Comparative Literature majors learn to read literature in one or more foreign languages and to trace the transformations and travels of literary genres and texts across languages, borders, and historical periods. They explore the connections of literature with history, philosophy, politics, and literary theory, and learn how literature intersects with other cultural forms such as film, drama, the visual arts, music, and new media.Like all World Languages & Literatures (WLL) majors, Comparative Literature majors generally begin with CAS XL 100 Leaving Home: Explorations in World Literature, a team-taught course in which students meet the WLL faculty through guest lectures and get oriented in the rich diversity of the world’s literary traditions. Courses at the 200 level (CAS XL 222, XL 223, XL 224, and XL 225) introduce Western, Middle Eastern, East Asian, and South Asian regional literary traditions. Students take at least two of these courses, acquiring a comparative perspective on the global diversity of literary forms and genres.Learning OutcomesClear, responsible, and insightful writing about literary texts.Meaningful engagement with the literary traditions of at least two of the following regions: Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia.Proficiency in a non-English languages at a level useful for academic research (at least ACTFL intermediate-low oral proficiency or its written equivalent).Ability to read, discuss, and analyze literary and cinematic texts produced in at least two languages.Ability to analyze texts in comparative perspective; understand how specific works make meaning in response to their literary, cultural, historical, and political contexts; and trace how and why literary genres and texts travel across historical periods, borders, and languages through translation and adaptation.
