Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies

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The MA in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies provides an opportunity to engage in the comparative study of a range of world literatures and cultural practices in a combination that is currently unique in Ireland. It aims to foster and develop critical inquiry into the function and social resonance of literature, art and culture (including popular culture). The programme also prepares students for doctoral research and is designed for both languages graduates and graduates in subjects such as English, who are seeking to develop a comparative dimension to their further studies. The programme may be undertaken on a full-time or a part-time basis.

The MA's multidisciplinary focus enables students to benefit from a wide range of research expertise offered by academic staff from the Ralahine Centre for Utopian Studies, the Women's Studies Programme, the Centre for Irish-German Studies and the Centre for Applied Language Studies.

Objectives
* To broaden and deepen students' knowledge of world literatures and cultural practices and their cultural, political and historical contexts
* To familiarise students with developments and current debates in the comparative study of literary and cultural practices.
* To train students to carry out independent research in the field of literary and cultural studies and to enhance their skills in critical analysis.
* To enhance students' communication skills, in particular to deliver oral reports and to write well-informed essays with clarity and grace.
* To enhance students' career opportunities, including the provision of the knowledge and skills required to proceed to doctoral degree studies.

The MA consists of core and optional modules and requires the submission of a dissertation. Full-time students complete six taught modules of 9 ECTS credits each, two 3-ECTS credit modules (a research methodology module and a thesis writing module), and a dissertation in one year. They will take four modules in the first semester and four in the second. Part-time students normally take two modules in a semester as they work over a two-year course of study.

The programme combines lectures, seminars, guided reading, individual consultation with relevant lecturers, essays, guest lectures, student seminar presentations and individual library-based research. Students also undertake a research dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor on a topic of their choice in the area of comparative literature and cultural studies (ca 15,000 words, Summer Semester)

Full-time students complete six taught modules, including a research methodology module, and a dissertation in one year. They will take four modules in the first semester and two in the second. Part-time students normally take two modules in a semester as they work over a two-year course of study.

Autumn Semester

* Literary and Cultural Theory (9 credits)
* Comparative Literature: Cultural Constructions of the Past (9 credits);
* Research Methodologies (3 credits)
* Plus one of the following elective modules:
* Language and Culture (9 credits);
* Literature of Migration (9 credits);
* Theoretical Approaches to Gender,
* Culture and Society (9 credits)
* At NUI Galway: Self-Referentiality in Postmodern Media*

Spring Senester

* Utopian Theory and Texts (9 credits);
* Textual Constructions of Cultural Identity (9 credits);
* Thesis Writing (3 credits)
* Plus one of the following elective modules:
* Feminist Literary Theory (9 credits);
* Culture and the Market (9 credits);
* At NUI Galway: From Division to Unification: Literary Texts and their Political Contexts*;
* At NUI Galway: Contemporary Literary Genres*

Summer Semester

Research dissertation in the area of comparative literature and cultural studies (ca 15,000 words; 30 credits)

* These electives are offered in Galway as part of the Link-to-Learn agreement between UL and NUI Galway. They are part of the MA International Contemporary Literatures and Media at NUI Galway. For further information contact the Course Director, Dr Marieke Krajenbrink

A primary degree (with first or second class honours) (Level 8 NQAI - National Qualifications Authority fo Ireland) in an appropriate discipline e.g. Languages, Literature, Cultural Studies, European Studies, Media & Communication Studies etc. Applicants with an approved equivalent qualification will be considered. Good proficiency in English is required.ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTSAs all international students are required to possess sufficient language skills to attend lectures and sit examinations at the University of Limerick, students should be competent to communicate through the medium of English prior to their arrival.Students must have a minimum score of 550 (paper based) or 213(computer based) 80 (internet based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score in the range of 6.5-7 and not less than 6.0 in any one component. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80