Distance Learning Programs in Comparative Literature: Degree Info

Comparative literature is a scholarly field examining the literature of two or more different groups. The groups may be differentiated by way of nationality, linguistics or culture. It also can explore the relationship of literature to art, history, philosophy, cultural studies and the media. Comparative literature topics are available through distance learning programs leading to a bachelor's or master's degree in English or the humanities.

Distance Learning Bachelor's Degree in Comparative Literature Overview

One of the prime objectives of comparative literature programs is to illustrate how literature interacts with, affects and is affected by history, politics, the arts and societal evolution. Foundation courses may include such topics as philosophy, cultural anthropology and the creative process. Students learn to critically analyze, compare and contrast works from different countries, social environments and languages.

Program Information and Requirements

Study of comparative literature is available online in either full degree programs or undergraduate degree-completion programs. Degree-completion programs consist only of the last two years of a bachelor's degree program and require applicants to have completed previous college general education credits. While these programs may be conducted entirely online, the delivery system can vary between schools, instructors and courses. Rather than sticking with one delivery method, some programs use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous coursework, lectures, texts and CD-ROMs. Often, a course management system, such as Blackboard, is used for discussion and communication, along with e-mail.
In general, distance learning students should have a computer with reliable access to the Internet. A cable or DSL connection is recommended along with a sound card, video card and headset. Many schools recommend and offer free software applications, including Java, Firefox and various media readers and players.

List of Common Comparative Literature Courses

The comparative literature courses included in a program leading to a bachelor's degree are intended to allow the student to develop a broad view of culture. The program is meant to prepare the student for graduate school or a career that emphasizes the importance and interpretation of the written and spoken word.

World Literature Course

This survey course may cover anything from novels, essays and memoirs to films and even comic books from the East and West. Coursework may focus on modern works or selections from specific time periods. Classes study the social, political and cultural aspects of each work in a comparative and cause-effect manner.

Epics Course

Starting with the observation that every society has its epics and sagas, the nature of the 'epic' is examined to find how it differs from other forms of storytelling. The similarities and differences of co-existent epics from different cultures are broken down with an eye toward the social conditions of the time and societies involved.

Literary Genres Course

In this course, instructors introduce a range of literary genres such as short fiction, creative non-fiction, the novel and poetry. Reading examples of each genre, students explore and discuss the aspects of each from a comparative perspective.

Career Information for Graduates

There is no set career for individuals holding a Bachelor of Arts in English or Humanities with a comparative literature concentration. Potential jobs can be found in the fields of education, newspaper journalism, government service, the arts or social services. Those who wish to teach will need to enroll in a degree or certificate program in education. Comparative literature graduates can also go on to writing or editing positions with magazines, websites or publishers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) reports that editors in May 2009 earned an average annual salary of $58,440.

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Distance Learning Master's Degree in Comparative Literature Overview

Graduate-level courses in comparative literature are available online as part of Master of Arts in English or Master of English programs. Concentrations are available in subjects such as comparative literature, multicultural literature or transnational literature. In many cases, the program presents literature as an interdisciplinary light, illustrating its relationship with historic, geographic, social and artistic matters.
Prerequisites for the program typically include an undergraduate degree, preferably in English, a minimum GPA in all undergraduate English courses and a minimum GRE score. Depending on the concentration, applicants may be required to have a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language.

Program Information and Requirements

A master's program in comparative literature conducted through of distance learning can take between 18-48 months to complete. In some cases, graduates of the program are qualified to obtain a teaching position at a postsecondary institution. Students specialize in an area of comparative literature, such as historical context, political ramifications or cultural similarities. Distance learning master's students whose programs include preparing a portfolio can engage in planning and oral defense through conference calls or video conferences with faculty.
Coursework may be conducted entirely online, with no person-to-person contact required. Using a course management systems such as Blackboard, Moodle or Sakai, students are able to communicate with each other and instructors. Required software may include a word processor and free programs such as PDF readers to access course documents.

List of Common Comparative Literature Courses

Most programs offer students the option to write and present a thesis. Usually the thesis takes the place of six of the 33 credit hours required to complete the program. At some institutions, depending on the concentrations, the foreign language requirement can be eliminated or substituted with evidence of an appropriate level of research or computer skills.

Bibliography Course

This course delves into methods of research used in scholarly research and criticism in literature. Students learn to apply standards of documentation and use various bibliographic tools and software.

American Literature in the 19th Century Course

A survey course covering what is sometimes referred to as the 'American Renaissance', focused on the transcendentalists. The works of writers such as Thoreau, Emerson and Hawthorne are examined and their influence on American literature studied.

African-American Literature Course

This is a broad survey course covering African-American literature and heritage from colonial America through the 20th century. From unknown slave authors through Baldwin and Morrison, narratives and poetry are examined and studied as reflections and interpretations of the progress of African-Americans in modern society.

Career Information for Graduates

Some graduates with a master's education in comparative literature decide to enter into fields such as publishing, public relations, advertising, the media, writing, foreign service or the government. The degree can also be augmented with additional study in education or law for careers as teachers, professors or attorneys.
A graduate degree in English or literature can help qualify one to teach at the college level. According to the BLS, job openings for all postsecondary teachers are expected to increase by 15% from 2008-2018, due largely to the anticipated increase in college enrollment. In May 2009, the BLS found the average national salary for postsecondary English language and literature teachers at junior colleges, colleges, universities and professional schools to be $66,130.