Comparative Literature

The Department of Comparative Literature has provided information for students who plan to study abroad. Review your department’s responses to the Major Advising Questionnaires below, then contact the department directly with any additional questions.

Advising Resources

Study Abroad Information on the Comparative Literature Website

Comparative Literature Advising Contact Information

Major-Specific Info

Many Comparative Literature students complete programs through Berkeley Study Abroad (BSA). The department actively encourages this experience as international study can be enlightening and fulfilling, both personally and academically. Additionally, many BSA courses can be applied towards the major, so time to complete a degree is usually not an issue for students. Although study abroad requires some planning ahead, the benefits are well worth the effort.

Why study abroad?

Comparative Literature majors who study abroad find that a semester or full year spent abroad is not only critical for their proficiency to read in another language, but also that the experience of adapting to another academic and cultural world expands their self understanding and gives them a sharper sense of the political, cultural, and social differences in today’s world.

Study abroad allows a student to:

  • Take advantage of unique academic and experiential opportunities
  • Participate in a different educational system and receive even more of a comparative perspective on literature
  • Increase language proficiency
  • Improve critical thinking skills
  • Expand world view by experiencing another culture first-hand
  • Develop self-confidence and independence
  • Enhance résumés and/or applications for graduate school
  • Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world
When can I study abroad?

While it is possible for students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular semester or year that you study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take. Students interested in language programs for major preparation and General Education requirements, can participate as early as their sophomore year. Students wanting to fulfill upper-division major requirements should, in most cases, go abroad in their junior or senior years.

Transfer students are eligible to participate as soon as they arrive at Berkeley. Please note that application deadlines are quite early. For more information, visit our Transfer Students page.

Where can I study abroad?

Options for study abroad for Comparative Literature majors are endless. If the goal is to complete upper-division major requirements, time abroad can be spent in countries which offer courses taught in the language of either the major or minor literature. Comparative Literature students have spent semesters in France Spain, Japan, England, Chile, Italy, and Germany, to name a few. Some examples of universities where majors have studied include:

  • University of Barcelona, Spain
  • The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
  • Peking University, China
  • University of Bordeaux, France
  • Chilean Universities, Chile
  • University of St. Petersburg, Russia
  • Free University of Berlin, Germany
  • Osaka University, Japan
What classes can I take?

Early consultation with the Undergraduate Major Advisor will allow a student to explore several options to complete major requirements abroad.

Equivalent coursework in the major must follow these guidelines:

  • Course must be conducted in the language of your major or minor literature
  • Course must be taken for a letter grade
  • Course (or approved combination of courses) must be equivalent to 3-4 semester units
  • Course (or approved combination of courses) must be equivalent to 3-4 semester units
  • Course content must be equivalent to an upper division course offered at UCB
  • A maximum of 4 equivalent courses can be applied toward the major

Berkeley Programs Questionnaire

Does your department currently sponsor a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program?

No.

Do any courses offered on a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program currently satisfy requirements within your major?

It is possible; courses focused on the study/analysis of literature across or within language, culture, historical time period, genre and/or theme typically satisfy requirements for the major or minor.

UCEAP Programs Questionnaire

What is the maximum amount of major credit given for courses taken during UCEAP? Is this maximum calculated by number of courses or by units of credit?

Students can use up to four (4) courses, or up to 16 units, from UCEAP towards either of their literature requirements.

Does your department maintain a list of courses previously awarded credit on UCEAP and/or a list of pre-approved courses for UCEAP programs? How do students access this information?

Prior courses are not posted but regular contact with the major advisor before departure and while enrolling in classes helps to confirm credit.

Does your department have a 4-year or 2-year plan available to students that incorporates semester or year-length study abroad? How do students access this information?

Program plans are posted on the departmental website.

What is the process in your department to have courses evaluated? What materials must be submitted? What is the timeframe for response?

Course descriptions and syllabi are reviewed and approved by the department’s Faculty Undergraduate Adviser. Sometimes a course description and book list is enough for approval, sometimes a complete syllabus is needed. Students can expect an answer in about a week.

Are students in your department able to undertake a senior honors thesis the semester following UCEAP participation?

Yes. Students should contact and confirm a thesis advisor and should start the thesis prospectus in the semester prior to study abroad or while abroad. Any student interested in pursuing honors should discuss intentions with the Undergraduate Major Advisor prior to beginning the prospectus.

Does your department calculate UCEAP grades into departmental GPA?

Yes.

UCEAP grades counted towards departmental honors?

Yes.

If you represent a department which teaches foreign language, does your department award major credit for the courses taken during the Intensive Language Program (ILP) portion of the UCEAP program?

No.

Does the undergraduate adviser sign the UCEAP academic planning form, or must a faculty adviser sign?

The Undergraduate Major Adviser signs the UCEAP form.

Does your department place Academic holds on declared majors prior to each registration period? If yes, what is your departmental policy on releasing advising holds for students currently abroad on UCEAP (e.g. is advising possible via email, skype, etc.)?

No holds.

Do you have any department specific advice for students participating on a UCEAP program in their last term at Berkeley?

The Comparative Literature Department encourages students to do a semester or year of UCEAP/study abroad. If you are considering studying abroad during your last semester or year at UC Berkeley, please consult with your undergraduate advisor and study abroad advisor for advising around graduation. Sometimes EAP programs end after UCB graduation ceremonies, so if a student is keen to “walk”, they may miss this opportunity.

Independent Programs Questionnaire

Have any Independent programs been approved by your department and the Study Abroad Advisory board for credit in the major?

No.

Are there any pre-approved courses for your major from other UC summer abroad programs (UCLA, UCD, etc.)?

No.

What is the process to have a course from an Independent study abroad program evaluated for your major?

Courses and syllabi are reviewed by the Undergraduate Faculty Adviser.