Comparative Cultural Studies

General Information

The program in Comparative Cultural Studies is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of cultures and cultural forms in a cross-cultural perspective.  Students learn about culture(s) and arts across time and geographic origin, in a range of contexts and expressions, through practical and theoretical perspectives.  Along with the study of a second language, students will pursue courses in a diverse range of disciplines including popular culture, cultural theory, literature, music, and film, all primarily from a cross-cultural perspective.  It is through critical comparative analysis and study that we can truly begin to understand ourselves and our own traditions, identities, and realities alongside those of others. With an international and comparative focus, this program will allow students to view their world in new and exciting ways.  We also encourage students to participate in travel study and exchange programs whenever possible.

Programs of Study

Honours, Majors, and Minors

Students interested in Comparative Cultural Studies have the following options:

  • Honours in Comparative Cultural Studies
  • Honours in Comparative Cultural Studies (German or Spanish option)
  • Major in Comparative Cultural Studies
  • Major in Comparative Cultural Studies (German or Spanish option)
  • Minor in Comparative Cultural Studies

Honours programs are intended for students who are interested in a concentrated course of study.

The German and Spanish options are designed to allow students with an interest in one of these areas to concentrate their 12 ch of CCS elective courses and have this recognized on their transcript. All students electing the German or Spanish option still complete all of the core courses for the general Comparative Cultural Studies program.

The Minor, which consists of 24 ch of CCS courses, is for students majoring in other disciplines.

Joint Honours and Double Majors with Comparative Cultural Studies are also possible.

NOTE:  Students may take up to 6 ch of their program electives outside the department with permission of the program director.

Honours Program

Admission to the Honours Program in Comparative Cultural Studies is open to qualified students who have completed 45 ch of courses toward the BA degree. Normally students will have completed (or be in process of completing) 12 ch in lower level CCS courses and 6 ch in a second language. Students should normally apply for admission to the Comparative Cultural Studies Honours Program in their fourth term and will enter the program during their third year, if they qualify.

To be admitted to Honours, students must have achieved an average of 3.3 (B+) in their Comparative Cultural Studies courses. Students must maintain an average of 3.3 in CCS courses and of 2.5 in non-CCS courses in order to maintain Honours standing

The Honours in Comparative Cultural Studies requires the completion of 48 ch of CCS courses. Specific requirements are as follows:

 Each student’s program of study must be approved by the program advisor.

Honours (48 ch plus 6 ch in an additional language)

Lower Level

  • CCS 2021
  • 9 ch of additional 1000- or 2000-level CCS courses
  • 6 ch in an additional language

 Upper Level

[To complete an Honours program in CCS with a concentration in German or a concentration in Spanish, students must complete 6 ch of courses in the relevant language and 15 ch of upper level electives in the chosen concentration. See the lists below under "Optional Concentrations".]

Joint Honours (36 ch plus 6 ch in an additional language)

Lower Level

  • CCS 2021
  • 6 ch of additional 1000- or 2000-level CCS courses
  • 6 ch in an additional language

 Upper Level

 Major Program

A Major in Comparative Cultural Studies requires the completion of 36 ch of CCS courses, with a grade of C or better in each. The specific requirements are as follows:

Major (36 ch plus 6 ch in an additional language)

Lower Level

  • CCS 2021
  • 9 ch of additional 1000- or 2000-level CCS courses
  • 6 ch in an additional language

 Upper Level

Double Major (30 ch plus 6 ch in an additional language)

Lower Level

  • CCS 2021
  • 3 ch of additional 1000- or 2000-level CCS courses
  • 6 ch in an additional language

 Upper Level

Optional Concentrations

Students completing a Major or Honours in Comparative Cultural Studies can receive an additional concentration by meeting all of the criteria for the Major or Honours listed above plus the criteria listed below:

CCS: German

  • Complete 6 ch of German language courses

 For their 12 ch of elective courses:

  • Complete CCS 3061 or CCS 3071
  • Complete the remaining 9 ch of additional courses selected from the following list: 

German Concentration Electives*

CCS 3045

CCS 3061

CCS 3121

CCS 3066

CCS 3063

CCS 3123

CCS 3054 CCS 3071 CCS 3072

CCS 3055

 

*With prior permission, students may take up to two courses from outside the department to satisfy the requirements for the concentration.

CCS: Spanish

  • Complete 6 ch of Spanish language courses

For their 12 ch of elective courses:

  • Complete CCS 3904
  • Complete the remaining 9 ch of additional courses selected from the following list:

 Spanish Concentration Electives*

CCS 3014

CCS 3455

CCS 3973

CCS 3062

CCS 3456

CCS 3974

CCS 3113

CCS 3909

CCS 3984

CCS 4062

 

 

*With prior permission, students may take up to two courses from outside the department to satisfy the requirements for the concentration.

Combined CCS/MAAC programs

In addition to pursuing joint study with other programs, students have the opportunity to complete a Double Major or Joint Honours in the Department of Culture and Media Studies’ two interdisciplinary programs: Comparative Cultural Studies and Media Arts & Cultures. Because the two programs already share a set of core courses, the unique guidelines for combining the two are outlined below.

Double Major in CCS and MAAC

Lower Level

  • CCS/MAAC 2021
  • 3 ch of additional 1000- or 2000-level CCS courses
  • 9 ch of additional 1000- or 2000-level MAAC courses
  • 6 ch in an additional language

Upper Level

Students should be careful not to double-count any courses cross-listed as both CCS and MAAC.

Joint Honours in CCS and MAAC

Lower Level

  • CCS/MAAC 2021
  • 6 ch of additional 1000- or 2000-level CCS courses
  • 6 ch of additional 1000- or 2000-level MAAC courses
  • 6 ch in an additional language

 Upper Level

Students should be careful not to double-count any courses cross-listed as both CCS and MAAC.

Minor Program 

A Minor in Comparative Cultural Studies requires the completion of 24 ch of CCS courses with a grade of C or better:

Under certain circumstances, language acquisition courses may be counted for lower level requirements. The program must be approved by the advisor for the program.

Contact

Dr. Sophie Lavoie
Dept of Culture and Media Studies
University of New Brunswick
Carleton Hall, 337
1-506-458-7469
lavoie@unb.ca