Our 100 and 200 level
courses are open to everyone. Undergraduate students
at this level read works in translations which are carefully
selected
for their fidelity to the original or for
their literary value or both. We utilize many approaches
in these introductory courses. Some of them explore
the relationships
among various modern European literatures, while others
compare the techniques of two different modes of expression,
such
as film and literature. Some courses are organized
by type or genre—Short Story, Spiritual Autobiography.
Others
trace a theme that has fascinated different authors
for centuries,
such as Brave New Worlds. Still other courses may take
a particular aspect of a national literature and explore
it
in an international context. Most Comparative Literature
courses at all levels include a theory component that
embraces both literary and other cultural texts.
Courses
at the 300-500 levels tend to be more specialized: majors
in Comparative Literature and in particular
languages have the opportunity to use the languages
they are studying
by reading the original texts. 300-400 level courses
are open to all students with language proficiency.
Comparative Literature majors must earn 15 credits
through such upper-level
courses, along with upper-level courses in at least
two other departments of literature, with the guidance
of
their
advisor.
Graduate courses in Comparative Literature
cover a wide range of primary texts and critical
theories. With an emphasis on reading and working
in original languages, graduate level courses address
topics in poetics, film, translation, literary theory, empire,
medieval
studies, and other areas crossing lines of language, culture,
the arts and academic disciplines. Graduate students,
together with a faculty member, may design independent-study
courses to explore specific topics of particular interest
to them.
|
