Foreign Literature Requirements

Comparative Literary Studies

Prospective majors who plan to opt for Comparative Literary Studies are strongly advised to begin the advanced study of a foreign language as early as possible in their academic careers, as all majors are required to demonstrate a sufficient level of proficiency in a language other than English, and are strongly urged to continue the study of at least one foreign language throughout their four years of work.

This option requires students to choose two courses (6 credits) in literature (broadly defined) at the 200 level or above in a department other than English, in consultation with the undergraduate director. Since course offerings in foreign languages and literature vary widely from department to department, students should refer to the Comparative Literature website for model course sequences that fulfill the foreign literature requirement.

Colonial and Postcolonial Studies / Critical Theories and Practices

Students who chose the Colonial and Postcolonial Studies or the Critical Theories and Practices options are required to take, in addition to the 34 credits required for the major, two semesters of a foreign language course (at least 6 credits) or two foreign literature (broadly defined) courses  (6 credits) not in translation. Prospective majors who plan to opt for CPS are strongly advised to begin the study of a foreign language as early as possible in their academic careers and are strongly urged to continue the study of at least one foreign language throughout their four years of work.

Advanced Studies in Comparative Literature

Students who are elegible for and choose the option Advanced Studies in Comparative Literature must take:

• Four literature courses (12 credits) from the same department/ literary tradition. At least two of these courses must be taught in the original language.
• Two semesters (or at least 6 credits) of either (1) a classical language; or (2) a non-European language. In case a student chooses a classical or non-European language  for the primary language/literature, s/he may choose two semesters of any other language to fulfill this requirement.

Students can study other African languages by formally requesting a tutor to work with under the guidance of Ousseina Alidou, PALL Director and a trained linguist.

Materials are available for instruction in:

• West African Languages: Akan/Twi, Bambara/Mandinka, Fulfulde/Pulaar, Hausa, Igbo, Krio, Mende, Wolof
• East and Central African Languages: Amharic, Kikuyu, Kiganda, Oromo, Chinyarwanda, Chirundi, Tigrinia, Lingala
• Southern African Languages Nyanja/Chewa/ Chichewa, Shona, Xhosa