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Language Requirement

The comparative literature major offers two tracks, language and culture and disciplines in dialogue. In order to complete a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature in the language and culture track, it is necessary to complete the language and culture language requirement (see below).

In order to complete a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature in the disciplines in dialogue track, it is necessary to complete  at least the third term of the second year of a second-language course taught in the language (i.e., the language requirement for the Bachelor of Arts degree). Note that this requirement applies to students who seek both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degree.

Language requirement for the Language and Culture Track

Students are strongly advised to complete their language requirement in a language relevant either to their chosen linguistic tradition. (Note: the language requirement may not be satisfied through the study of English.)

The language requirement is completed by satisfying either of the following:

  • The student is a native speaker of a language other than English
  • The student has completed at least one upper division literature/film/theory course listed for the primary or secondary linguistic field that was taught in a language other than English. Note that these courses must have been taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of mid-C or better.
  • The student has completed three 300-level (or higher) courses taught in the same language (not English).

Note that some students may complete the Language Requirement in the course of completing the Primary Linguistic Tradition; however, courses used to satisfy the Language Requirement may not be taught in English.

Note that some courses may count both for the Language Requirement and for the Primary Linguistic Tradition.

Students should fill in the Language section of the COLT Major Progress Form indicating their plan to satisfy the Language Requirement.

Questions regarding the Language Requirement should be directed to the Comparative Literature Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Dawn Marlan (damarlan@uoregon.edu).

Language requirement for a BA degree at the University of Oregon

Here is a tool that students can use to get information about how to fulfill their BA second-language requirement, information that is keyed to each particular student’s situation (for instance, planning to complete it through UO coursework, through coursework from another school, through an exam, or through documentation of language experience and expertise): https://languagerequirement.uoregon.edu