Comments | applyingtograd: Comparative Literature Statement of Purpose HELP

sanparga in applyingtograd

Comparative Literature Statement of Purpose HELP

Oct 25, 2010 23:10

Hi everyone. I'm applying to a Phd in Comp Lit and I need some help polishing my SOP and trimming a lot of the fat. I also feel it is somehow unconnected, like it doesn't flow. Here it is. Please help me however you can, I will really appreciate it.

( Here it is )

sop, statement of purpose, comparative literature

Comments 7

augustquail October 26 2010, 05:03:36 UTC

Just two things off the top of my head..."early 20th century narrative...especially in Europe" is probably too vague. Are you more interested in Spanish literature than German? German than French? You should probably mention that, and maybe the names of some authors?

Also, in the second to last paragraph, I don't think you need "on the first hand." The sentence reads better without it.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

brittdreams October 26 2010, 06:20:16 UTC

Actually, to expand on this, I think you could drop the entire second to last paragraph and replace it with something concrete about fit. As it stands, you've basically described almost every comp lit program in the states. (OP, regardless of where you go, if you're going to be funded, it will be to either teach intro language classes or intro lit classes. There's nothing about unique about this to University xxxxxxx.)

the same period in several different literary traditions and in several different languages.
Be specific about which literary traditions and which languages. Really, just be specific throughout. Right now it seems like you're on a fishing expedition.

cloudsinmycafe October 26 2010, 07:19:04 UTC

You have a huge problem with run-on sentences. I do, too, so I'm very sensitive to other people's! :)

For instance your first sentence: My undergraduate studies in Literature at the XXXXXXX gave me a solid background in both Latin American and World Literatures, as well a strong theoretical framework, while allowing me to explore my personal interests in certain European literary traditions. could be chopped down to two or three sentences.

For instance, you could change it to: My undergraduate studies in Literature at the XXXXXXX gave me a solid background in both Latin American and World Literatures. In addition, my studies gave me strong theoretical framework while allowing me to explore my personal interests in [be specific] European literary traditions.

Take out "on the first hand". This typically is stated "On one hand" followed by a conflicting statement beginning with "On the other hand". While some academics may use this, I would take it out. It sounds a little too casual for a Statement of Purpose.

speakwrite_ October 26 2010, 08:26:03 UTC

speakwrite_ October 26 2010, 08:27:07 UTC

sanparga October 26 2010, 16:29:50 UTC

@speakwrite and everyone else.

No need to apologize. These are the kinds of things I needed to hear and they are going to be really helpful. Thanks a lot and keep them coming! I'll work on it this week and show you again.

Thanks again abd best of luck!

The thesis distinction sanparga October 26 2010, 17:10:06 UTC

Hi everyone!

Thanks again for all your comments. I have a question I'm sure some of you can answer. I'm not sure how to translate the distinction I got for my thesis. In my country its called a Tésis Meritoria. That means that it got the highest grade and that they liked it so much that they are going to publish it.This is sort of a big deal since they only give this to a handful of papers every year and they even give you a little extra diploma when you graduate. I kind of want to brag about it but I'm not sure what its called in American Academia. Any thoughts? Please do let me know.

Thank you and good luck!