Master of Arts in Comparative Literature (Comparative Literature Program)

Program Requirements

Students admitted to this program are expected to have a minimum of 30 units in Comparative Literature, or equivalent courses approved by the Graduate Coordinator, beyond the 100 level in their undergraduate studies.

Students who satisfy this requirement and who wish to complete a thesis-based master’s degree will be required to take C LIT 501, C LIT 502, C LIT 511 and C LIT 560. An additional 6 units at the graduate level will be determined on an individual basis in conjunction with the Graduate Coordinator in the first year of their studies, and write and defend a thesis in their second year of the program.

Students who satisfy this requirement and who wish to complete a course-based master’s degree will be required to take C LIT 501, C LIT 502, C LIT 511 and C LIT 560 and a capping exercise (usually done in the last term of study). An additional 12 units at the graduate level will be determined on an individual basis in conjunction with the Graduate Coordinator.

Students admitted with less than the 30 units course prerequisite will be required to take up to 27 units (thesis-based MA) or 36 units (course-based MA). The exact number of extra courses will be determined individually by the graduate committee.

The minimum period of residence for the thesis-based MA is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta. There is no residence requirement for the course-based MA.

Length of Program

A student’s previous background and experience will determine the length of time required to complete an MA.

A candidate for the thesis-based MA, entering from a four-year specialized program and continuing work in the same field, is normally required to complete the equivalent of one calendar year of course work. The normal time of completion for the thesis-based program, including thesis, is two years. The maximum time allowed to complete the thesis-based program is four years. Other candidates are normally required to complete the equivalent of three terms of course work.

A candidate for the course-based MA is normally required to complete the equivalent of two calendar years of course work. The normal time of completion for the course-based program, including the capping exercise, is two years. The maximum time allowed to complete the course-based program is six years.