Program: English and Comparative Literature, B.A. - San Diego State University

Aug 13, 2025

2025-2026 University Catalog

(Major Code: 15011) (Academic Plan Code: 112113BALS) (Academic Plan Code: 112113BALI - SDSU Imperial Valley)

English and Comparative Literature, B.A. (2025-2026) - Roadmap

The B.A. in English and Comparative Literature offers an expansive approach to the study of literature and culture, literary theory, children’s literature, digital and environmental humanities, LGBTQ+ studies, creative and expository writing, and editing and publishing. The program emphasizes critical reading, scholarly writing, and sustained engagement with global literary and cultural traditions across historical periods. Graduates of the program are equipped with strong communication, analytical, and rhetorical skills, preparing them for careers in fields such as law, publishing, digital media, education, public service, and beyond.

A minor is not required with this major.

Impacted Program

To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

The major in English and Comparative Literature is designated as an impacted program and specific criteria are used to admit students. To be admitted to the major in English and Comparative Literature, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete with a Minimum GPA of 2.50

These courses cannot be taken for credit/no credit (Cr/NC);

Complete with a minimum GPA of 2.50 and a grade of C (2.0) or better:

ECL 250 - Introduction to Literature of the United States Units: 3
ECL 260 - Introduction to British Literature Units: 3
ECL 270 - Introduction to Comparative Literature Units: 3
RWS 200 - Rhetoric of Written Arguments in Context Units: 3

Three Units Selected from

ECL 220 - The Art of Literature Units: 3
or
ECL 280 - Introduction to Creative Writing Units: 3

Cumulative GPA

Have a cumulative GPA of 2.40 or better.

Preparation for the Major

(15 units)

Any grade requirements and GPA requirements listed above for admission to the major in English and Comparative Literature will also be enforced in Preparation for the Major requirements.

ECL 250 - Introduction to Literature of the United States Units: 3
ECL 260 - Introduction to British Literature Units: 3
ECL 270 - Introduction to Comparative Literature Units: 3
RWS 200 - Rhetoric of Written Arguments in Context Units: 3

Three Units Selected from

ECL 220 - The Art of Literature Units: 3
or
ECL 280 - Introduction to Creative Writing Units: 3

Language Requirement

Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) is required in one language other than English to fulfill the graduation requirement. Refer to section of catalog on “Graduation Requirements .”

Language Competency Requirement

Students who have completed the California Community College Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T) degree are required to successfully complete a second college semester or third college quarter in one language other than English. Students will also meet this requirement by successfully completing the third-year level of a high school language other than English.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

Take ECL 508W and earn a grade of C (2.0) or better. See “Graduation Requirements ” section for a complete listing of requirements.

Major

A minimum of 33 upper division units to include 3 units in an early period, 6 units of comparative literature, 3 units of ECL 508W , and 21 units of upper division ECL electives.

Courses in module A are oriented towards exploring aspects of the development of the English and American literary traditions over time. Courses in module B are oriented towards using literary and cultural studies to engage with a diversity of human societies, viewpoints, and experiences. Courses in module C develop student capacity in scholarly writing, creative writing, editing, publishing, and digital literary content.

A. Three Units Selected from the Following

Must include three upper-division units in an early period.

ECL 510A - Earlier Histories of British and American Literature Units: 3
ECL 522 - Literature of the United States, 1800-1860 Units: 3
ECL 530 - Chaucer Units: 3
ECL 533 - Shakespeare Units: 3
ECL 534 - Study of Shakespeare Units: 3
ECL 536 - British Literary Periods, Beginnings to 1660 Units: 3
ECL 537 - Milton Units: 3
ECL 540A - English Fiction Units: 3
ECL 541A - English Drama Units: 3

B. Six Units Selected from the Following

Must include at least six units of comparative literature.

ECL 440 - African Literature Units: 3
ECL 470 - Folk Literature Units: 3
ECL 513 - Nineteenth Century European Literature Units: 3
ECL 564 - World Literatures Units: 3
ECL 565 - Ecocriticism Units: 3
ECL 566 - Concepts in Comparative Studies Units: 3
ECL 594 - Topics in Literature and the Arts Units: 3
ECL 595 - Literature and Aesthetics Units: 3

C. Three Units Selected from the Following

Must include three units of ECL 508W .

ECL 508W - The Writing of Criticism Units: 3

D. Twenty-One Units of

Twenty-one units of upper division English and Comparative Literature courses.

English Honors Variation

(39 units)

Three additional units of upper division English and Comparative Literature electives, with consent of the undergraduate adviser; and:

ECL 498 - Seminar: English and Comparative Literature Honors Thesis Units: 3

Selection of Courses

Prospective majors of sophomore standing may, with the consent of the course instructor and subject to general university regulations (see “Credit for Upper Division Courses ” in the section of this catalog on General Regulations), substitute six units of upper division electives for six units of lower division work. These courses must be in the same field as those which they replace, and must be approved by the departmental adviser.

Students of junior or senior standing may substitute for any deficiencies in lower division requirements in English and Comparative Literature (except RWS 100 and RWS 200 ) an equivalent number of units of upper division courses selected with the approval of the departmental adviser.