MA Comparative Literature and Intensive Language

Program Overview

The MA Comparative Literature and Intensive Language at SOAS offers a transformative approach to literary studies, transcending Euro-American canons and exploring diverse literary traditions from Africa and Asia. Students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and proficiency in a chosen Indian or East/Southeast Asian language, preparing them for careers in academia, publishing, cultural industries, and beyond.

Program Outline

MA Comparative Literature and Intensive Language

Degree Overview

The MA Comparative Literature and Intensive Language is a 2-year, full-time program at the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics at SOAS that provides a radical rethinking of the world's literature and their interrelationships. This program transcends Euro-American literary canons, redefines "the classics," and offers a unique, multicultural approach to exploring literature from diverse regions like Africa and Asia. Students will engage with a wide range of literary works, investigating their cultural and societal significance. The program aims to equip students with:

• A critical understanding of the concept of "comparative literature" within a global context.
• The ability to analyze literary texts from different cultures, recognizing their historical, social, and political contexts.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting literary works in their original language and in English translation.
• Strong research and analytical skills, enabling them to conduct independent research on comparative literary topics.

Outline

Year 1:

• Comparative Literature: This core module delves into the theoretical and methodological aspects of comparative literature, helping students develop critical tools for analyzing literary texts from different cultural backgrounds.
• Intensive Language Acquisition: Students choose an Indian or East/Southeast Asian language to study rigorously, focusing on developing proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Literature Units: Students choose two units from a range of options exploring diverse literary traditions, including African literature, Chinese literature, and Japanese literature.

Year 2:

• Dissertation: Students conduct independent research on a chosen topic within comparative literature, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.
• Advanced Language Units: Students continue developing their chosen language skills through advanced-level units.
• Comparative Literature Electives: Students select two additional units from a variety of options, further tailoring their studies to specific areas of interest within comparative literature.

Example Course Modules:

• Comparative Literature and Theory
• Modern African Literature
• Modern Chinese Literature
• Modern Japanese Literature
• Postcolonial Literature
• World Cinema and Literature
• Arabic Literature in Translation
• Bengali Literature in Translation
• Translation Studies

Structure:

The program consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, language classes, and individual research supervision. Students will actively participate in discussions, presentations, and written assignments, fostering critical thinking and independent research skills.

Assessment

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Essays: Critical essays analyzing specific literary works and broader theoretical concepts.
• Presentations: Presenting research findings and engaging in class discussions.
• Language Examinations: Testing proficiency in the chosen language, both written and oral.
• Dissertation: An independent research project demonstrating in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in the chosen area of study.

Teaching

The program boasts an expert faculty of renowned scholars and writers specializing in various fields of comparative literature and language studies. Students benefit from small group teaching and personalized supervision, ensuring individual attention and guidance throughout their academic journey. The program also emphasizes innovative approaches to teaching and learning, including:

• Collaborative learning: Encouraging students to engage with each other and share diverse perspectives on literary texts and critical theories.
• Technology-driven learning: Utilizing digital resources and tools to enhance research and analysis of literary materials.
• Interdisciplinary engagement: Encouraging students to explore connections between literature and other disciplines, such as history, philosophy, and cultural studies.

Careers

Graduates of the MA Comparative Literature and Intensive Language program are equipped with a diverse skill set and critical thinking abilities, opening up a range of career paths in various fields, including:

• Academia: Pursuing further research in comparative literature or related disciplines, leading to careers as researchers, professors, or lecturers.
• Publishing: Working as editors, translators, or literary agents in publishing houses or literary journals.
• Cultural and Creative Industries: Contributing to cultural institutions like museums, galleries, or theaters, or pursuing careers in journalism, media, or film production.
• International Relations and Diplomacy: Utilizing language skills and cultural understanding to work in government or international organizations.
• Education: Working as teachers or curriculum developers in language or literature-related fields.
Further career opportunities may arise within the specific chosen language of study, such as translation, interpreting, or research focused on that particular language and its literature.

Other

The program also provides opportunities for students to:

• Attend guest lectures and seminars by leading experts in the field of comparative literature.
• Participate in international conferences and workshops, presenting their research and engaging with scholars from around the world.
• Benefit from the vibrant and diverse student community at SOAS, interacting with students from different backgrounds and academic interests.