This program offers international students the possibility of extending a BA degree (or equivalent) from a foreign university to a Swedish Masters degree with Comparative Literature as the major.
The program, which comprises obligatory and optional courses at the C and D levels in Comparative Literature, is intended to provide students the academic basis needed for research in literature at the doctoral level. To this end the program develops a deeper knowledge of contemporary literary theory, as well as an ability to apply it critically to a variety of texts.
The Masters Program in Comparative Literature consists of a total of 20 Swedish points (30 ECTS credits) in classroom instruction and two extended essays of 10 Swedish points (15 ECTS credits) each. The classroom courses are scheduled during the first 10 weeks of the each term, and the essays are written during the final 10 weeks.
Obligatory course modules
During the first term (C level), two five-point modules are read. The first module, which is obligatory, comprises a theoretical and practical introduction to literary criticism and theory. A number of texts are read from the perspectives of different schools of interpretation and students actively undertake critical interpretation. The first module may be read in Swedish (in the Comparative Literature Department) or English (in the English Department).
During the second term (D level), two optional five-point modules are read.
Optional course modules
The following optional course modules, each consisting of five Swedish points, are offered in the Comparative Literature Department:
Bakhtinian Literary Theory Fall term
Contemporary Narrative Theory Fall term
The Works of Eyvind Johnson Spring term
Writers in Exile: Theory and Practice Spring term
Students may also choose optional course modules offered by the English Department (for course descriptions, see the course syllabus for the Masters Program in English).
Essay
During the first term (C level), students write an extended essay comprising 10 Swedish points. The essay is intended to develop theoretical thinking and academic writing, including an ability in research methodology.
During the second term (D level), students write a second extended essay comprising 10 Swedish points. Here there is a higher standard of theoretical awareness in an analysis of a literary or textual problem. Higher standards are also placed on originality and scientific argumentation in the presentation. The work is expected to be in such a condition that it can be published.
The teaching format is intended to stimulate students’ critical thinking. The instruction will help them develop the ability to formulate problems and questions for themselves and to look for and evaluate information and knowledge as well as organise their own and others’ views and experience. An important part of the learning process is for the students to search for relevant literature, to work independently, and to communicate and argue for their own interpretations and discoveries.
Instruction in the program takes the form of seminars, lectures and group work, where students can expect to present their work both in writing and orally. An important part of the learning process is the development of students’ ability to critically evaluate others’ work in the form of “peer reviews” and to defend their own work.
Timetabled instruction is limited, so students need to develop good planning, working discipline and the ability to work in groups. Students are expected to be IT-competent, so that they can communicate with one another and teachers outside of class.
The examination form depends on the form of the course, and can vary within the course, e.g. with continuous assessment, written or oral tests, written assignments, essays and other types of work. The grades assigned are Pass with Distinction, Pass, and Fail.
Students who have passed the courses in the program and have fulfilled the requirements will be award the Masters degree for at least 160 Swedish points (240 ECTS credits). The courses the student has completed and earned credit for during the Masters program will be listed on the certificate.
