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The interdepartmental major in Comparative Literature leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Comparative Literature investigates literary works from the perspective of more than one national literature; works are often studied in conjunction with other intellectual disciplines, such as anthropology, the arts, history, and philosophy. Traditionally, comparatists have focused on literary movements, genres, and historical periods, and on the history of literary themes and ideas. Comparatists are interested in Western, non-Western, and emergent literatures, in minor genres like biography, in the history of education and the theory of reading, in women's studies, and in literary theory. The major in Comparative Literature has historically been among the popular choices for students minoring in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. Possible languages of study at Lehman include Spanish, English, French, Irish, Japanese, and Italian.

Welcome, Irish Track Students


We welcome the newest group of students matriculated in the Comparative Literature B.A. program, students of Irish language and literature. Irish is a Gaelic language of the Celtic branch of the Indo-European family. It possesses one of the oldest literatures in Europe. Lehman College is the home of the CUNY Institute for Irish-American Studies and, fittingly, the Department of Languages and Literatures offers a wide variety of Irish language and literature courses. Check out the Irish Track of the B.A. in Comparative Literature for more information.

UPCOMING DEPARTMENTAL EVENTS

June 28, 2025

3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Tumble! An Improv Salon

The Humbleweeds are a collective of improv enthusiasts who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what improv can be. With a shared curiosity, they explore how improv can blend with other art forms—like dance, clowning, stand-up, and music—to develop new ways of approaching spontaneous creation.

June 28, 2025

7:45 PM - 9:30 PM

Honor America A patriotic concert with the Lehman College and Community Band

Patriotic selections honoring our nation’s history, featuring works by Reed, Bernstein, Bilik, Wonder, Sousa, and others.