International literary and visual studies (ILVS) is one of Tufts most distinctive majors, combining academic work in literature, film, and the visual arts with study in a foreign language and an emphasis on international culture and issues. By studying the interaction of cultures in the context of literature, cinema, and visual arts, students are able to grasp the similar and differentiating characteristics of related discourses.This is a highly interdisciplinary major that includes courses in sociology, anthropology, drama, art history, classics, religion, political science, and sociology, among others. There is also a foreign language requirement.Students in this field of study work very closely with an advisor to plan a customized program combining courses, seminars, internships, and study abroad. Examples of past programs include Asian literatures, the modern novel, women authors and gender readings, and world theatre and film. Students are encouraged to work toward technical proficiency in a creative endeavor, such as creative writing, filmmaking, or one of the more traditional visual arts such as drawing, printmaking, or painting.Students are expected to have a firm grounding in two or more languages and cultures, one of which may be English. One of these languages usually serves as a primary area of cultural emphasis (e.g. Japanese language and culture), and the other as a secondary area for the course work of the major (e.g. English and Anglophone culture). In exceptional cases, the secondary area could be a conceptual one (e.g. realism, feminism, film noir, etc.). Also, at the discretion of the ILVS director, one may choose a different language/culture combination (e.g. Japanese language / Chinese culture).All students, except those on the World Literature Track, must take one foreign language through the eighth semester, pursued concurrently with the course work of the major. Those who are on the World Literature Track could complete the major by finishing the regular Tufts foreign language requirement, though the completion of eight semesters of a foreign language is highly recommended. One could place out of the ILVS foreign language requirement through a language placement test. In that case, studying a new foreign language is advisable.
