Program Overview

Comparative Literature Program

The Comparative Literature Program is a comprehensive academic program that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The program focuses on the study of literature from various cultures and languages, exploring the similarities and differences between them.

About the Program

The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of literary works from around the world, as well as the cultural and historical contexts in which they were written. The curriculum includes courses on literary theory, criticism, and history, as well as workshops and seminars on creative writing and literary translation.

Academics

The program offers the following academic options:

• Undergraduate: The undergraduate program in Comparative Literature provides students with a broad-based education in literature and culture. Students can choose from a variety of courses, including introductory surveys, advanced seminars, and specialized workshops.
  • Major: The major in Comparative Literature requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits in comparative literature courses, including a senior thesis or capstone project.
  • Minor: The minor in Comparative Literature requires students to complete a minimum of 15 credits in comparative literature courses.
• Graduate: The graduate program in Comparative Literature offers advanced degrees in literary studies, including the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. Graduate students work closely with faculty members to develop their research interests and complete original research projects.

Course Detail

195:338: Caribbean Pluralities and Indo-Caribbean Literature

This course is an introduction to the Anglophone Caribbean, primarily through literature and partly through the musical form of calypso. The course explores the national and international split in identities, the troubled histories of indenture and slavery, and the ethnic and racial differences that separate the region.

Course Requirements

To pass this course, students must complete all required papers, examinations, presentations, and in-class assignments. The assignments will be averaged as follows:

• Paper #1: 20%
• Prospectus & Annotated Bibliography: 5%
• Paper #2: 30%
• Reading Responses: 25%
• Attendance and Participation: 20%

Required Texts

The course requires the following texts:

• Course packet (uploaded on Sakai): contains essays, short stories, videos of calypsos, and artwork from Trinidad
• Naipaul, A House for Mr. Biswas
• Mootoo, Shani, Cereus Blooms at Night
• Selvon, An Island is a World

People

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members and staff, including:

• Karen Elizabeth Bishop, Director of Undergraduate Studies
• Fatimah Fischer, Program Coordinator

Events

The program hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including:

• Event Calendar
• Faculty Lecture Series
• Distinguished Speaker Series
• Graduate Student Colloquia
• Biennial Graduate Conference
• Undergraduate Workshops
• Senior Symposium
• Photo Gallery

News

The program publishes news and updates on its website, including:

• Faculty News
• Graduate News
• Undergraduate News

Magazines

The program publishes two magazines:

• Proteus
• Comparative Literature Blog

Alumni & Friends

The program maintains a strong connection with its alumni and friends, offering opportunities for networking and engagement.