Comparative Literary Studies

专业详情

OVERVIEW

Comparative Literary Studies is the interdisciplinary study of global literatures and cultures. Our majors and minors study literature and the arts by reading expansively and pursuing research across linguistic, national, and historical divisions. Building on the pluralistic viewpoint gained through comparative knowledge of more than one linguistic tradition, students also study culture beyond literature, learning about the forms, practices, and circulation of media, music, and the visual arts. Our program places emphasis on a worldwide literary perspective: in addition to Classical, European, and Anglo-American traditions, students have excellent opportunities to engage with the literatures of Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Comp Lit students gain special knowledge of literary and critical theories that enable the interpretive care needed to study literature from around the world, and from different historical moments. 

The Major in CLS provides students with a broad understanding of literature, beyond the confines of a single national tradition. By studying the literatures of at least two cultural traditions (the first one being normally the literature written in the student’s native tongue, the second a literature written in a “foreign” language) students become aware of cultural differences and begin to reflect on the causes for these differences. Students are encouraged not to limit themselves to the Euro-American traditions but to explore also the literatures of the rest of the world.

Watch videos to hear about what the Comparative Literary Studies Program at Northwestern University means to CLS alumni, faculty, and students!