Comparative Literature

Description

Our modules in Comparative Literature cover literature from the classics to the modern age. We investigate literary movements, genres and themes. We offer modules on Classical Literature, Romanticism, Realism, Modernism and Postmodernism. Genres studied include the novel, the short story, science fiction, tragedy and the epic, with a particular emphasis on how literary forms have evolved in different cultures, and linguistic traditions. For example, what makes a tragedy by Sophocles so different from one written by Shakespeare? How has the genre of science fiction developed across Europe? What are the similarities and differences between a novel by Charlotte Brontë and one by Gustave Flaubert?

Themes explored in our modules include freedom and oppression, film adaptations of literary works, gender and sexuality, travel, the body, childhood and adolescence, and vampires in literature and film. You do not need to be able to read a foreign language to take a Comparative Literature degree as we study translations into English of a great range of major literature from other countries alongside literature originally written in English.

Independent rankings

Comparative Literature at Kent was ranked 2nd in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2013.

Careers

Studying Comparative Literature you learn to think critically, develop the skills of close reading and effective communication, and gain confidence and experience in expressing your ideas. These key transferable skills are essential for graduates as they move into the job market.

Recently, our graduates have gone into careers such as teaching, publishing, marketing, radio, journalism, television and film, the Civil Service, advertising, graphic design and copywriting.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Part-time:EU:£4500;Non-EU:£6240

Start date September 2015 28 September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Teaching & Assessment

For most modules, you have one two-hour seminar per week. The Final-Year Dissertation is based entirely on your private research but is supervised by a tutor and includes workshops and the chance to participate in an undergraduate conference. Assessment varies from 100% coursework to a combination of examination and coursework, usually in the ratio 50:50 or 40:60.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• offer an opportunity to study literature within a strongly multidisciplinary and modular context
• widen participation in higher education by offering a variety of study routes
• produce graduates with a good knowledge of a comprehensive range of literary works from across Europe and beyond, from the Classics to the present day
• teach the comparatist approach to literary studies
• give students the ability to approach any text in a critical and analytical manner
• produce intellectually independent and self-motivating graduates
• give students the skills and abilities generic to study in the humanities
• offer students the opportunity to develop more general skills and competences so they can respond positively to the challenges of the workplace or postgraduate education.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• a wide range of authors and texts from different periods and cultures, from Ancient Greece to the present day

• the cultural and historical contexts in which literature is written, transmitted and read

• concepts such as genre, theme or literary movement

• the problems inherent in interpreting 'the translated text'

• traditions in literary criticism

• critical theory and its applications, understood within its historical contexts

• the study of literature in its relation to other disciplines.

Intellectual skills

You gain the following intellectual abilities:

• listen to and absorb the oral transmission of complicated data

• careful reading of literary works and theoretical material

• reflect clearly and critically on oral and written sources, using power of analysis and imagination

• to marshal a complex body of information

• remember relevant material and recall it when needed

• construct cogent arguments

• formulate independent ideas and defend them in a plausible manner

• present arguments in written form in a time-limited context, such as examinations.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in the following:

• the close critical analysis of literary texts

• informed understanding of the variety of critical and theoretical approaches to the study of literature

• the ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories relating to literary studies

• sensitivity to generic conventions in the study of literature and the problems of translation and cultural differences

• well-developed language use and awareness, including a grasp of standard critical terminology

• the ability to articulate responsiveness to literary language

• scholarly practice in the presentation of formal written work, in particular bibliographic and annotational

• understanding of how cultural norms, assumptions and practices influence questions of judgement

• appreciation of the value of collaborative intellectual work in developing critical judgement.

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following:

• communication: produce focused, cogent written presentations, summarise information and assess arguments, give presentations with visual aids where appropriate

• problem-solving: identifying problems, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, defending the preferred solutions with cogent arguments

• improve your learning, identify your strengths and weaknesses, assess the quality of your own work; manage your time and meet deadlines, and learn to work independently

• work with others, participating in seminar discussions, responding to the views of others and to criticisms of your own views without giving or taking offence

• use information technology effectively, such as word-processing essays, using online information sources and responding to communications by email.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 87

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

• A level ABB

• Access to HE Diploma

The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate 34 points overall or 16 at HL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

---

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2013 financial support package includes a fee waiver and cash bursary, as well as additional funds on your Kent account to help with accommodation, food, books and other living costs. Find out more on our fees and funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.