What's the difference between English Literature and Comparative Literature?

[NathanthePaul]

[Complete noob post ahead]

 

I'm starting from square one researching M.A. programs, and I'm not sure I understand the difference between the two.

 

Ultimately, I'm looking for a program that's a balance of literature and critical theory. Which kind of program would be more likely to include both of those?

 

Thanks for your help!

[1Q84]

To paint with broad strokes, comparative literature programs require that you work with and between literature in more than one language. It can be English and [insert other languages] but some schools that have comparative lit departments less affiliated with the Department of English focus more on non-English texts.

[__________________________]

^^Yeah, what 1Q84 said.

 

Comp Lit you'll need at least one other language besides English.  Most doctorate programs (if you're doing modern literature) will want you to be a proficient speaker, reader, and writer in at least one foreign language going into it and reading language of one or two others over the course of the program.  I've seen master's programs that simply ask for reading knowledge of one non-native language (like Indiana), but warn that more language knowledge is necessary if your trying to go on beyond a terminal Master's.

 

These things can have many nuances from program to program, but many Comp Lit programs are very theory-heavy, and tend to work with texts across languages, times, and/or cultures.

 

Critical theory is important in many, many English programs too though.  Some English departments will encourage more comparative work, and many will encourage engagement with critical theory.  This varies a lot, but if you want to focus on English literature in a specific time and place (i.e., 18th century English lit, 19th century American, what have you), English will probably be better for you. 

 

English (insert language here) degrees often, from what I've heard, have an easier time finding academic jobs because a degree in English is often perceived as more "disciplined" and "specialized" (though this is of course not necessarily true at all) than Comp Lit, which is more interdisciplinary.