about the program

The study of comparative literature situates literature in an international perspective, examines connections among literary history, literary criticism, critical theory, and poetics, and facilitates an understanding of the sociocultural functions of literature. Interpretive methods from other disciplines that interrogate cultural discourses also play a role in the comparative study of literature; among these are anthropology, philosophy, history, religion, classical studies, Africana studies, gender studies, and cultural studies, as well as other arts.

Comparative literature students are required to have a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language adequate to the advanced study of literature in that language. Some comparative literature courses may require reading knowledge of a foreign language as a prerequisite for admission. Students considering graduate work in comparative literature should also study a second foreign language.