The study of comparative literature, like the study of all liberal arts, is designed to prepare students for a broad range of careers as well as continued study in graduate school and professional programs. Comparative literature majors develop skills and abilities that can be applied in a number of areas. For example, comparative literature majors:

• develop effective oral and written communication skills;

• gain insight into cultures other than their own through the study of language and literature;

• learn to analyze multiple forms of writing: literary, historical, theoretical, and philosophical;

• acquire an awareness of individual and group behavior, and an understanding of social relations;

• develop planning, organizational, and analytic skills.

A degree in comparative literature provides preparation for possible careers as teachers and scholars in literary and cultural studies, as well as for careers that require familiarity with multi-cultural perspectives, such as journalism, business, law and diplomacy. Students interested in teaching and research at the university level should plan to complete a doctoral degree. Students interested in teaching at the community college level should pursue graduate work at least through the master’s degree.

Teaching at the high school level requires the California single subject teaching credential. Students considering a high school teaching career should discuss their plans with the credential advisor in UCSB’s Graduate School of Education early in their academic career.