The remarkable scope of our students' thesis projects is well supported through the unparalleled resources of the Harvard Library. Our library system, the largest university collection in the world, consists of 70 libraries, housing over 16 million items.

In recent years, the college has restructured the Comparative Literature program to better meet students' needs as they prepare for professional careers in the twenty-first century. Course requirements and new language offerings enable students to engage fully in sophisticated comparative work from their first year at Harvard University. We have also instituted specific guidelines for advising and feedback from faculty members from the first year through completion of the doctorate. The "Literary Professionalism" professional development course prepares students for the challenges and opportunities offered by graduate schools. Additionally, the Renato Poggioli Graduate Student Colloquium enables students at all levels to present their ongoing work to their peers and faculty members, ranging from seminar papers to mock job interviews.

Due to the nature of graduate projects, most of our students spend time abroad for language training and research. This work is largely funded through fellowships from the Graduate School as well as from numerous area centers at Harvard University.

While students are in Cambridge, they enjoy the departmental home, the historic Dana-Palmer House on 16 Quincy Street. With its cozy lounge, meeting rooms and seminars, as well as administrative offices and faculty members, the Dana-Palmer House provides the perfect setting for scholarly exchange.

A PhD in Comparative Literature typically takes between six and eight years, depending on the student's prior training; most students enter with an AM, but this degree is not required for admission.

Admissions Requirements
The admissions committee carefully reviews the overall profile of each applicant, taking into consideration all parts of the candidate's application. Identifying the courses offered helps in determining which faculty members teach the training courses and whether your research interests will be met in our program. Students are also encouraged to closely read faculty websites, which describe the scope of expertise of each faculty member.

Your application must include a writing sample, which should demonstrate your ability to engage in literary criticism and/or theory. This can be a paper from a course or section of a thesis or a substantial essay. It usually ranges from 10 to 20 pages. Do not send longer papers with instructions to read excerpts; longer samples should be edited so as not to exceed 20 pages.

Applicants must also include a statement of purpose that gives the admissions committee a clear sense of your individual interests and strengths. Applicants for admission do not need to specify a specific field of specialization at the time of application, but it is helpful to inform us of your aspirations and how the Comparative Literature department can help you achieve these goals. These statements typically range from 1 to 4 pages.