Comparative Literature with Film Studies

Study the similarities and differences between literature written in different places and at different times in the heart of London. The comparative literature degree module choices embrace nine languages, five continents and span over 2,500 years. Each year includes two film studies modules.
Watch the video here, or access the 'interactive' tab to view at a larger size and see any alternative films playOverviewVideo('/prospectus/images/home.jpg','http://podcast.ulcc.ac.uk/accounts/kings/KCL_Marketing/CREATIVE_ARTS___LIT.flv','true','details_116'); KEY BENEFITSComparative Literature:

• The course draws on the teaching and research expertise of some of the highest ranked literature departments in the UK.
• In the 2008 National Student Survey, the Comparative Literature degree programme at King's was ranked third in the Russell Group of universities
• Flexible degree programme – students have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety courses across a number of departments.
• Central location offers students the opportunity to benefit from London’s unique cultural resources.

• The best department for the study of film in the UK (Guardian University League Tables 2011).
• The leading dedicated film studies team in central London.
• Recognised in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise as a world-leading and internationally excellent research centre, the department was ranked one of the top five of its kind in the UK.
• Friendly and supportive learning environment.
• Central location offers exciting possibilities for further access to film, most notably King's close proximity to the British Film Institute Library, and the new BFI Southbank.
• Provides a grounding for pursuing careers in the media arts and related activities.

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTIONComparative Literature is the study of the similarities and differences between literature written in different places and at different times. In Comparative Literature we don't divide literature up according to where it was written or what language it was written in, as you would if you were studying English or French. Instead we divide literature in other ways, such as by its theme or its genre or the period in which it was written.

The study of Comparative Literature at King's embraces eleven languages and five continents, and spans over 2,500 years. Unlike many similar programmes, Comparative Literature at King's does not just mean comparative modern literature. Alongside acknowledged strengths in 20th-century and contemporary literature, the programme reaches back to the roots of the western and near-eastern literary traditions in classical antiquity and the Bible. Other strengths include medieval literature in English, French, German, Greek, Spanish and Portuguese; the literatures of North America, Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin America, and French- and Portuguese-speaking Africa. Options on other art forms, such as film, music, and the visual arts complement and add to the study of literature.

In each year of this programme, two modules are devoted to Film Studies. The aim of Film Studies is to provide students with the conceptual tools for a critical understanding of how society is mediated by cinematic and electronic images, and to give a background for pursuing careers in the media arts and related activities.

Selected students in year three have the opportunity to study in the United States for one semester at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Click here to read about the Department of Comparative Literature
ABOUT THE Department of Comparative Literature
CAREERS As with any humanities degree from King’s, your skills of analysis, judgement and effective communication will be highly attractive to employers. Knowledge of other cultures and languages are increasingly in demand. Typical destinations of humanities graduates from King’s are accountancy, administration, banking, broadcasting, the civil service, journalism, law, marketing, teaching (in the UK or abroad) and the tourism industry. A considerable number continue their studies at graduate level. Recent graduates have found employment as…. • Junior newspaper reporter • Junior Accounts Executive, Hill & Knowlton • Parliamentary Assistant, for MP • Editorial work intern, private organisation • Teachers in state and independent sector
TEACHING STYLE Comparative literature draws on the expertise of a number of departments within the School. At the heart of the academic programme is a range of specially designed comparative modules. Core modules introduce the practice, methodology and theory of comparative study. Further optional modules allow a detailed focus on comparative aspects of literary themes, genres, and historical periods.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT Beyond the core modules and the language requirements, the programme is flexible: under the guidance of his or her tutor, the student compiles a range of options (many examined by coursework) to suit his or her background.
LOCATION The teaching of the comparative literature programme is based at the Strand Campus, in the heart of London, amongst many of the city’s theatres, galleries and musical and literary venues. Our students can thus readily benefit from the cultural resources of relevance to their undergraduate work.
SPECIAL NOTES Comparative literature draws on the teaching and research expertise of internationally renowned departments. These include several of the highest rated literature departments in the UK. Students in year three have the opportunity to study in the United States for one semester at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Click here to read about the Department of Film Studies
ABOUT THE Department of Film Studies
CAREERS Film studies graduates may work in a range of jobs, some directly connected to their studies at King’s, others more removed from them. Some pursue graduate work in filmmaking, acting and other creative aspects of the film and media industries. Others move on to film studies at graduate level. The study of film can also lead to exciting careers in print and media journalism, arts and other cultural management positions, film preservation and curating. Recent graduates have found employment as…. • Broadcast Assistant, a media company • Adjunct Assistant Professor of communications, a university • Location Manager, film production company • Producer, production company • Researcher, production company
TEACHING STYLE King’s has made a major commitment to the study of film and related media. This includes building up a significant collection of print and audio-visual material (DVD and VHS), new facilities for 35mm screening, and important information technology resources. All modules are taught in well-equipped rooms through a combination of screening, lecture and/or seminar.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT Assessment is through a combination of coursework, in-class presentations, in-class tests and written examinations.
LOCATION We are fortunate to be located in the heart of London’s arts and media district, offering many exciting possibilities for further access to film. We are close to the British Film Institute Library, the premier film research library. Just across Waterloo Bridge is the South Bank arts complex, including the IMAX Cinema, as well as the new BFI Southbank (three screens), which contains the BFI Mediatheque, a studio cinema, and a gallery among other facilities.

ABOUT THE Department of Comparative Literature
CAREERS As with any humanities degree from King’s, your skills of analysis, judgement and effective communication will be highly attractive to employers. Knowledge of other cultures and languages are increasingly in demand. Typical destinations of humanities graduates from King’s are accountancy, administration, banking, broadcasting, the civil service, journalism, law, marketing, teaching (in the UK or abroad) and the tourism industry. A considerable number continue their studies at graduate level. Recent graduates have found employment as…. • Junior newspaper reporter • Junior Accounts Executive, Hill & Knowlton • Parliamentary Assistant, for MP • Editorial work intern, private organisation • Teachers in state and independent sector
TEACHING STYLE Comparative literature draws on the expertise of a number of departments within the School. At the heart of the academic programme is a range of specially designed comparative modules. Core modules introduce the practice, methodology and theory of comparative study. Further optional modules allow a detailed focus on comparative aspects of literary themes, genres, and historical periods.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT Beyond the core modules and the language requirements, the programme is flexible: under the guidance of his or her tutor, the student compiles a range of options (many examined by coursework) to suit his or her background.
LOCATION The teaching of the comparative literature programme is based at the Strand Campus, in the heart of London, amongst many of the city’s theatres, galleries and musical and literary venues. Our students can thus readily benefit from the cultural resources of relevance to their undergraduate work.
SPECIAL NOTES Comparative literature draws on the teaching and research expertise of internationally renowned departments. These include several of the highest rated literature departments in the UK. Students in year three have the opportunity to study in the United States for one semester at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.