WORLD AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
College of Humanities
(See World and Comparative Literature in the Academic Programs section for information on degrees)
Undergraduate Courses
230 Introduction to World Literature (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: ENG 114 or equivalent. An introduction to the literary classics of the world, their cultural backgrounds, and their place in the history of ideas. Concentration on major figures represented in the major genres of world literature.
250 Fables and Tales (3) [GE]
Analysis and discussion of a major narrative tradition. Development from folklore and parable of the fable and the tale. Narrative forms such as the animal fable, fairy tale and remarkable voyage; central themes and techniques in the tradition of didactic and fantastic fiction.
260 Myths of the World (3) [GE]
Study of several different mythologies, their significance to world literature and life experiences. Use of myths by contemporary writers as a means to express the inexpressible.
400 The Bible as Literature (3)
Prerequisite: ENG 114 or equivalent. The composition, translation, and content of the Bible as a whole, with attention given to various types of literature found therein and to the literary qualities of those portions that have contributed to our literary heritage.
415 The Literary Use of Legend (3)
Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. Literary treatment of such legendary figures as Don Juan, Faust and Ulysses in a wide range of literatures and genres. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
420 Studies in Comparative Literature (3)
Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. Selected literary topics, movements or genres not commonly identified as established. Examples are phenomenology, literature of the grotesque, poetry east and west, surrealism, futurism, etc. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
421 Celtic Literature (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: ENG 114 or equivalent. A study of the literature of the Celtic peoples from early mythology to modern literature with special attention paid to the continuity of ideas, philosophies, beliefs, and attitudes over a 3,000 year time span.
425 Individual Authors (3)
Author or authors to be specified in Class Schedule. Intensive study of the works of an individual author (or authors) whose contribution to comparative literature has been of central importance.
430 Heroic Tales of the Mediterranean (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: ENG 114 or equivalent. Heroic narratives, in poetry and prose, provide the means for examining aspects of the ancient, medieval, and modern cultures of the eastern Mediterranean and Near East.
445 National Literatures (3)
Topic to be specified in the Class Schedule. Literature of the Lowlands, Modern Greek, Polish, Yiddish, Scandinavian, etc. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
450 Greek and Roman Drama (3)
Development of the dramatic literature of ancient Greece and Rome.
465 Modern Greek Poetry (3)
Study of representative modern Greek poets against the background of earlier Hellenic mythology, literature, and culture. Emphasis on the poetry of Solomos, Palamas, Cavafy, Sikelianos, Ritsos, and Nobel laureates Seferis and Elytis.
495 Short Fiction (3)
Topic to be specified in the Class Schedule. The short story, novella, and short novel from 1800 to the present. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
699 Special Study (1-3)
Prerequisites: consent of the department chair and instructor. Projects requiring critical study and analysis of advanced material adapted to individual needs and interests.
Graduate Courses
800 Introduction to Graduate Study in Comparative Literature (3)
Prerequisite: classified graduate standing in comparative literature or consent of instructor. Methodology and problems of comparative literature and theory of literature as it relates to comparative studies.
815 Seminar in Selected Research Problems (3)
Prerequisite: classified graduate standing in comparative literature or consent of instructor. Seminar on a major subject of research in comparative literature.
820 Topics in Comparative Literature (3)
Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. Seminar in a prescribed area, such as a minor genre, a literary group, a current literary technique, or a literary subject matter. May be repeated for a total of nine units when topics vary.
896 Directed Reading (3)
Prerequisite: classified graduate standing in comparative literature or consent of instructor. Intensive reading towards an original paper comparing themes or techniques in at least two literatures and reflecting special interests of the student.
898 Master's Thesis (3)
Prerequisite: advancement to candidacy for the Master of Arts and recommendation of major adviser. Research formulated and presented by the student under faculty supervision as a culmination of study for the Master of Arts in World and Comparative Literature; organization of materials into an appropriate written presentation. Graduate Approved Program and Proposal for Culminating Experience Requirement forms must be approved by the Graduate Division before registration.
899 Special Study (1-3)
Prerequisites: consent of graduate major adviser and supervising faculty member. Study is planned, developed, and completed under the direction of a member of the department. Open only to graduate students of demonstrated ability to do independent work. Enrollment by petition (form available in the department office).