Core Theories and Current Debates

Course goals

Knowledge of the most important theoretical approaches and concepts in the field of comparative literature as well as current research and debates; ability to apply theoretical insights critically to particular cases, and to situate ongoing debates within their historical context.

Content

This course introduces students to the core theories and approaches of Comparative Literature and examines the most important current debates within the field. As such, it provides a foundation for the more specialized courses that follow. An emphasis is placed on the question of comparison as a method and as an object of study: in short, what is the “comparative” in Comparative Literature? How, what, and why does one compare and how does one study the theory and practice of comparison? What are the theoretical, methodological, practical, ethical and political implications of comparison? The course will situate current and ongoing debates within the field in their historical context.
 

Additional information

This seminar is a compulsory part of the Research MA Comparative Literary Studies. It is taught in English, and it is open to exchange students at MA level in Comparative Literature and related humanities fields. 

Career orientation:
This course serves as preparation for a PhD program in the humanities as well as non-academic careers paths by training students in the following transferable skills: academic and critical thinking and writing, discourse analysis, communication skills, presentation skills, peer review, advanced language skills.