Graduate Degrees in Cultural Analysis and Theory––Comparative Literature Track
Stony Brook’s graduate degree in CAT–comparative literature track emphasizes developments
in contemporary interpretive theory that have transformed disciplinary identities.
It understands its “comparative” mission not only to encourage a global perspective
on literature beyond narrow linguistic and cultural boundaries, but also to seek alternatives
to established approaches to literary study. The program’s faculty and students work
closely with members of other programs in the humanities, arts, and social sciences
in a collaborative effort to examine the role of literary expression as related to
other forms of human activity. Students supplement their core study in comparative
literature by designing individual programs with strong links to related fields. While
providing students with the techniques required for advanced literary analysis, the
program seeks to provide full appreciation of how those techniques interact with different
modes of scholarly inquiry.
As an institution, Stony Brook is committed to increasing the opportunities for interdisciplinary
activity crucial to the programs in comparative literature. The University’s Humanities
Institute is the most visible expression of a broad university commitment to bringing
diverse scholars together for a common intellectual enterprise.
Applicants holding the M.A. degree in CAT–comparative literature track from the graduate
program in Cultural Analysis and Theory from Stony Brook may, upon the advice of the
graduate studies committee, be directly admitted to the Ph.D. program. Other applicants
will be admitted to the program after review of their qualifications.
The CAT M.A. and Ph.D. programs distinct, with different requirements, and applicants must specify to which program they are applying, but students in one program may include the other as one of their primary fields of study.
Full Information on Graduate admissions and M.A. and Ph.D. degree structure can be found in the Department Handbook (available as a PDF).
Ph.D. in Cultural Analysis and Theory––Comparative Literature
M.A. in Cultural Analysis and Theory––Comparative Literature
For more information please contact Associate Professor Izabela Kalinowska-Blackwood, Graduate Program Director, at
Izabela.Kalinowska-Blackwood@stonybrook.edu or Phone: (631) 632-7461
"For general information on Stony Brook University's graduate programs, go to the Graduate Bulletin" Graduate Bulletin