Comparative Literature
What is Comparative Literature?
Comparative literature is the critical, interdisciplinary study of literature, other media, and cultures from different geographic regions, linguistic groups, and historical periods. In the broadest sense, it provides the tools to compare and contrast peoples’ experiences, identities, and material products in various places and times.
Central to comparative literature is how literature, culture, and media are theorized and studied across historical periods, and how they inform and influence each other. Sensitive to how different geographic regions and linguistic groups conceive their identities in an era of globalization, students of comparative literature aim to increase international awareness through humanistic inquiry.
In light of this increasingly global outlook, translation studies are an important aspect of comparative literature, which asks questions like:
- What does it mean to translate texts, ideas, and perspectives across linguistic, ethnic, and national boundaries?
- What happens to those texts, ideas, and perspectives in such a process?
Students in comparative literature are, by definition, proficient in more than one language. They work in various fields adjacent to literature, such as film, music, the visual arts, philosophy, history, and anthropology. Those who study comparative literature acquire valuable skills in literary analysis, cultural awareness, critical thinking, verbal and written communication, and argumentation.
Comparative literature provides us with the critical tools to reflect on and form intellectual opinions about:
- Literatures and cultures of the world
- How culture creates and transforms experience, everyday life, social relations, and power structures
- Technologies and world cultures
- The relation between written texts, music, and art
- Performing arts and new media
- Global concerns
- World film
- Pop culture and its products
- Border studies
- Postcolonialism and national identity
- Issues of race, class, and gender seen around the world
- Comparative literature major requirements
- Comparative literature minor requirements
- Comparative literature clusters
- Study abroad
- Contact information
Major Requirements
The comparative literature degree at the University of Rochester offers three tracks, each reflecting a different aspect of comparative literature:
All three tracks require that the student demonstrate advanced proficiency in at least one non-English language. Each track requires students to take a total of 10 courses, totally 40 credits.
Track 1: Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies
Two core courses:
- CLTR 200: Topics in Critical Thinking
- CLTR 389: Major Seminar
Plus eight courses in at least two national literatures, which must:
- Have CLTR or section prefix
- Include at least one 200-level course conducted in each MLC language area chosen (one non-MLC language area—English, Greek, Latin, etc.—may be substituted).
Track 2: Comparative Literature and Critical Theory
Two core courses:
- CLTR 200: Topics in Critical Thinking
- CLTR 389: Major Seminar
Plus three to five courses in one or more national literatures, which must:
- Have CLTR or section prefix
- Include at least one 200-level course conducted in an MLC language area
Plus three to five courses in critical theory (literary theory, continental philosophy, visual/film theory, linguistics, GSW).
Track 3: Comparative Literature and Interdisciplinary Studies
Two core courses:
- CLTR 200: Topics in Critical Thinking
- CLTR 389: Major Seminar
Plus three to five courses focusing on at least one national literature or linguistic region, which must:
- Have CLTR or section prefix
- Include at least one 200-level course conducted in an MLC language area
Plus three to five courses in music, media, or visual studies (film, art history).
Complete list of comparative literature courses >
Minor Requirements
One core course:
- CLTR 200: Topics in Critical Thinking
Plus four electives, which must:
- Have CLTR or section prefix
- Include at least one 200-level course conducted in an MLC language area.
Comparative Literature Clusters
Introduction to Comparative Literature (H1CLTR001)
This cluster is designed to provide considerable flexibility for students exploring the relations among literature, culture, and literary and cultural theory.
Comparative Cultural Studies (H1CLTR004)
This cluster offers literary and cultural analysis training with specific attention to national cultures. Students may choose to focus on one national tradition or select a comparative framework.
Comparative Film Traditions (H1CLTR003)
This cluster is designed to encourage cross-cultural exploration of national film traditions. In consultation with the undergraduate advisor, students will select courses that treat similar or related issues within a relatively restricted historical scope.
Gender and Literary Studies (H1CLTR002)
This cluster offers a variety of feminist approaches to the study of literature and film. It allows the student to choose a historical focus on one literary tradition or to pursue comparative analysis of national traditions.
Study Abroad
Comparative literature students are strongly encouraged to study abroad in one or more national areas of their academic interest. Generally speaking, coursework undertaken abroad will count toward a major or minor. The program advisor can approve specific courses before the student's study abroad.
Contact Information
For more information about programs in comparative literature, contact the Comparative Literature Program Head: Professor Robert Doran at robert.doran@rochester.edu.