Provisional University Bulletin (2025-2026)

• Minor
• Major (BA)

The program in Comparative Literature and Culture engages the study of literatures and cultures within and across national boundaries. It comprises the comparative analysis of literary and cultural texts not only in relation to genres, forms, and movements, but within the larger context of social discourse and cultural practices. Because cultural practices are not static but continually changing, the comparative approach is sensitive not only to historical context, but also to how cultural forms adapt to new conditions. Analysis of cultural differences, diversities, and similarities will promote a greater knowledge of the rapidly changing globe we inhabit, and also deepen students' critical understanding of their own cultures.

Comparative study explores literature and other art forms beyond and across the boundaries of single nations, languages and cultures, often in conjunction with the historical, political and social realities that lend life and variety to any art form. It represents a way of approaching creative works, rather than a specific body of knowledge about them. Because the comparative approach takes a global perspective, embracing all of world literature and culture in all periods of history, no one person could possibly embody the field. As a result, the comparative field is a highly dynamic, interdisciplinary and collaborative endeavor, which is reflected in the diverse interests of our students and faculty.

The Comparative Literature and Culture core course, COML 100a, Introduction to Global Literature, introduces students to the diversity of approaches to comparing literatures and cultures possible within the field and serves as a jumping-off point for students' individualized exploration of literary and other works from across the globe, from a wide variety of perspectives. Beyond the core course, the major also emphasizes the study of literature and culture in languages other than English. Courses are taught by distinguished faculty from across the Humanities at Brandeis.

Comparative studies are inherently multicultural and dynamic. We are constantly shaping our curriculum to fit the interests and needs of the changing student body and encourage student input at all levels of program planning.

Knowledge

Students completing the major in Comparative Literature and Culture will:

Core Skills

Majors will develop the capacity to:

Social Justice

Cultural forms and ideas move across borders, now perhaps more than ever; the Comparative Literature and Culture program emphasizes the importance of cultural literacy and sensitivity to cultural difference both within individual societies and in the global context. The curriculum provides graduates with knowledge and perspectives needed to appreciate and respect the diversity of creative expression around the world, as well as the shared human urge toward artistic expression in language, whether oral or written. Majors will be prepared to participate in multicultural and global conversations by asking questions, listening closely and responding productively, in the collaborative spirit of the field.

Upon Graduating

A Brandeis student with a Comparative Literature and Culture major will be prepared to use the knowledge and skills gained from the sustained comparative study of literatures and cultures to pursue professional training and a range of careers that demand a global perspective or a knowledge of and appreciation for diverse cultures, including those in academics, government, non-governmental organizations and non-profits, and international business.

All students are welcome to enroll in any course in the program unless prerequisites are stipulated. Students interested in learning more about the Comparative Literature and Culture major or minor are encouraged to speak with the Undergraduate Advising Head. Keep in mind that two literature or cultural courses must be taken in a language other than English. Students are strongly encouraged to spend at least one semester abroad, preferably in a country whose primary language is not English.

Pu Wang, Chair and Undergraduate Advising Head
(German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)

Stephen Dowden
(German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)

Matthew Fraleigh
(German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)

David Powelstock
(German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)

Laura Quinney
(English)

Michael Randall
(French and Francophone Studies)

Affiliated Faculty (contributing to the curriculum, advising and administration of the department or program)
Joel Christensen (Classical Studies)
Jonathan Decter (Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)
Stephen Dowden (German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)
William Flesch (English)
Matthew Fraleigh (German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)
Caitlin Gillespie (Classical Studies)
James Mandrell (Romance Studies)
Robin Feuer Miller (German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)
David Powelstock (German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)
Laura Quinney (English)
Michael Randall (Romance Studies)
Fernando Rosenberg (Romance Studies)
David Sherman (English)
Harleen Singh (German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)
Pu Wang
(German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature)

The minor in Comparative Literature and Culture requires five courses, distributed as follows:

1. COML 100a, to be taken as early as possible in the student's academic career.
2. One upper-level course taught in a language other than English, involving work with texts and/or films in a language other than English. Normally such courses are numbered 100 and above, exclusive of language skills courses. Coursework in literature and culture focused upon original-language texts can be pursued both at Brandeis and through approved Study Abroad programs.
3. Two upper-level courses COML-designated courses. These courses will bridge more than one national tradition and engage in cross-cultural examination.
4. One additional upper-level elective course in literature or a related field as approved by the Undergraduate Advising Head. Students are encouraged to select a course that takes a comparative approach.
5. No more than two classes taken toward the minor can double count toward any other major or minor.
6. No course with a grade below a C- may count toward the minor nor any course taken pass/fail.

The major in Comparative Literature and Culture requires a minimum of nine courses, distributed as follows:

1. COML 100a, to be taken as early as possible in the student's academic career.
2. Two upper-level courses taught in a language other than English, involving work with texts and/or films. Normally such courses are numbered 100 and above, exclusive of language skills courses. The two courses need not be drawn from a single language tradition. Coursework in literature and culture focused upon original-language texts can be pursued both at Brandeis and through approved Study Abroad programs.
3. Three upper-level COML-designated courses. These courses will bridge more than one national tradition and engage in cross-cultural examination.
4. Three additional upper-level elective courses in literature or a related field as approved by the Undergraduate Advising Head. Students are encouraged to select courses that take a comparative approach. No more than two elective courses may be used towards the elective requirement for the Film, Television, and Interactive Media major. No more than one of these elective courses may be counted toward another major.
5. Foundational Literacies: As part of completing the Comparative Literature and Culture major, students must:
   • Fulfill the writing intensive requirement by successfully completing one of the following: Any COML cross-listed course approved for WI or COML/ENG 148a.
   • Fulfill the oral communication requirement by successfully completing: COML 100a.
   • Fulfill the digital literacy requirement by successfully completing: COML 100a.
6. No course with a grade below a C- will count toward the major nor any course taken pass/fail.

Honors

Students who wish to pursue honors must enroll in COML 99d, normally in the senior year, and complete a thesis. One semester of thesis research may substitute for an upper-level comparative course. A senior project is required only of students pursuing honors.