Comparative Literature BA at Kings College London

Overview

Explore the similarities and differences between literature written in different places and at different times. The Department of Comparative Literature at King’s covers 12 languages, six continents, and spans over 2,500 years.

All in a central London location that opens the doors to endless world-class libraries, institutes, galleries, concert halls and theatres. Focus extends beyond the modern and ancient literatures of Europe to the Americas, Australia, the Middle East, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Where else in the UK can you study African literature in English and French alongside Arab modernist poetry, or modern Indian literature alongside the eighteenth-century European novel?

Key benefits

• All modules are taught in English translation, though you are encouraged to read in the original language where possible and supported in the development of new linguistic skills.
• Centrally located, offering opportunities to benefit from London’s unique literary and cultural resources.
• Friendly and supportive learning environment and student community.
• You will acquire analytical and presentational skills valued by employers in heritage-related professions, the media, education, civil service and the performing arts.
• Our flexible study courses allow you to pursue your research interests and choose from a wide variety of modules across a number of departments.
• Study abroad is available at a wide number of partner institutions in Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia.

Description

Comparative Literature is the study of the similarities and differences between literature written in different places and at different times. The Comparative Literature BA degree is a three-year study course that comprises modules totalling 360 credits. Each year, you will take modules totalling 120 credits, with enough variety in the range of optional modules to allow you explore the comparative aspects of literary themes, genres, and historical periods of your choice. Your first year of study will consist of modules covering conceptions, methods and theoretical foundations of Comparative Literature. This will provide you with a rounded introduction to the subject, develop your analytical skills and introduce you to advanced historical theory and methodology. You will cover a range of optional modules that will reflect your study interests.

In the second and third years, you will study further required and optional modules, allowing you to explore in-depth your chosen research pathway. The optional modules you study will reflect the current research and expertise of staff in the department, providing you with the opportunity to study specialist subjects in-depth. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad in the first semester of the third year.

Students in year three have the opportunity to study abroad with one of our partners in the USA, Italy, Hong Kong, Australia, Germany or France.

Career prospects

Our graduates go on to work in a range of professions including accountancy, administration, banking, broadcasting, the civil service, journalism, law, marketing, teaching (in the UK or abroad) and the tourism industry. Others choose to continue their studies at graduate level.