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

The Department of Comparative Literature explores literary works across languages, regions, and cultures, investigating how texts circulate and transcend borders of language, geography, and discipline. Students develop a worldwide viewpoint and cross-disciplinary approach while studying diverse languages, traditions, and scholarly domains. Our faculty teach courses spanning both classical and contemporary global literature, addressing critical theories, historical contexts, and broad representational challenges. This scholarly approach extends literary studies to encompass varied cultural expressions—from historical documents and philosophical works to visual media and popular culture—highlighting literature's function as both tangible creation and meaningful communication. With approximately six fully-funded doctoral candidates admitted annually, the department fosters close mentorship between students and faculty while leveraging resources from other NYU departments and partner institutions in the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium (including Columbia, Princeton, CUNY, Rutgers, and others).