French Comparative Literature, MA

Program Overview

The French Comparative Literature MA program at Arizona State University equips students with advanced knowledge of French and Francophone literature, history, and research methods. Through coursework, an applied project, and a comprehensive exam, students develop critical and analytical skills for careers in academia, translation, government, and cultural institutions. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, connecting literature to history, culture, and critical theory.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: To equip students with advanced knowledge of French and Francophone literature, history, and major works, alongside a solid understanding of research methods and traditions in the field.
• Program Description: This program delves into French and Francophone literature, history, and major works, alongside research methods and traditions in the field.
It offers an in-depth exploration of comparative literature, allowing students to develop critical and analytical skills through coursework and an applied project.

Outline:

• Structure: The program comprises 30 credit hours, including:
• Required applied project course (FRE 593)
• Written comprehensive exam
• A minimum of four core courses offered by the French section
• Up to six credit hours of related coursework outside of French (with approval)
• Content:
• Core Courses:
• Francophone studies courses
• Genre courses
• Period courses
• Additional Courses:
• Research Methods (FRE 500)
• One course in linguistics
• One course in linguistics, civilization, or translation

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Coursework:
Evaluation through assignments, exams, and participation.
• Applied Project: Assessment by faculty based on research quality, analysis, and presentation.
• Comprehensive Exam: Written exam testing knowledge of general concepts and problems in comparative literature.
• Criteria:
• Coursework:
Grades must be "B" or higher.
• Applied Project: Evaluation based on originality, research, analysis, and presentation.
• Comprehensive Exam: Successful completion requires demonstrating a strong understanding of the field.

Teaching:

• Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Independent research
• Collaborative projects
• Group discussions
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in French and Francophone literature, comparative literature, and related fields.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing connections between literature, history, culture, and critical theory.

Careers:

• Potential Paths: Graduates can pursue careers in:
• Academia (teaching, research)
• Translation
• Government and diplomacy
• International business
• Cultural institutions
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Opportunities: The program prepares graduates for a diverse range of opportunities, including:
• Teaching positions
• Translation work
• Research and analysis roles
• Communication and writing positions
• Leadership roles in international organizations
• The program offers a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing further graduate studies in French or related fields.