Currently attending a community college working on my AA-T English. I chose this major because I am passionate about books, literacy, and writing. However I’m considering applying to some schools as a Comparative Literature major because I tend to read books from a wide variety of authors.
I think it would be interesting to study great works of literature in their language. I already love studying foreign languages such as French and have an interest in International Relations. I would also love to pick up a third language in my studies. An in depth study of a foreign country’s literature is appealing to me.
Would a double major or minor in one be a better option? Are there any people majoring in either one that could give me advice and information about their program. Do you think a switch is a good idea?
Double major and minor. If you have the time. You need to figure out exactly what u want to study. Why are u picking each major. Why the minor? Are you that interested in the minor that you want to study it? When you already have full set classes and perhaps even a max load? (18 units plus) you should know from community college that you will not finish your bachelor’s in a timely manner with just 12 units a semester
If you major in Comparative literature, you can always include English as one of your literatures of interest (there’s quite a bit of an overlap between English and Comp Lit, especially as far as theory is concerned). I don’t think it makes sense to do both English and Comp Lit majors or minors separately (if I understood your question correctly). Or were you thinking about international relations as your second major? Then you’ll need to look at each major’s requirements, of course, to see if a double major is realistic.
Thanks for the explanation! I hadn’t realized English could be one of the languages for Comp Lit. I just couldn’t decide between English and Comparative Literature as a major. But with my interest in languages and foreign literature I am leaning towards the latter. I am considering French as either the second major or as a minor. I’m open to an International relations minor or something similar.
But I possibly want to go into teaching and have an interest in teaching at an immersion school or abroad such as in the TAPIF program. But I would also like to go into a Graduate Program.
This is the great thing about Community Colleges- you have room to figure out what you really want to do, and the best path for getting there!
From your post I am inferring that you plan to transfer to a 4 year college. Deciding on whether to double major or minor is putting the cart before the horse: you need to look at the options at the specific college(s) to which you apply for transfer. Look at exactly what classes are required for each major you are interested in, and pick the one that looks the most interesting to you. Pro-tip: the actual name of your major/minor will matter very little to any of your future choices.
Re: EFL teaching: this is a well-trod path, especially as a way to travel (in post-covid times, obvs). Check out TEFL for a lot of good info. Be aware that many positions (usually the ‘better’ ones) will want CELTA or similar.
Re: teaching as a career: what type/level of teaching are you interested in? Teaching in public schools at the Primary & Secondary level requires certification, something that many colleges can do as part of your course. Teaching at CC level requires a Masters; teaching at university level requires a PhD. One path to consider that could marry your interest in doing some teaching abroad and getting a masters is to combine the two: get CELTA certified, get a job in the region you would like to do your masters, work for a year (saving what $$ you can- a reason to avoid big cities!), then apply for a Masters course. Sites such as https://www.mastersportal.com/ will help you identify programs by subject, region & language. Fun fact: European Masters programs are typically one year and less expensive than those in the US.
Re: IR- a lot of students who are interested in the wider world jump to “IR” because of the name, and are sorely disappointed when they find out just how wonky the field is. That might not be you! but IR is heavy on theory and policy. There is also International Studies, which focuses more on the cultural side. In either case I suggest you take a class before setting off down that road.
This might depend on a specific program (whether English can be included or not), but I’d guess it’s typically the case. I’m in a different literature department, but I’ve worked with Comp Lit students, although mostly graduate students; they are required to work in 3 literatures at my university, but English or American literature can be one of them.
Thank you. I wasn’t aware of the CELTA Certification and it’s definitely a certification I will consider. Teaching is one path that I have been considering. While pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature I would like to move on to receive a masters in the field.
Thank you. I have been looking into programs at the UCs. I am especially interested in UCSB, there program seems to align with my interests. I am still looking into the other schools as of right now.
Thank you. I have been looking into programs at the UCs. I am especially interested in UCSB, there program seems to align with my interests. I am still looking into the other schools as of right now.