We live in a global society where languages, literatures, and cultures intersect; it is more important than ever to broaden our scope beyond the English-speaking world. Comparative Literature is the study of common features in the literatures and traditions of more than one culture.
The major at UGA is perfect for students who enjoy reading and analyzing literature, but especially those curious about other languages and cultures with interests in global studies, international relations, or foreign language. The curriculum focuses on literary genres, periods, themes, and broadly on the materials of literature itself–structure, rhetoric, or language. Courses are offered in literature and culture of Europe and America, China, Japan, Korea, and East and West Africa with language courses available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Swahili, Vietnamese, and Yoruba. Students are regularly presented with analytical questions such as 'What does the Japanese novel have to do with the English novel or the Russian novel?' or 'What connects literature with visual art?'.
Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies is a perfect double major, and students are able to count courses from other disciplines (English, History, Women Studies, etc.) toward their CLIS degree requirements. See Options II and III in the UGA Bulletin for more details.
The Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies major provides important skills such as critical thinking, writing, and effective oral communication to help achieve professional goals. Career fields include law, writing, humanities, education, foreign service, and international business, as well as graduate study.
Study Abroad Options: UGA Study Abroad programs in Japan, China, Taiwan, and Tanzania