BA in Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature

Two introductory 1xxx-level courses are part of the Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature (CSCL) major requirements. For this major requirement and to explore your interest, consider taking one intro to film, global cinema, or world literature course that can be used in place of one of these departmental courses (one 1xxx-level community college cinema or world literature course may be used in the major):

CSCL 1001 - Introduction to Cultural Studies: Rhetoric, Power, Desire

CSCL 1101 - Literature

CSCL 1201W - Cinema (equivalent to SCMC 1201W at UMTC)

CSCL 1202W - Media: Word, Image, Sound (equivalent to SCMC 1202W at UMTC)

A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.

See the catalog for all courses in the major.

Remember, when using Transferology to plan courses for the major, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses. In Transferology, a direct equivalent shows as the UMTC course number. For example, COMM 1101 is a direct equivalent, while COMM 1T*** is not. 

In CLA, each department has a process to declare the major. This is a necessary step for the major to be added to the student record. New transfer students do not declare their majors until after they attend orientation. 

To declare a major in Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature, students must meet with the CSCL departmental advisor. This is typically during a scheduled appointment once classes begin. In some cases, students meet with the CSCL departmental advisor at CLA transfer orientation.

There is no specific course that must be completed in order to declare the CSCL major. Many students take a preparatory course (see above) prior to declaring as a way to explore their interest. Some transfer students will begin the CSCL major with 3xxx-level exploration when they begin coursework at the UMTC. No 3xxx-level CSCL courses have prerequisites.  

We recommend that you meet with the CSCL departmental advisor early in your first semester to discuss your interest and the declaration process. This meeting allows the departmental advisor to tell you about opportunities within the major and department, as well as help you plan your CSCL coursework effectively and efficiently. Because the program is very flexible, we recommend meeting with the major advisor as soon as possible in order to make a plan specific to your goals. 

Lower division coursework – Two introductory 1xxx-level courses are required in the major; however, students can replace these credits with upper division major coursework upon request. Students attending four-year institutions with cultural studies or comparative literature programs may transfer upper division coursework into the major. Course evaluations would be necessary.

Major residency requirement – At least 10 upper division (3xxx-5xxx) credits in the Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature major must be taken at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

NOTE:  Contact the CSCL departmental advisor if you have questions about if or how a course may relate to the major. It is possible for the CSCL major to include transfer courses which are not direct equivalents to UMTC courses, but this must be discussed with the CSCL departmental advisor.

Transfer courses are evaluated by the department for use towards the major. Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for the courses you would like to use toward the major.  If you find a course that has not been evaluated you can submit the course for review. A copy of the course syllabus is required. 

The major in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature is a flexible and multidisciplinary BA program in the Liberal Arts. Our courses examine the ways global cultural and artistic practices reflect and transform modes of knowing, of feeling, of acting politically, and underpin conceptions of both individual and collective social identity. The CSCL curriculum covers a wide range of media and art forms, from literature, to cinema, popular culture, music, and the visual arts. The department places a particular focus on the power of ideas; we like to think about how abstract questions in philosophy and theory address concrete problems in our material world. 
 
CSCL strives for a broad, international scope, and ranges widely across history and geography. We aim to produce critical, thoughtful, and well-rounded citizens prepared to work in a wide range of careers from media and journalism to academia, law, politics, medicine, non-profit work in schools, libraries, archives, museums, and community organizations, to advertising, business, entertainment, and other creative fields. Many of our graduates are path-breaking intellectuals, artistic innovators, and committed participants in social struggles that will shape our collective future. 

The CLA second language requirement is also part of the BA degree. Depending on your prior knowledge with languages, making progress with this requirement in advance of transferring can create more room in your class schedule for major courses later. Be sure to talk with a CLA transfer advisor with questions about completing the CLA second language requirement.

For additional questions about the CSCL major as you explore and consider transferring, you are encouraged to reach out to the departmental advisor. Transfer students are welcome!