Introduction
Comparative Literature is an interdisciplinary program that studies literature as it shapes and is shaped by the world of science, economics, politics, and other cultural and historical forces. It focuses on literature across national and cultural boundaries in an effort to learn about its nature, function, and value. Students will also explore theory and cultural studies, as well as read literature in original languages and in translation.
Comparative Literature is versatile and helps develop skills useful anywhere. Graduates may go on to study literature in graduate school, or, because of their training in research, critical thinking, and writing, are also prepared for law school and other professional schools. Additionally, many careers do not require a specific major, but are chosen on the basis of personal interests, skills, preferences, and ambitions. Thus graduates can also pursue careers in business, government, education, and the non-profit sector. Regardless of your career plans, it is important to develop your marketability through internships, responsible work experience, good grades, and participation in campus activities.
A Sample of Related Occupations
| Administrative Assistant | Historical Society Specialist | Politician |
| Advertising Account Exec. | Human Resources Specialist | Production Assistant |
| Campaign Manager | Journalist | Public Relations Assistant |
| Communications Specialist | Lawyer | Publicity Assistant |
| Community Relations Specialist | Legislative Assistant | Research Assistant |
| Copy Writer | Librarian | Researcher/Writer |
| Corporate Trainer | Lobbyist | Sales Representative |
| Critic | Management Trainee | Special Events Coordinator |
| Customer Service Rep. | Media Buyer | Teacher |
| Editorial Assistant | Museum Curator | Volunteer Coordinator |
| Editor/Writer | Non-profit Administrator | |
| Education Director | Personnel Trainee |
Types of Employers
| Private & Non-profit Organizations | ||
| Advertising Agencies | Foundations | Museums |
| Banks/Financial Institutions | Healthcare Facilities | Newspapers/Magazines |
| Book Publishers | Hospitality Organizations | Public Relations Firms |
| Community Arts Centers | Insurance Companies | Research Organizations |
| Community Service Organizations | Investment Firms | Retail Stores |
| Consumer Organizations | Market Research Companies | Telecommunications Firms |
| Educational Institutions | Media (Radio, TV) | Theaters |
| Government Agencies | ||
| Civil Rights Commission | Legislative Affairs | Small Business Admin. |
| Consumer Affairs Office | National Endowment for the Humanities | Smithsonian Institution |
| Cultural Affairs | National Institutes of Health | Travel and Tourism Dept. |
| Department of Education | Peace Corp/AmeriCorps | |
| Division of Youth & Family Services | Political Organizations | |
Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates
| Account Executive, GCI Group | Paralegal, Markowitz & Zindler |
| Administrative Assistant, Barclays Bank | Paralegal, Wilfe & Silverman |
| Admissions Patient Financial Assoc., Georgetown Univ. Hosp. | Political Analyst, CIA (PhD) |
| Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas (PhD) | Programming Director, Fair Oaks Hospital (MA) |
| Assoc. Director, Alumni Affairs, Columbia Univ. (MA) | Purchasing Agent, Vista Computer Center |
| Attorney, Baker & Friedman (JD) | Reference Librarian, St. John's Univ. (MLS) |
| Director, Humanities Institute, Univ. at Stony Brook (PhD) | Senior Editor, Solutions Integrator |
| Editor, The Tech Law Advisor Newsletter | Teacher, Miami Dade Community College |
| Freelance Worker, American Express Co. | Unknown, Center for Educational Travel |
| Humanities Reference Librarian, Bates College Library (MLS) | Unknown, Qual. Med. Plans for Health |
| Interpretive Park Ranger, Lava Beds National Monument | Unknown, U.S. Department of Justice |
| Law Clerk, State of New Jersey (JD) |
Graduate Schools Attended (section under development—limited information available)
| University of Texas at Austin, PhD Comparative Literature - Spanish & Portuguese |
Additionally, you may:
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Last Updated: 04/23/2009