The graduate program in comparative literature enables students to pursue literary studies across national, linguistic, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries. The doctoral program trains students at the
highest level to
think across linguistic and cultural borders and to consider theoretically the
relationship of literary and related texts to other disciplines and media. Areas of study include genres; periods; movements; East-West poetics; colonial, decolonial, and postcolonial studies; cultural studies; media studies; philosophical thought; queer trans studies; translation studies; and minority and marginalized literatures. In addition, students can explore such areas as cinema studies,
performance and gender studies, and the interaction of literature with other fields. The program draws upon a distinguished and diverse faculty from many disciplines. It seeks to combine the rigor of a structured curriculum with flexibility to meet the needs of individual students. Each student arranges his or her program in consultation with the graduate director and an adviser.
Candidates for the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree must complete 48 credits of coursework and 24 research credits. After they have completed 12 credits at Rutgers, students entering the program with a master of arts (M.A.) degree from another university may apply to transfer as many as 9 credits. They will need permission of the graduate director and the graduate dean, however, to complete the transfer. Candidates must demonstrate competence in three languages other than English. In addition, they must pass a comprehensive written and oral exam. The degree will be conferred after successful defense of the dissertation.
Applications requesting consideration for fellowship grants should be submitted by January 1. The Ph.D. Program in
Comparative Literature Handbook is available at the Department of Comparative Literature
website.
Programs, Faculty, and Courses 
