University Park,
PA,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MA in Comparative Literature- Visual Culture, Information, and Media in University Park United States | Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
|
University Park United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
43,266
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
12 months
The department's research spans the evolution of media, from ancient oral traditions to contemporary digital platforms, encompassing book studies, electronic media, and popular formats like smartphone art, graphic novels, and video games. Several faculty members specialize in interdisciplinary media connections, examining intersections between literature, visual arts, medical narratives, religious texts, and embodied practices—with particular attention to surrealism's theoretical dreamscapes. This media-focused scholarship is complemented by faculty exploring information's historical and theoretical dimensions, tracing its role in shaping cultural value from antiquity to today's digital revolution. Graduate courses frequently engage with media theorists (including Flusser, Hayles, Hansen, Benjamin, Gitelman, and Kittler) and media/book history, equipping students with robust analytical frameworks for studying artistic production's forms and material foundations. Collaborative ties exist with the Digital Culture and Media Initiative and the Center for Humanities and Information—both led by Comparative Literature faculty—alongside the Palmer Museum of Art. These partnerships facilitate campus visits by prominent scholars, with CHI additionally offering predoctoral and faculty fellowships for information-focused research projects.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
Admission to graduate study in Comparative Literature at Penn State is based on a number of considerations. Above all we seek intellectually curious, highly motivated students whose interests suggest a good fit with our departmental strengths. We welcome well-qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds.
We are often asked what our committee looks for and the truth is that there is no standard formula. We consider GPAs and test scores (GREs and TOEFLs), but above all we look for intellectual engagement and scholarly commitment. The graduate committee that evaluates applicants seeks evidence of intellectual promise, openness to new ideas and methods, capacity for original scholarship, the ability to think critically and to write clearly, and potential for professional success. Of obvious importance for scholars who will work across cultures is appropriate language preparation. Research plans that are in synch with our areas of expertise are also of importance.
Sample of your written work, preferably an essay on literature.
Statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should include information on a) your education and other relevant background, including teaching experience or other activities that have prepared you for graduate work in Comparative Literature, b) your research interests, c) your language skills and their application to your research interests, d) your reasons for considering graduate work in Comparative Literature, especially your interest in our specific program.
A C.V. or resum.
Three Letters of Reference
Official transcripts of all relevant university education.
All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, with Graduate School approval, which requires an institutional test of English proficiency upon the first semester of enrollment and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.
We are often asked what our committee looks for and the truth is that there is no standard formula. We consider GPAs and test scores (GREs and TOEFLs), but above all we look for intellectual engagement and scholarly commitment. The graduate committee that evaluates applicants seeks evidence of intellectual promise, openness to new ideas and methods, capacity for original scholarship, the ability to think critically and to write clearly, and potential for professional success. Of obvious importance for scholars who will work across cultures is appropriate language preparation. Research plans that are in synch with our areas of expertise are also of importance.
Sample of your written work, preferably an essay on literature.
Statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should include information on a) your education and other relevant background, including teaching experience or other activities that have prepared you for graduate work in Comparative Literature, b) your research interests, c) your language skills and their application to your research interests, d) your reasons for considering graduate work in Comparative Literature, especially your interest in our specific program.
A C.V. or resum.
Three Letters of Reference
Official transcripts of all relevant university education.
All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, with Graduate School approval, which requires an institutional test of English proficiency upon the first semester of enrollment and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.
Tuition
USD
43,266