As a comparative literature major, you’ll gain a critical and historical perspective on world literature and cultures, with the choice of two tracks. If you want to emphasize literature in your course work, take the comparative literary studies track; if you’re interested in studying literature and theory by integrating rigorous work in film, video or other arts and media, take the literary, visual and media studies track. The major’s broad range of courses provides a critical and historical perspective on world literature and cultures.
Sample classes
- Great Books: The Great Short Works
- Comparative Literature, Film, and Media
- Science Fiction
- Game of Thrones: Multi-Media Fantasies
- Methods of Comparison
- Intro to Critical Theory
- Theory and Practice of Translation
- Apes and Language
- Literary Theory on the Edge
Outcomes
All information below is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive; rather, they are a sampling of the data. If you would like more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu
What can you do with a degree in Comparative Literature?
Graduate school:
Comparative literature students pursued various advanced degrees like their PhD, MA, and JD. Their graduate field interest ranges from comparative literature to English and law.
These ambitious individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like Harvard University, New York University, Princeton University, the University of Cambridge, and Yale University.
Employment:
The majority of comparative literature graduates entered sectors in education, nonprofit organizations, communications/media, and consulting.
Where 2022 Comparative Literature Graduates Work
| Employer | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Agency for the Performing Arts | Assistant |
| Ascend Public Charter Schools | Teacher |
| French Ministry of Education | Teaching Assistant |
| New York Times | News Assistant |
| ScribeAmerica | Medical Scribe |
| Teach for America | Teach for America Corps Member |
