World Literature, Minor
Program Overview
“No art or learning is to be pursued halfheartedly … and any art worth learning will certainly reward more or less generously the effort made to study it.” —Murasaki Shikibu
“I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.” —Marguerite Duras
The study of world literature, traditionally called comparative literature, involves a global approach to the art of literature in all its forms. Cultures have always turned to literature to express basic values, topical concerns, individual despairs, societal dreams, and collective hopes. The range of expression is fascinating. Moreover, cultural identity is created in part through literature, and literature is used dialectically to question—perhaps even undermine—human identity. Finally, the study of literatures of the world develops critical thinking through informed comparisons, and it expands students’ knowledge base to near and distant regions of the world.
The World Literature Program maintains the comparative spirit of the discipline and then connects it to contemporary writers. We offer seminar-style courses on individual authors, literary periods, regional literatures, themes, and schools of criticism.
The major in World Literature requires two core courses and a theory course, plus reading in at least one literature other than English at an advanced level (300-level courses). In this way, the major program affords both in-depth and broad study. The minor requires the two core courses plus an additional four courses chosen in consultation with a program director or assigned advisor in order to include depth in one specific language or cultural area.
“The instruction we find in books is like fire. We fetch it from our neighbors, kindle it at home, communicate it to others until it becomes the property of all.” —Voltaire
Undergraduate Policies
For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.