During the first year the student's work is normally
directed by the Field Committee with the Director of Graduate Studies
(DGS) as chair. (In the event the student forms her or his Special Committee
early in that year, the Special Committee takes charge.) The Field expects
students to have a strong undergraduate major in literature, some introductory
familiarity with literary theory, and the ability to do advanced work
in two languages and reading knowledge of a third language. Together,
the student and the DGS examine the student's preparation and interests
to determine an appropriate course of study. By the end of the first year
the student, again in consultation with the DGS, should compose her or
his Special Committee.
From the third term onward the chief responsibility for the student rests
with the Special Committee. This committee normally consists of three
members. All of them must be on the Cornell graduate faculty; the chair
must be a member of the Field of Comparative Literature, and it is strongly
recommended that a second committee member also belong to the Field. Students
are required to meet with the members of their committee for the Second-Year
Review by the end of their third term, and they are encouraged to meet
at least once a year thereafter to formulate topics and compose reading
lists for their A-exams and to discuss their progress toward completing
the dissertation. It is the student's responsibility to see that this
continued contact is maintained.
