Comparative Literature

This interdisciplinary MA is taught on an interdepartmental basis by staff who cover an exceptionally wide range of expertise. The flexible nature of the programme enables students to develop their own interests whilst gaining a thorough understanding of modern literary theory and comparative literature.

Students develop a thorough understanding of modern theories of literature, the contexts of literature and the interaction between literatures, and gain practical experience in comparative literary studies. The programme also develops the critical and analytical skills necessary for research in this field.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. There are two pathways through the programme: taught and research.

Taught: two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). Research: two core modules (60 credits), one optional module (30 credits), and a dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Modern Literary Theory
• Comparative Literary Studies

Optional modules

Options may include the following:

• Revolutions in Literature: Writing China's Twenthieth Century
• Apocalypse Literature
• Consumer Culture in Literature
• Readings in Twentieth Century Chinese Literature and Culture: Family, Childhood, Gender
• Performance, visual media and popular culture in Africa
• Theoretical Issues in history and Literature
• Language, Culture & History
• Topics in Cultural Studies
• Translation Studies
• Comparative Medieval literature
• Literary and Cultural Theory
• All Quiet on the Eastern Front: Culture, Politics, and Everyday Life in Central and Eastern Europe from Stalin to Present
• Literatures of Rupture: Modernism in Russia and Eastern Europe
• Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
• Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Read and Interpret Texts

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words (taught pathway) or 18,000 words (research pathway).

Teaching and learning

Teaching and supervision are organised on an interdepartmental basis. Teaching sessions are envisaged as interactive, with a limited amount of lecturing and an emphasis on student participation and critical discussion. Assessment is based on a combination of shorter and longer essays and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.