<p>Hi, Im an undergrad student at Rochester currently in the process of creating my own major (a combination of political science, philosophy, and economics) and am exploring ideas for grad studies. I guess my interest lies in post-colonial/ subaltern studies and somehow intertwining that into foreign policy. Basically trying to implement pragmatic policies aware of cultural implications on foreign countries, specifically India. </p>
<p>I just had a few questions about doctoral programs in that area. I am not sure where really to begin to research programs that fit my interests. </p>
<p>In regards to Comp. Lit, I have read that most programs look for competency in multiple languages. Is that a prerequisite for all programs, or can you come in with a basic knowledge of a language and supplement it with additional classes taken during your grad studies.</p>
<p>Some will allow you to come in with less languages...officially. But I think in reality it would put you at a disadvantage compared to most of the applicants. The thing is, it's not a reading requirement designed to help you read research in other languages, such as it is in a lot of programs, it's designed to help you study literature itself across national borders (which is why it was originally termed comparative). Now that the field is looking "comparatively" in other manners (such as history, religion, etc) as opposed to just comparisons with other countries it might be a little easier to get in without multiple languages, but I'd suggest getting some preparation in foreign languages and look for a strongly interdisciplinary program for the best possible chance.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response, hopefully two years is enough time to get my act together regarding competency in foreign languages.</p>
<p>Another quick question, I understand that most academic work in post colonial/ subaltern studies is critical of the state and thus policy actions, even those incorporating these critiques are antithetical, is there any research being done to mend the distance between policy and theory? Does it seem fruitful? If so, are there any programs I can look into that are too radical on either side of the spectrum (theory vs pragmatic policy)?</p>
<p>i'm not sure a comp lit department would be the best place for you to pursue your project--and you wouldn't be accepted without advanced knowledge of at least one foreign language--though you could do some research into the programs at uc irvine and ucla. i would suggest looking at more interdisciplinary programs, like rhetoric at uc berkeley or history of consciousness at uc santa cruz. your best option might be the institute of comparative literature and society at columbia, which offers degrees in conjunction with traditional departments and thus would make the kind of work you want to do feasible. this institute doesn't just work with language departments but also with departments like anthropology, political science, sociology and architecture. (anthropology may sound off base here but look at the department at columbia--you might be surprised)</p>
<p>or possibly comparative literature and cultural studies at the university of minnesota? this is a great program with a diverse, interdisciplinary faculty.</p>
<p>basically, comparative literature programs tend to be very literary and you have to pick a national literature to specialize in, so i'm not sure that's what you want. you can find plenty of programs amenable to postcolonial theory, but the emphasis is definitely on the theory!</p>
<p>thanks a lot for your help. also out of curiosity are there any other forums like cc but specifically for grad students or people looking into grad schools in the social sciences/humanities?</p>