In the Comparative Literature minor, students examine literature across languages, geographic location, time periods, and genres. The discipline also explores the relationship between literature and other forms of cultural expression such as pop culture, technology, arts, music, or film, as well as the relationship between literature and other academic disciplines, like anthropology, history, religious studies, or women’s and gender studies. It’s a great minor for anyone who loves to compare, contrast, and explore other cultures.
Students sometimes ask whether they need to be fluent in a foreign language in order to study comparative literature. Definitely not! While all of UWM’s instructors and faculty in comparative literature do research in other languages, all Comparative Literature courses are taught entirely in English.
Alumni who have studied comparative literature at UWM can be found working in university and K-12 education, the arts, politics, law, library services, publishing, social services, journalism and communications, editorial roles, marketing, fundraising, corporate sales, consulting, and many other fields. Their knowledge and skills in cross-cultural communication, critical analysis, reading and comprehension of complex text, and writing are highly valued.
The minor can be completed entirely online if desired.
Prospective Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)
Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.
Current Students
General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the College advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.
Specific questions about Comparative Literature, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, minor requirements, etc., should be directed to Prof. Jian Xu.
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Minor in Comparative Literature
Ready to Declare?
Select the declaration that’s right for you, and you will find more instructions on how to declare and what to expect.
Recommended Resources for CompLit Minors
Comparative Literature Highlights
Our learning objectives for students:
Learn to think critically and analytically about human expression in cross-cultural contexts
Gain knowledge of major literary genres
Discover methods of literary criticism and critical theory
Understand processes and theories of translationComparative Literature News
- Study Abroad Scholarship for Students of Arabic, Italian, and JapaneseThe CIE-National Resource Center Title VI Grant offers a limited number of Study Abroad Scholarships in the amount of $1,500-$2,000 for undergraduates (sophomores and above) or graduate students with a demonstrated interest in critical languages as defined by the U.S. …
- Momcilovic publishes new article on zombie apocalypse narrativesCongratulations to Drago Momcilovic, whose article "Foul Waters: Contemporary Zombie Apocalypse Narratives and the Elemental Turn" was published in the most recent issue of Apocalyptica: Journal for Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Studies!
- Xu publishes Deleuze and Chinese “Pure Literature”Congratulations to Jian Xu, whose book Deleuze and Chinese "Pure Literature": Literary Worlding from History to Becoming has been published with Rowman & Littlefield! It's available as a hardcover or an ebook at the link above, and of course it's in the UWM Libraries, …
- Congratulations to our 2024 scholarship recipients!The Department of Global Studies wishes to extend our warmest congratulations to this year's scholarship winners in Comparative Literature, French, Global Studies, and Italian! Well done! Darren Jurmé Allumier: Roy Arthur Swanson Merit Scholarship in Comparative Literature Emily Barnard: Giovanni Carini …
- Spring 2024 Language Tables and Informal Conversation OpportunitiesUWM's language programs offer many opportunities to speak in languages other than English outside of the classroom. Explore all your Spring 2024 language table options here.
Comparative Literature pairs well with any major!
The mental muscle that students develop when comparing, contrasting, and analyzing literary works leads to exceptional problem-solving skills for business, education, marketing, engineering, library science, political science, economics, and more.
Our small class size in comparative literature also guarantees close relationships with faculty. When students choose a comparative literature minor, they receive personalized attention and have ample opportunities to partner with faculty on research projects.
Campus Resources
UWM offers a wide range of on-campus resources, such as academic support and mental health resources. Students also find community within our student centers.
