Admissions Criteria
Students intending to seek admission to the major or concentration are encouraged to speak as soon as possible to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), Prof. Carlos J. Alonso. They should also organize
their course of study in order to complete the following admissions requirements
by the end of the sophomore year:
1. Preparation to undertake advanced work in one foreign language, to
be demonstrated by completion of two introductory
literature courses (typically numbered 3330-3350)
2. Completion of at least four terms of study of a second foreign language, or two terms in each of two foreign languages
3. A GPA of at least 3.5
4. Registration in Introduction to Comparative Literature and Society (CPLS V3900) in the spring semester of the sophomore year
An application worksheet outlining requirements for the major is available here. The equivalent worksheet for the concentration can be downloaded here. The worksheet should be submitted along with a focus statement of one to two pages. The focus is a period,
theme, problematic, movement, etc. that the student proposes to explore from an interdisciplinary and/or a
comparative perspective. The faculty understands that this statement is itself a work
in progress, but also that it serves as a useful guide to the student's
academic pursuits and course selection. Prospective majors and concentrators are encouraged to consult with the
DUS about the particulars of the focus statement or about any other aspect of the application process.
To complete your application, please deliver the worksheet, focus statement,
and a copy of your transcript by February 1, 2009 to:
Prof. Carlos J. Alonso
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Institute for Comparative Literature and Society
HB1-1 Heyman Center (East Campus)
