World Literature, BA

Guilford House
Phone: 216.368.2303; Fax: 216.368.2216
Margaretmary Daley, Program Director
margaretmary.daley@case.edu

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: World Literature

Program Overview

"I don't know what literature is exactly, but I know it makes me feel like I'm soaring." — Unknown

The study of world literature, traditionally called comparative literature, involves a global approach to the art of literature in all its forms. "Literature" is a unique way of using language that seeks to express human wants and needs through poetic techniques, whether in prose, poetry, drama, or song. Cultures have always turned to literature—whether in oral or written form—to express basic values, concerns, despairs, dreams, and hopes.  Literature comments on what "is," and reaches for what "might be." Cultural identity is created in part through literature, and literature is used to question—at times even undermine—that identity. Literature may be a conservative force, emphasizing traditions, or a revolutionary force, provoking change from within.

The interaction of literatures from various regions of the world also transforms the art, as authors influence each other in what we might call a "global writing experiment." World Literature redefines the concept of “minor” or “third world” literatures, as it considers “marginal” artistic expressions to be as worthy of study as any classical tradition of the West or East.

The World Literature Program maintains the comparative spirit of the discipline, offering courses on individual authors, literary periods, regional literatures, themes, and schools of criticism.

The World Literature Program is fundamentally interdisciplinary. Courses come mostly from the Departments of Modern Languages and Literatures, Classics, and English, but students may also take approved courses from the Departments of Theater and Religious Studies.  The major in World Literature requires reading in at least one language other than English, thus emphasizing that language and literature are imbricated.  

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Director

Margaretmary Daley, PhD
Professor, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Program Faculty

Faculty in the Departments of Modern Languages & Literatures, English, and Classics participate as instructors in World Literature. The program director will guide students to specific faculty members based on the selection of 300-level courses in a language other than English and the particular interests within global literature that students develop.