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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

December 14, 2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Holiday Spectacular!

A festive mix of holiday selections and wind-band classics, including perennial holiday favorites Christmas Festival and Sleigh Ride, a medley of traditional tunes in Hanukah Festival Overture, the lively Dreidel Dance, and by popular demand, Minor Alterations, a playful game of musical hide-and-seek. Rounding out the program will be two movements from British composer Philip Sparke’s Sinfonietta No. 4, a vibrant work offering a modern salute to grand band masters of the past.

December 16, 2025

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

CONCERT - Lehman Percussion Ensemble "An Afro-Caribbean Celebration"

Join us for an exploration of vibrant works drawn from both the classical tradition and folkloric styles from across the Afro-Caribbean world, brought to life through a rich array of percussion instruments. Alongside select classical pieces, the ensemble will perform music rooted in the traditions of son, cha-cha-chá, rumba, bomba, and plena.