BA in Comparative Literature in New York United States | New York University

The comparative literature major is designed for students who have wide-ranging interdisciplinary interests, wish to delve into new academic areas and experimental approaches, and possess diverse language skills (including native or secondary languages used comparatively). Our program features numerous seminar-style classes with close faculty mentorship and lively discussions. Faculty expertise spans European, Anglo-American, African-American, African, Slavic, Latin American, Caribbean, Chinese, South Asian, and Middle Eastern literary traditions. Courses in the department provide deep engagement with global literary works from ancient to contemporary periods, frequently incorporating Continental philosophy and broader literary/critical theory.

The major offers adaptable structure with two pathways—literature or literary/cultural studies—allowing students to incorporate studies from anthropology, philosophy, psychoanalysis, gender/race studies, history, political theory, religion, arts, music, and film/media studies. High-achieving students may join our honors program, completing a senior thesis with faculty guidance. A comparative literature minor is available for non-majors, and we particularly welcome students considering a double major to pair this humanities focus with another specialization.

Majors and minors can earn elective credit through publishing internships, literary agency placements, or other professional opportunities. Visit our website's internship section or reach out to the undergraduate studies director for details.