Comparative Literary Studies 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 compartive literary studies.
Applicants who hold only a general (pass) B.A. degree will be required to successfully complete the basic courses, Comparative Literary Studies 17.401: Foundations of Comparative Literary Studies (0.5 credit) and Comparative Literary Studies 17.402: Theories of Literature (0.5 credit), and to take courses from other departments of literature or Comparative Literary Studies (see Undergraduate Calendar) to achieve 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.
The specific requirements for admission to the M.A. program in Comparative Literary Studies are as follows:
Master’s candidates in Comparative Literary Studies will follow one of two 5.0 credit options:
Thesis Program:
Non-Thesis Program
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.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.
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 must 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.
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.Of the 10.0 credits required beyond the master’s level, no more than 1.0 credit (or its equivalent) may be at the 500 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.
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.
Topic varies from year to year. Students should consult Comparative Literary Studies regarding the topic offered.
G.A. Woods.