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Undergraduate Majors and Minors

Discover Comparative Literature & Thought at WashU

Explore big ideas across cultures, time periods, and disciplines through the Comparative Literature and Thought (CL&T) major or minor. You’ll study literature, philosophy, and global thought, with options to specialize in the arts or pursue a senior capstone. The program also offers dynamic minors in Legal Studies, Data Science in the Humanities (DASH), Translation Studies, and Medieval & Renaissance Studies—perfect for students interested in combining the humanities with digital tools, global history, or law and society.

Our German Studies program is one of the best in the country, with small classes, engaging faculty, and immersive study abroad options in Tübingen, Berlin, and Vallendar. Whether you're drawn to literature, international careers, or cultural exploration, you’ll find a supportive community and plenty of ways to deepen your studies.

From analyzing medieval texts to applying data science to history, our programs let you connect the past with the present—and prepare for the future.

We also encourage our students to take courses offered by other departments. Click the button below to view the Spring 2026 electives that count towards our undergraduate programs!

Spring 2026 Approved Electives

Study Abroad Opportunities

Studying Abroad as a CL&T Major

We encourage all majors in Comparative Literature and Thought to study abroad, whether for a summer, a semester, or a full year. Fellowships are available to qualified students to help defray the costs.

Study Abroad with CL&T

Study Abroad with German Studies

WashU offers study abroad opportunities in Germany, including semester or yearlong study at the University of Tübingen, a business exchange in Vallendar, and summer programs in Berlin focused on language, culture, or internships. All programs offer academic credit and rich cultural experiences.

Explore Germany

Research Opportunities

Undergraduate students have the unique opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on active projects in the humanities.

Research Assistantships and Fellowships in the Digital Humanities can help you develop essential skills in humanities research. RAs and Fellows join forces faculty research projects, gaining exposure to the inner workings of an academic life and experience valuable to a variety of career paths.

Current Opportunities

Major and Minor in Comparative Literature & Thought

The Comparative Literature and Thought (CL&T) major requires 27.5–48.5 units, including core courses in literature and thought, upper-level coursework, a capstone project, and language study. A Comparative Arts specialization adds requirements in applied arts and arts theory/history. The minor requires 15 units across literature, thought, and one elective. The program also administers minors in Legal Studies, DASH, Translation Studies, and Medieval & Renaissance Studies. Legacy programs like IPH, Text and Traditions, and Comparative Literature remain available to students who entered in 2023–24.

Explore the Major and Minor

 

German Studies

German Studies at WashU offers a top-ranked program with small, engaging classes and a wide range of courses in language, literature, philosophy, media, and culture. Whether you're interested in classic texts, international careers, or cultural immersion, the program supports your goals with exceptional teaching, co-curricular activities, and study abroad opportunities.

Explore German Studies

 

Data Science in the Humanities (DASH)

The Data Science in the Humanities (DASH) minor equips humanities students—regardless of prior technical experience—with valuable digital skills like text and data analysis, visualization, and geospatial tools, all applied to cultural and historical questions. The 15-unit interdisciplinary program emphasizes hands-on research, including required internships on faculty-led projects and optional summer fellowships. DASH prepares students to engage with the future of the humanities and enhances their appeal to graduate programs and employers alike.

Learn more about DASH

 

Minor in Legal Studies

The Legal Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that explores law’s role across cultures and history, focusing on its social, economic, and institutional impact rather than legal training. It builds critical thinking and analytical skills valuable for law school and beyond. Students complete six courses (18 units) from at least three of four thematic areas, with opportunities for internship or study abroad credit. The minor draws on courses from Arts & Sciences as well as Business, Engineering, and Social Work, offering a broad and flexible foundation for understanding law in society.

Learn more about Legal Studies

 

Minor in Translation Studies

The Translation Studies minor requires 15 units, including a core course on global translation and three electives focused on literature, culture, and digital humanities. Students must also complete either a 4000-level translation practicum or another course in Translation Studies. Additionally, minors must take three sequenced courses in a single foreign language, fulfilling the Arts & Sciences Language and Cultural Diversity requirement. All courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Learn more about Translation Studies

 

Minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies 

The Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor requires 18 units and two years of college-level study in a language such as Spanish, French, Latin, or Arabic. Students complete six courses, including at least three from a core list focused on literature, art, politics, and history. Three additional courses must cover medieval or Renaissance topics across at least two departments, with one addressing non-Western material. The interdisciplinary minor explores global perspectives on the medieval and Renaissance world through fields such as literature, history, philosophy, and art.

Learn More about the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor

Resources for Undergraduates

CompLit & Thought Major & Minor Requirements

chart your academic path

German Studies Major or Minor Requirements

learn what is required to compete a major or minor in Germanic Studies

Approved CL&T Electives From Other Departments

Major Declaration

Students are asked to declare a major by the spring of sophomore year

DASH Minor

find out which courses are required for the Data Science in the Humanities minor

Legal Studies Minor

ideal for those interested in law school or careers where legal and societal systems intersect

Placement Exams

determine the level of language study that's right for you

Study Abroad with CL&T

The most up-to-date selection of approved Study Abroad programs

Study Abroad in Germany

discover Germany with our signature programs

Delta Phi Alpha German Honorary

learn what is required to become a member

Undergraduate Awards & Honors

achieve recognition for your hard work and success

External Germanic Studies Funding

apply for funds to study abroad, do research, and more

search more resources