WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... COMPARATIVE LITERATURE

com ⋅ par ⋅ a ⋅ tive lit ⋅ er ⋅ a ⋅ ture The study of the literatures of two or more groups differing in cultural background and, usually, in language, concentrating on their relationships to and influences upon each other.* *"comparative literature." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 28 Sep literature

Comparative Literature Majors Study Literature from a multitude of different perspectives History of literary criticism and theory Linguistic competence, theoretical fluency, and broad literary culture...And more

Comparative Literature At The University Of South Carolina Ph.D MA BA

Comparative Literature At The University Of South Carolina Undergraduate Options Degree: Bachelor of Arts Major: Comparative Literature Minors: Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature At The University Of South Carolina Graduate Degree: Master of Arts (MA) PhD Program and Joint Degree Program The Graduate Program in Comparative Literature is designed to enable students to develop competence in the study of two or more literatures.

Employment Settings Business, Industry & Commerce Education Government & International Law Enforcement Interpreting & Translation Media Service Travel & Tourism

Business, Industry & Commerce Careers in the business sector can use knowledge of languages as a secondary skill. Skills developed from language study like writing and speaking clearly, data analysis, problem solving, organizing information, and collaboration are useful in business occupations.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business, Industry & Commerce Auditor Banking Correspondent Loan Officer Contract Interpreter Financial Planner Finance Director Foreign Exchange Trader Importer/Exporter International Account Manager International Banking Officer International Resort Manager Investment Analyst Senior Credit Analyst Trade Economist

Education Careers in teaching can use knowledge of languages as a primary or secondary skill. The ability to communicate in a foreign language is important to educators teaching another language to English speakers, teaching English to foreign speakers, or working in areas where English is not a dominant language. Knowing how to explain complex concepts, clarify ideas, and relate to other cultures in also important.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education Bilingual Educator Child Services Counselor College and University Professor (advance degree needed) Curriculum Developer Elementary Teacher English as a Second Language Teacher Librarian Overseas Instructor of English Peace Corp Cultural Instructor Secondary School Language Teacher

Government & Law Enforcement Careers in the government and law sectors can use knowledge of languages as a secondary skill. Language study skills like communicating clearly, problem solving, working with diverse groups, and explaining concepts, and communicating in foreign languages are useful in government and law enforcement careers.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Government & Law Enforcement Civil Service Employee Court Interpreter Cultural Attaché Customs Inspector FBI Agent Foreign Service Officer Foreign Diplomat Immigration Agent Intelligence Researcher International Protocol Specialist National Security Agent Paralegal Police Officer

Interpreting & Translation Careers in interpreting and translation use knowledge of languages as a primary skill. The ability to speak, read, and write a foreign language is needed for careers in this area. It is also important that one can work with people from diverse cultures, read for content and structure, and listen carefully.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Interpreting & Translation Advertising Agent Air Traffic Controller Conference Interpreter Customs Officer Foreign Exchange Trader Foreign Linguist Immigration Officer Import-Exporter International Banker International Protocol Specialist Interpreting Guide Language Specialist Literary Translator Negotiator Judicial Translator Précis Reporter

Media Careers in the media sector can use knowledge of languages as a secondary skill. Skills developed from language study like writing clearly, organizing information, speaking another language, clarifying ideas, and evaluating information are all useful in media related careers.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Media Art Dealer Copywriter Editor Foreign Correspondent Filmmaker Journalist Media Specialist Magazine Columnist Musician Performing Artist Production Supervisor Proofreader Publisher Radio/TV Announcer Travel Writer

Service Careers in the service industry can use knowledge of languages as a secondary skill. Skills developed from language study like speaking another language, speaking to groups, collaborating as part of a team, working with people from diverse backgrounds, organizing information, and clarifying ideas are useful in service careers.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Service Bilingual Sales Clerk or Teller Bookkeeper Civil Service Employee Communications Director Interpretive Guide Overseas Personnel Manager Flight Attendant Foreign Plant Manager Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Production Supervisor Social Worker Transportation Manager Quality Control Specialist

Travel & Tourism Careers in the travel and tourism industries can use knowledge of languages as a secondary skill. Skills developed from language study like communicating clearly, speaking another language, organizing information, analyzing data, determining the needs of others, and working with people from diverse cultures are useful in travel and tourism careers.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Travel & Tourism Advertising Manager Cruise Director Cultural Attaché Flight Attendant Foreign Travel Consultant International Conference Planner International Hotel Administrator Interpretive Guide Missionary Peace Corp Volunteer Protocol Specialist Resort Manager Travel Agent Travel Writer Tour Organizer

Comparative Literature Majors Develop Skills In Cross-cultural communication Understanding of cultural differences and ability to interact effectively with peoples of different backgrounds Knowledge of culturally specific behavior, customs, and values Language competence for speaking, writing, reading, and listening Understanding of target culture, history, literature, music, and folklore Appreciation of diversity, and sensitivity to cultural issues Awareness of differences in cultural perspectives Global experience and ability to adjust to new environments

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Be familiar with current events Travel to countries in which your target language is spoken Get work experience in a place where your language is the native tongue Acquire a passport Obtain teaching certification Practice becoming more fluent by reading books, using tapes and videos, training sessions and film Develop business skills to complement your knowledge of language

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Develop research skills and be able to analyze problems Develop good communication skills Work at a US location of an international company Network with professionals working in companies and sectors in which you’re interested Become comfortable working with diverse groups of people

Books And Web Resources Books Inside A U.S. Embassy: How the Foreign Service Works For America published by American Foreign Service Assoc. Careers For Foreign Language Aficionados by J. Laurence Day Web Resources The Modern Language Association Bilingual Jobs.com jobs.com/default_new.htm jobs.com/default_new.htm

Resources For More Information Department of Language, Literatures and Cultures Career Library Foreign Language Related Websites College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Program

Career Center Contact Information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC Phone: (803) On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at