Comparative Literature

Master of Arts (MA)



Meet Parastoo Alaeddini, MA candidate in Comparative Literature

“Western University has one of the most dynamic comparative literature programs in Canada.”

Describe your research in 100 words or less.
It is a comparative study of Max Frisch’s 1954 novel Stiller and Roman Polanski’s 1976 psychological thriller The Tenant. I focus on the issues of identity and doubling and how the clash between the subjective identity and the imposed/expected societal identity leads the protagonists to adopt various forms of doubling and alter identities.

Where’s your favourite place on campus to work/study/research?
In my study space at Weldon library because it is very private and quiet, so I can concentrate on my studies. Also, it has a great view!

Where is “home” for you?
Home is not a specific geographical location. For me, home is the place where I am happy, where I am with the people I love and care about

What’s your favourite book? The Little Prince

What is it about your grad program that enables you to thrive and be successful?
The incredible support of the faculty members first and foremost.

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
It is not advice – just that you will enjoy every second of it.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Sylvia Kontra (skontra@uwo.ca)
Graduate Affairs Assistant

Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Western University
University College 2210
London, Ontario N6A 3K7

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 85846
f. 519-661-4093

Western’s program in Comparative Literature has recognized strengths in various literatures (especially – but not limited to – American, Canadian, Classical, English, French & Francophone, German, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian and Spanish). What distinguishes it from similar programs across the country (Toronto, Alberta, Montreal...) is the insistent focus on critical theory, postcolonial literature, East-West cultural relationships and inter-media studies (particularly visual art and film). Many of those teaching in the program are well established scholars of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and 18-20th-century cultures. Our MA students are employed as Teaching Assistants.

Program Length

  • 3 Terms

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Project-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • Honours B.A. degree.
  • A minimum average of B+ (78%) for the last two years of study.
  • In addition to proficiency in English, the M.A. Program requires for admission proficiency – at a level sufficient to read original texts and pursue graduate-level work – in a language in which research can be supported by the Program's core faculty (please see ELP requirements below).

Additional Requirements

  • A sample of written work in English (no less than 10 pages, no more than 20 pages).

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

  • February 1 - Acceptance notification at the beginning of March