Overview

The Comparative Literature and Society B.A. at Columbia University provides a unique framework for students to examine the intersections of culture, history, and social structures. This interdisciplinary programme is designed for those with advanced linguistic skills who wish to study texts and social phenomena across multiple national boundaries. By integrating the humanities and social sciences, the curriculum encourages a broad understanding of how literature reflects and shapes global societies.

Why Comparative Literature and Society at Columbia University?

Studying at this institution provides access to the Institute for Comparative Literature and Society, a hub for innovative research that spans European, Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American cultures. The programme distinguishes itself through a commitment to cross-disciplinary range, including visual and media studies, law and the humanities, and urban architecture. Students benefit from a curriculum that moves beyond traditional Western-centric models to embrace a truly global perspective on cultural artifacts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires students to demonstrate proficiency in languages other than English and complete advanced seminars that focus on theoretical and interdisciplinary methods. Modules may include:

Comparative Literature and Society
Life at the End of Life: Palliative Care and Service
Anatomy in Nineteenth-Century Fiction
Abolition Medicine: Medical Racisms and Anti-Racisms
Theory from the South
Transnational Feminisms
Wittgenstein in the Machine
Reading Capitalism: Economization
Senior Seminar in Comparative Literature and Society

Careers with Comparative Literature and Society

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths and advanced academic study. Many alumni pursue Ph.D. or Master’s programmes in the humanities and social sciences. The analytical and linguistic skills gained through the programme are highly applicable to roles in international relations, law, public policy, and cultural journalism. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree ensures that students can navigate complex global environments in various professional sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Hegel: State, History, Freedom

Post-Freud

Multilingual Technologies and Language Diversity

Abolition Medicine: Medical Racisms and Anti-Racisms

Walter Benjamin

Jacques Lacan

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Sociology Literature View 1012 other Bachelors in Literature in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Comparative Literature and Society.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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