Courses
Comparative Literature Courses
CLT801 Methods of Comparative Literature
[3–0, 3 cr.]
Introduces fundamental concepts & approaches of comparative practice. Its objective is to expose students to key debates in literary and cultural studies today and to provide an overview of some methods currently used in the profession. One example might consist of a course aimed at exploring the relationship between literature and its social context. Texts for this course may draw from the fields of cultural studies, feminism and Marxism. Another course may deal with question of meaning in texts and draw from the fields hermeneutics, semiotics and narratology.CLT803 Literary Theory I
[3–0, 3 cr.]
Includes study of theories pf literature and representation from classical Greece and Rome, the Medieval Mediterranean, and the European Renaissance. It is organized according to major questions that have traditionally generated debate and that continue to resonate in contemporary literary and cultural studies. Texts studied may, therefore, address the following topics: the moral valences of literature, memesis, the sublime.CLT804 Literary Theory II
[3–0, 3 cr.]
Examines theories of literature and representation from the Enlightenment to Post-structuralism. the course is designed to provide an intellectual background for current theoretical debates in the profession. It may be organized by tracing seminal responses to a major problem such as the relationship between knowledge and representation, or, alternatively, it may provide a broad view of several literary-theoretical preoccupations.CLT820 Periods
[3–0, 3 cr.]
Explores the fundamental critical concepts relating to period through the close attention to primary texts supplemented with theoretical readings. The aim of the course is to kindle awareness & interest in the historicity of literature. Discussion may center on questions of historical context, literary history or intercultural encounter in history.CLT830 Themes
[3–0, 3 cr.]
Explores particular themes through the close attention to primary texts supplemented with theoretical readings. A broadly construed course, “Thematics” is flexibly designed to allow the instructor & students an opportunity to explore in some depth thematic interests. The flexibility & depth of this course, which comes late in the student’s coursework, make it a good transition to the M.A. thesis.CLT840 Genre
[3–0, 3 cr.]
Explores the fundamental critical concepts relating to genre through the close attention to primary texts supplemented with theoretical readings. Rather than attempting to provide a synoptic view of the range of generic forms, the course is conceived with a priority on flexibility so as to respond to the needs and interests of the instructor & students alike.CLT880 Seminar
[3 cr.]
CLT899 Thesis
[6 cr.]
This course entails producing an original and extensive research project under the supervision of an advisor, and defended before a committee. It may include field research, be qualitative or quantitative, descriptive or experimental, and in the form of a case study, document analysis, or action research.