圣路易斯华盛顿大学

Comparative Literature examines literature across national, cultural and linguistic boundaries. The broad perspective of Comparative Literature generates sustained critical thinking about what literature is and does; how literature relates to other fields, including other art forms and kinds of writing; how literary texts and their translations produce meaning; and the ethical valence of literature in a globalized world. Advanced knowledge of at least one foreign language is essential for understanding and appreciating a given literature and culture. Therefore, all comparative literature and comparative arts majors study a foreign language and literature at an advanced level, and they are strongly encouraged to pursue a study abroad experience. Moreover, the study of works in translation, especially those originally written in non-European languages, facilitates cross-cultural comparisons and helps prepare students for a multilingual, pluralistic and global world. Comparison of literature to other arts, media and other modes of writing develops one's understanding of literature and culture, as well as of technologies and aesthetic forms of mediation and transmission of world views, values and critiques.

Required courses:

27 units of Comparative Literature courses, which include:

• Comp Lit 211 World Literature (3 units)
• Comp Lit 3050 Literary modernity’s in Europe and America: Text and Tradition (3 units)
• Seven additional courses in Comparative Literature at both the 300 and 400 levels (21 units). With permission of the director of undergraduate studies, the student may substitute up to 6 units of appropriate foreign literature courses at the 300 or 400 level.

The major also requires completion of a capstone experience. Students who are double majoring may elect to complete their capstone in the other major.

Students in Comparative Literature are also expected to have had substantial college-level experience of foreign language study as demonstrated by completion of either one 400-level foreign language course or two 300-level courses.