative literary studies, as well as the development of the ability to do graduate work in at least two literatures. To be admitted to the programs, students must have a BA (or equivalent) showing potential for graduate work in these studies. They have the option of combining the certificate in translation with the traditional MA degree, or they may choose to pursue the more vocationally oriented translation studies degree, or the double degree with the MAT in English. The completion of the MA normally takes three semesters of coursework.
Plan A: ordinarily distributed as follows:
| Courses | Credits |
| COLI 592. Proseminar | 4 |
| First literature | 12 to 16 |
| Second literature or minor | 8 to 12 |
| Electives | 0 to 8 |
| Total | 32 |
Plan B: Double degree with MAT in English
| Courses | Credits |
| COLI 592. Proseminar | 4 |
| Second literature or minor (one of these courses must satisfy English elective) | 8 |
| English component (i.e., first literature) ENG 500. Introduction to English Language Chaucer or Milton Shakespeare Electives (two courses, one of which must satisfy the comparative literature minor) |
20 |
| Professional education, including semester internshipProfessional education, including semester internship |
16 |
| Total | 48 |
Note: Students choosing this option must present evidence that they have written at least two term papers in literature courses, totaling approximately 50 pages, in which they obtained a grade of B or better. One of these papers must be an English paper, expanded and revised under the guidance of the original instructor and submitted with the instructor’s approval to the director of graduate studies in English.
Plan C: Translation studies
| Courses | Credits |
| COLI 592. Proseminar | 4 |
| COLI 572 and 573 | 8 |
| COLI 580. Topics in Translation Theory | 4 |
| Linguistics, language theory or history as suited to individual program needs | 8 |
| Literature in source languages (two courses) | 8 |
| Total | 32 |
Languages
Normally, MA candidates are expected to use two foreign languages in the course of their studies, as well as to show an adequate command of English. By the time the student takes the MA examination, he or she must have met the language requirement in at least one idiom.
Teaching Requirement
Graduate students in comparative literature, including MA students, are expected, in accordance with state regulations, to acquire competence as teachers. This requirement is normally fulfilled by teaching a course in Comparative Literature, or a series of such courses.
Examinations
The take-home written examination for the MA consists of four sections (literature I and II, theory, and literary specialization) and is taken by all candidates following Plan A, or B. Students following Plan C, translation studies, take one of the following sections from the Plan A M.A. exam:Literature I, Literature II, or theory. Students wishing to qualify for study toward the doctorate must achieve a grade of B+ or better on all sections of the examination. A grade of B or better on each section constitutes a passing grade. These examinations are given in November, and, when necessary, also in April; they may be repeated once. Students may petition to take the MA examination in April of the academic year in which they have entered the program.
