Graduate Calendar Archives: 2003 / 2004

Institute for Comparative Studies in Literature,
Art and Culture: Comparative Literary Studies

Dunton Tower 1424
Telephone: (613) 520-2177
Fax: (613) 520-2564
E-mail: icslac@carleton.ca

The Institute

Director of the Institute: Paul Keen (Acting Director)

Graduate Supervisor of Comparative Literary Studies: Gurli Woods

The Institute for Comparative Studies in Literature, Art, and Culture offers programs of graduate study leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Literary Studies.

The purpose of the program in comparative literature is to study literature in its international context, and to relate and compare literary phenomena usually studied in isolation because of linguistic barriers and the traditional departmental division of academic disciplines. Thus, taking into account the interrelation of all humanistic studies, such as the various literatures, philosophy, psychology, sociology, the visual arts, and history, comparatists view literary creation within the total complex evolution of world literature. The historical flow of literary archetypes, the role of folklore and myth in literature, recurrent problems of literary theory, and consideration of the less well known literatures of the world are some of the objects of comparative literary studies.

Qualifying-Year Program

The regulations governing admission to the qualifying-year program are outlined in the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

Applicants will normally have the equivalent of a Combined Honours B.A. with high honours standing.

The total course program must be determined in consultation with the supervisor of graduate studies. Formal admission to the master's program may be considered at the end of the first term.

Master of Arts

Admission Requirements

The regulations governing admission to the M.A. program are outlined in the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

The specific requirements for admission to the M.A. program in Comparative Literary Studies are as follows:

• An Honours B.A. degree (or the equivalent) with at least high honours standing in a literature (studied in the original language) or in two literatures or in a literature and a related arts subject
• Proficiency in English
• An ability to work at the graduate level in an additional language approved by Comparative Literary Studies. Students whose record does not clearly demonstrate this ability will be required to take as part of their program at least 0.5 credit in the literature of this second language in the original language

Program Requirements

Master's candidates in Comparative Literary Studies will follow one of two 5.0 credit options:

Thesis Program:

• CLST 5001 (0.5 credit), and CLST 5002 (0.5 credit)
• 1.0 credit at the 5000-level selected from those courses offered by Comparative Literary Studies (max. 0.5 credit Directed Studies included)
• 1.0 credit at the 5000-level selected from any course offered in Comparative Literary Studies or from other programs in the University with the approval of the graduate committee.
• CLST 5909 (2.0 credits)

Non-Thesis Program

• CLST 5001 (0.5 credit), and CLST 5002 (0.5 credit)
• 2.0 credits at the 5000-level selected from those courses offered by Comparative Literary Studies (max. 0.5 credit Directed Studies included)
• 1.0 credit at the 5000-level selected from any courses offered in Comparative Literary Studies or from other programs in the University with the approval of the graduate committee
• CLST 5903 (1.0 credit)

Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree

The master's program is normally completed no later than two years or six terms after initial full-time registration and six years or eighteen terms after initial part-time registration.

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

The normal requirement for admission to the Ph.D. program is an M.A. degree in literary studies (or in related subjects approved by Comparative Literary Studies) with at least high honours standing, normally with no grade below B-.

Each applicant must supply proof, by means of a research effort that has resulted in an extensive essay, that he or she is capable of producing a publishable paper. Such proof will be submitted at the time of application to the program.

Students admitted into the program with a master's degree earned in another department or institution will be required to make up any deficiencies in course work as required by Comparative Literary Studies.

In exceptional cases, an outstanding student who has completed the B.A. Honours degree and who meets the language requirements outlined below, may be admitted directly to the doctoral program. The program requirement for these students is normally 15.0 credits.

A student who transfers from the master's program in Comparative Literary Studies must meet the language requirements on admission as well as those listed under program requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate a capacity to work at the graduate level in at least two languages other than English. The two languages must be approved by Comparative Literary Studies. Normally, one of the two languages must be French. Applicants must also be proficient in English. Students whose native tongue is not English may be required to pass the TOEFL test with a minimum score of 600.

