Introduction
The MA in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies provides an opportunity to engage in the comparative study of a range of world literatures and cultural practices in a combination that is currently unique in Ireland. It aims to foster and develop critical inquiry into the function and social resonance of literature, art and culture (including popular culture). The programme also prepares students for doctoral research and is designed for both languages graduates and graduates in subjects such as English, who are seeking to develop a comparative dimension to their further studies. The programme may be undertaken on a full-time or a part-time basis.
The MA's multidisciplinary focus enables students to benefit from a wide range of research expertise offered by academic staff from the Ralahine Centre for Utopian Studies, the Women's Studies Programme, the Centre for Irish-German Studies and the Centre for Applied Language Studies.
Objectives
- To broaden and deepen students' knowledge of world literatures and cultural practices and their cultural, political and historical contexts
- To familiarise students with developments and current debates in the comparative study of literary and cultural practices.
- To train students to carry out independent research in the field of literary and cultural studies and to enhance their skills in critical analysis.
- To enhance students' communication skills, in particular to deliver oral reports and to write well-informed essays with clarity and grace.
- To enhance students' career opportunities, including the provision of the knowledge and skills required to proceed to doctoral degree studies.
Programme of Study
The MA consists of core and optional modules and requires the submission of a dissertation. Full-time students complete six taught modules of 9 ECTS credits each, two 3-ECTS credit modules (a research methodology module and a thesis writing module), and a dissertation in one year. They will take four modules in the first semester and four in the second. Part-time students normally take two modules in a semester as they work over a two-year course of study.
The programme combines lectures, seminars, guided reading, individual consultation with relevant lecturers, essays, guest lectures, student seminar presentations and individual library-based research. Students also undertake a research dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor on a topic of their choice in the area of comparative literature and cultural studies (ca 15,000 words, Summer Semester)
Programme Content
Full-time students complete six taught modules, including a research methodology module, and a dissertation in one year. They will take four modules in the first semester and two in the second. Part-time students normally take two modules in a semester as they work over a two-year course of study.
Autumn Semester
Literary and Cultural Theory (9 credits)
Comparative Literature: Cultural Constructions of the Past (9 credits);
Research Methodologies (3 credits)
Plus one of the following elective modules:
Language and Culture (9 credits);
Literature of Migration (9 credits);
Theoretical Approaches to Gender,
Culture and Society (9 credits)
At NUI Galway: Self-Referentiality in Postmodern Media*
Spring Senester
Utopian Theory and Texts (9 credits);
Textual Constructions of Cultural Identity (9 credits);
Thesis Writing (3 credits)
Plus one of the following elective modules:
Feminist Literary Theory (9 credits);
Culture and the Market (9 credits);
At NUI Galway: From Division to Unification: Literary Texts and their Political Contexts*;
At NUI Galway: Contemporary Literary Genres*
Summer Semester
Research dissertation in the area of comparative literature and cultural studies (ca 15,000 words; 30 credits)
* These electives are offered in Galway as part of the Link-to-Learn agreement between UL and NUI Galway. They are part of the MA International Contemporary Literatures and Media at NUI Galway. For further information contact the Course Director, Dr Marieke Krajenbrink
Careers
This MA equips students with strong communicative, analytical, organisational and research skills, which are transferable to a range of careers. Graduates have found employment in areas such as journalism, broadcast and electronic media, tourism, translation, publishing, education, culture and arts administration, business and politics. The programme also provides a sound basis for doctoral research.
Entrance Requirements
A primary degree (with first or second class honours) (Level 8 NQAI - National Qualifications Authority fo Ireland) in an appropriate discipline e.g. Languages, Literature, Cultural Studies, European Studies, Media & Communication Studies etc. Applicants with an approved equivalent qualification will be considered. Good proficiency in English is required.
What to Include with your Application
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- English language qualification if English is not your first language
- Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
- A copy of your birth certificate (long document)
Application Fee
An application fee will apply from January 2011 to all postgraduate programmes. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the application fee
Tuition Fee
The University recognises that many students are experiencing serious financial constraints in the present economic climate. Accordingly the Fees Office will endeavour to accommodate, where possible, the payment of fees via an agreed instalment payment plan. For further details please contact the Fees Office at feesoffice@ul.ie.
Contact
Applicants who wish to discuss detailed elements of the programme may contact the Course Director:
Dr Marieke Krajenbrink
School of Languages, Literature, Culture and Communication
Tel: 353-61- 202453/202321
Fax: 353-61-202556
web: www.ul.ie/llcc
Email: marieke.krajenbrink@ul.ie
