The Comparative Literature Program encourages its students to study abroad
through the Education Abroad Program. In a world which is becoming increasingly globalized, exposure to other cultures can help students gain new perspectives and achieve a greater understanding of the world in which we live. College is an ideal time to take advantage of the opportunity to live abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. In addition to developing your self-confidence, independence and perspectives, your international experience will benefit your career goals and/or graduate school opportunities.
EAP offers unparalleled opportunities to obtain the broader perspectives, knowledge, and skills necessary to be effective professionally in our rapidly changing global world. Possibilities are numerous to further your study of
comparative literature, as well as innumerable other subjects, in many countries
around the world.
The benefits of studying and living abroad are tremendous. You can:
• Immerse yourself in the language and life of your favorite author
• Study literature in its country of origin and see what it means to its people
• Experience firsthand a culture you have studied
• Learn a language by immersing yourself in the everyday vernacular spoken on the streets
• Advance your cross-cultural and problem-solving skills
• Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world
• Enhance your resume for job or graduate school applications
Returning EAP students often describe their experience abroad as a life- changing and uniquely valuable one for future choices of professional and
personal goals.
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Comparative Literature majors can take classes in literature or comparative
literature at a number of EAP host institutions. These classes may be taught
in English or in the host language. Students planning to use EAP coursework
to fulfill major requirements should look for a program that offers the type of courses they still need for the major. Go to http://eap.ucop.edu/
coursefinder to see what EAP programs offer courses in literature and comparative literature.
Students should also consider one of the intensive Language and Culture programs offered by EAP to fulfill their foreign language requirement for the
major. Possibilities include programs in Brazil, China, Korea, Russia, Sweden,
Denmark, France, Germany and Italy.
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While it is possible for students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular quarter, semester, summer or year that you
study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take. Students interested in
Language and Culture programs, or in fulfilling major preparation and General
Education requirements, can participate as early as their sophomore year. Students wanting to fulfill upper-division major requirements should study
abroad during their junior or senior year.
Keep in mind that at least 20 units of upper-division major coursework (or
12 upper-division minor units) must be completed in residence at UCSB along with other residence requirements. Consult an advisor in the College of Letters & Science for more information.
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All EAP students automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. However, the application of credit to major requirements is subject to the discretion of the department and approval of the college.
The department generally accepts EAP coursework for the major as long as the
content clearly fits into the guidelines below:
Lower-division
Equivalent of levels 1-6 of a foreign language
Upper-division - Interdisciplinary Emphasis
Area A: Comparative literature courses
Area B: Literature courses, at least one taught in a foreign language
Area C: Outside concentration: 12 units selected from a single humanities or
social sciences department
Upper-division - Foreign Language Emphasis
Area A: Comparative literature courses
Area B: Literature courses, at least three taught in a foreign language
The department recommends that you complete the three required lower-division comparative literature courses at UCSB. Please consult the Department Undergraduate Advisor for more details.
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Come by the EAP office at 2431 South Hall. Peer advisors who have recently
returned from studying abroad as well as staff advisors are eager to answer
your questions.
Consult the EAP web pages to see what programs best suit you. In addition to
Course Finder and Program Wizard, we recommend that you navigate to host
universities’ websites on the available links.
Go see your Undergraduate Advisor in the Comparative Literature program
office, 6206 Phelps Hall. Make an appointment with an advisor in the College of Letters & Science to discuss general education, residence and other requirements.
Still unsure? Dispel the myths about EAP, go to: www.eap.ucsb.edu/mythsfaqs/ index. Need to convince your parents? Refer them to: www.eap.ucsb.edu/ parents/index.html.
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Comparative Literature Program
Phelps Hall 6206
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-4130
Phone: (805) 893-2131
www.complit.ucsb.edu