Program Requirements

• 3.0 credits at the 6000-level to be chosen from courses offered by the discipline. (0.5 credit may be at the 5000-level.)
• 0.5 credit at either the 5000- or 6000-level in the social sciences to be approved by the graduate adviser.
• 0.5 credit at the 6000-level outside the area of specialization of the student to be chosen from the courses offered by the discipline.
• A 1.0 credit comprehensive examination, both oral and written parts to be taken prior to the approval of the Ph.D. thesis prospectus.
• A thesis equivalent to 5.0 credits.

Comprehensive Examinations

The comprehensive examination is designed to test the candidate's competence both in comparative literary theory and in the chosen area of specialization. The comprehensive examination is to be completed after course requirements for the Ph.D. have been completed.

Students admitted to the program who have a master's degree in the area of literary studies (or in related subjects approved by Comparative Literary Studies) must normally satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement by the end of the third term in the program.

Those students either admitted directly into the program from the B.A. Honours program or transferring from the master's to the doctoral program must satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement no later than the end of the third year or ninth term of study.

Normally the comprehensive examination must be completed no later than four years or twelve terms after the initial part-time registration following the M.A. (or equivalent).

Students admitted directly from the B.A. Honours program or transferring from the master's to the doctoral program must earn 15.0 credits beyond the B.A. honours and most of the master's program in Comparative Literary Studies, with the exception of the comprehensive examination which may be replaced by course work equivalent to 1.0 credit.

Thesis

The Institute appoints a thesis supervisor and an advisory committee for each doctoral candidate. A minimum of two faculty members will constitute the thesis advisory committee and one of the two members will be from outside Comparative Literary Studies. Both the thesis supervisor and the advisory committee determine when a thesis proposal may proceed to the graduate committee of Comparative Literary Studies for approval.

Specialization Requirements

Each candidate must demonstrate competence in an area of specialization chosen from the following list: postmodernism, post-colonialism, feminism, gender and literature, the Hebrew Bible, intellectual history, Latin American literature, literary history, literary theory, literature and historical studies, literature and linguistics, literature and religious studies, literature of the Francophonie, literature written in English, language and social sciences, medieval and early renaissance Hispanic literature, modern theatre and dramatic literature, nineteenth- and twentieth-century French literature, nineteenth- and twentieth-century German literature, nineteenth- and twentieth-century Italian literature.

Candidates who enter the Ph.D. program with a master's degree in a special area or discipline, and who wish to either continue in that area or discipline or choose another specialization in their doctoral program, will be tested in their chosen area in the specialization portion of the comprehensive examination.

Candidates admitted directly from a B.A. Honours program or transferring from the master's to the doctoral program will be required to take the equivalent of 3.0 credits in the area of specialization, and will be tested in this area in the specialization portion of their comprehensive examination.

Language Requirement

Doctoral students must acquire a reading knowledge in a third language, to be approved by Comparative Literary Studies, before beginning the comprehensive examination. Candidates must successfully complete either 0.5 credit at the master's level in the literature(s) of that language (extra-to-the-degree) or a reading proficiency test administered by Comparative Literary Studies.

Academic Standing

All candidates are required to maintain a GPA of B-.

Of the 10.0 credits required beyond the master's level, no more than 1.0 credit may be at the 5000-level.

Guidelines for Completion of Doctoral Degree

Students admitted with a B.A. (Honours) degree and registered full-time must normally complete the comprehensive examination requirement by the end of the third year or ninth term of full-time study. The thesis proposal must normally be presented after three and one-half years or ten terms of study.

Students admitted with a master's degree and registered full-time must normally complete the comprehensive examination requirement by the end of the third term of study. The thesis proposal must normally be presented no later than the fourth term of study.

