The PhD in Comparative Literature is a six-year doctoral program that emphasizes the international and interdisciplinary nature of Comparative Literature. Our curriculum is designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing students to develop expertise in areas of traditional interest to comparatists and to learn about new developments in the humanities. The program has strong language requirements but provides flexibility in the ways that students put their language and cultural proficiency to use. The program places strong emphasis on literary, critical and cultural theory but makes possible a variety of definitions of what theory is and how it is to be applied. Current PhD students should refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for a comprehensive description of requirements and policies.
Language Requirements
Students establish expertise in two or more languages, but the minimum requirement is advanced proficiency in two languages in addition to the English. Advanced proficiency, demonstrated through either teaching or advanced course work, must be established by the end of the second year in order to fulfill candidacy requirements and to make satisfactory progress to examinations and the dissertation.
Coursework
Students generally complete their coursework in the first three years of the program, with the option to complete additional courses in year four and beyond if they wish to pursue graduate certificates or additional training. During the fourth year, students often leave campus to pursue study abroad or research in other locations.
Course requirements include:
- COMPLIT 600-Topics in Theory (Year 1)
- COMPLIT 601 & COMPLIT 602-Preparation for the Preliminary Examination in Comparative Literature (Year 2)
- 4 COMPLIT seminars (up to 1 seminar may be fulfilled by completing 3 credits of mini-courses in COMPLIT)
- 8 graduate seminar electives taught in any department
Milestones to the PhD
Built into the PhD program in Comparative Literature are a number of milestones:
The Third Term Review is designed to allow students to share their experiences in the graduate program, receive feedback on their coursework and skills, and plan next steps. Takes place in the fall of the second year.
The Preliminary Examination is the first step in defining a field for research and consists of a reading list and rationale submitted by the student to a committee which may form the basis for the student’s doctoral dissertation committee. Takes place in the fall of the third year.
The Candidacy Project expands on a topic that is relevant to the student’s research interests. The format of the project is flexible (e.g., a research essay, translation project, multimodal writing, or public-facing project). This milestone is designed to provide opportunities for the student to synthesize course work, to acquire knowledge in areas that may not be studied in courses, and to begin formulating a dissertation topic. Completed by September of the fourth year.
A Prospectus detailing the dissertation project is the final step before writing the dissertation itself. Completed by February of the fourth year.
The Dissertation Defense is scheduled through Rackham when the student has completed the dissertation.
Study Abroad for Language Training and Research
The program creates flexibility for students to pursue study abroad. All graduate students receive a start-up funding package to support language study in the summers after years 1 and 2.
When students reach candidacy, they are guaranteed at least one semester of fellowship in year 4 to do research in another location. To extend study abroad for a second term, students can also apply for additional funding from the International Institute, Rackham Graduate School, and other sources to support language study and dissertation research projects.
Pedagogical Training & Teaching Experiences
Historically, Comparative Literature graduate students typically began their teaching responsibilities by serving as instructors for First Year Writing courses in the English Department (ENGLISH 125). In subsequent years, students are usually assigned Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions within Comparative Literature. These may include teaching a First Year Writing course of their own design (COMPLIT 122), or leading discussion sections for courses such as COMPLIT 100, 141, 200, or 240.
The Department of Comparative Literature provides extensive mentoring and support for Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) through several key structures and roles. The Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) oversees GSI training, coordinates COMPLIT 122 courses, and organizes mentoring meetings and workshops. The Graduate Student Teaching Mentor (GSTM) works alongside the DUS, offering guidance to graduate students on course design, pedagogy, evaluation, and classroom practices, and is knowledgeable about additional teaching resources on campus. Additionally, faculty conduct classroom visits to observe GSIs, share teaching advice, and provide valuable feedback.
