Comparative Literature

Overview

Would you like to dig into French decadence, African novels, Asian drama, Italian poetry, and countless other literary works of the world? Consider Comparative Literature. While an English Literature major concentrates on works originally written in English, a Comparative Literature major reads works originally written in a variety of languages, though usually in translation. The Comp Lit major then strives to put these works into context by comparing them against the art, history, political and social climate of the country and time in which they were written. Comparative Literature majors often concentrate their studies in one area (such as African, Latin American, or Near Eastern literature). Some programs require fluency in at least one foreign language.