Students admitted with a B.A. (Honours) degree and registered part-time must normally complete the comprehensive examination requirement by the end of the ninth year or after twenty-seven terms of study after their initial part-time registration. The thesis proposal must normally be presented no later than ten years or thirty terms of study following the initial part-time registration.

Students admitted with a master's degree and registered part-time must normally complete the comprehensive examination requirement by the end of the fourth year or after twelve terms of study after the initial part-time registration. The thesis proposal must normally be presented no later than five years or fifteen terms of study after the initial part-time registration.

Graduate Courses

Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for 2003-2004, please consult the Registration Instructions and Class Schedule booklet, published in the summer.

Course Designation System

Carleton's course designation system has been restructured. The first entry of each course description below is the new alphanumeric Carleton course code, followed by its credit value in brackets. The old Carleton course number (in parentheses) is included for reference, where applicable. To determine the term of offering, consult the Registration Instructions and Class Schedule booklet, or online at: www.carleton.ca/cu/programs/sched_dates/

A prerequisite for all graduate-level courses is appropriate linguistic ability and approval of Comparative Literary Studies.

A student will not receive credit for both a 0.5 credit course and a 1.0 credit course which bears the same topic title.

CLST 5001 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.501)

Comparative Literature: History and Theory

Major developments within discipline of comparative literature from 19th to late 20th century; contributions of discipline to literary criticism; issues and problems today.

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5002 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.502)

Problems in the Theory of Literature

Study of key issues arising from theoretical consideration of literary studies in modern or pre-modern criticism. (Also listed as ENGL 5000 and as CLST 6300)

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5201 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.521)

Literary History: Periods, Styles and Movements I

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5202 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.522)

Literary History: Periods, Styles and Movements II

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered. (Also listed as CLST 6505.)

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5203 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.523)

Literary History: Themes and Genres

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered. (Also listed as CLST 6500.)

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5302 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.532)

Studies in the Literature of Identity

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5504 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.554)

Comparative Perspectives on Literature and Globalization I

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 5506 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.556)

Comparative Perspectives of Literature and Globalization II

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 5508 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.558)

Comparative Canadian Literature

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5800 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.580)

Seminar in Comparative Literary Studies

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5802 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.582)

Seminar in Comparative Literature

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 5903 [1.0 credit] (formerly 17.593)

Comprehensives

CLST 5907 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.597)

Directed Special Studies

From time to time, students whose main interests are not covered by courses offered in a given year may pursue independent research, subject to the availability of a qualified adviser and relevant library resources at Carleton. Interested students should apply directly to the supervisor of graduate studies.

Precludes additional credit for CLST 5908.

CLST 5909 (formerly 17.599)

M.A. Thesis

CLST 6001 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.601)

Doctoral Seminar I: Literature and Other Discourses

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6002 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.602)

Doctoral Seminar II: Literature and Other Discourses

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6003 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.603)

Modernism

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6004 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.604)

Postmodernism

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6100 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.610)

Narrative and Non-Fiction

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6200 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.620)

Literary History

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6205 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.625)

Hermeneutics and Aesthetic Experiences of Literature

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6300 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.630)

Text Theory

Topic may vary from year to year. (Also listed as CLST 5002 and as ENGL 5000)

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 6305 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.635)

Translation Studies: Theory and Practice

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6400 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.640)

Gender and Literature

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6500 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.650)

Rhetoric and Literature

Topic may vary from year to year. (Also listed as CLST 5203)

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies

CLST 6505 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.655)

Iconicity and Medieval and Early Renaissance Literature

Topic may vary from year to year. (Also listed as CLST 5202)

Prerequisite: permission of Comparative Literary Studies.

CLST 6600 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.660)

Sign, Language and Society

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6803 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.683)

Seminar in Comparative Literary Studies

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6804 [0.5 credit] (formerly 17.684)

Seminar in Comparative Literary Studies

Topic may vary from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.

CLST 6903 [1.0 credit] (formerly 17.693)

Comprehensives

CLST 6909 (formerly 17.699)

Ph.D. Thesis