Declaring a concentration in Comparative Literature is easy. Here’s how it works:
- Your first step should be to reach out to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Prof. Elias Muhanna) or to one of our Concentration Advisors to set up a meeting. The purpose of this initial conversation is to get to know you! We want to learn about your interests, what relevant courses you might have taken in the past, and what you might like to study in the future. Even if you’re not 100% certain that you’re ready to declare, it’s a great idea to come in and have a chat. Our door is always open!
- Before coming in for your first meeting, take a little time to read about the concentration on the "Undergraduate Program" section of our website. Think about which track might suit you. Are you interested in studying two different literatures? Three? What about the track in literary translation? It’s fine if you’re not quite sure yet. We can help!
- If you do have an idea of which track you'd like to follow, download the Requirements Checklist for that track and fill it out to the best of your ability. It’s ok to be a little vague about this, because your course plans will change from year to year. To get a sense of what courses might be offered in future years, have a look at what we’ve offered in the past.
- After your first meeting with Professor Muhanna or another Concentration Advisor, you’ll be ready to finalize your concentration. Here’s how that works.
- If you haven't already, you'll fill out the Requirements Checklist for your chosen track, and have it approved by your advisor during office hours.
- Start a declaration on ASK.
- Write a brief personal statement about your interest in Comparative Literature and upload it to the declaration page on ASK.
- Transfer the courses from your approved Requirements Checklist to the "Course Program" section on the ASK declaration. (Do not include language instruction prerequisites, just the courses that are counting toward the concentration.)
- Upload the approved checklist itself as well.
- Hit “save” and “submit”. You’re done!
Once your declaration has been submitted, we will read it over and either approve it or send you suggestions through ASK. After the concentration has been approved, you’ll be an official Comparative Literature concentrator! Congratulations!
If you have any questions about any stage of the process, don’t hesitate to contact Professor Muhanna or another Concentration Advisor. We look forward to welcoming you to Comparative Literature!