Vanderbilt welcomes students interested in the comparative study of literature at the graduate level. In order to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study, a student must already be enrolled in a departmental graduate program (e.g., Department of Classics, Department of English, Department of French and Italian, Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages, Department of History, Department of Philosophy, or Department of Spanish and Portuguese). Once admitted to the graduate program, the student, in consultation with her or his departmental advisor, should make a proposal to the Graduate School for an interdisciplinary course of study in two or more of our graduate programs. In the proposal, the student should outline a theme that unifies the interdisciplinary work, as well as list courses required for the degree. Exam and defense schedules for the interdisciplinary degree will typically follow the general guidelines defined in the Graduate School Bulletin, as well as meet the specific requirements of the student’s primary department. Before submitting the proposal to the Graduate School, the student should consult with and receive written approval from her or his graduate advisor, as well as from at least three additional members of an interdisciplinary committee. The interdisciplinary committee will be composed of faculty members from the departments in which the student will conduct the interdisciplinary work. The student will then need approval from the Graduate School to pursue the interdisciplinary program of study.