Comparative Literature

The aim of this course is twofold: to introduce students to some of the theoretical issues related to the study of Comparative Literature; and to offer, through the study of a range of literary works, a consideration of various cultural, religious and intellectual traditions in an attempt to establish how they compare and contrast. Primary course matter will include cross-cultural influences, "nationalist" literary styles, comparative representations of consciousness, ancient to modern literary traditions, and an exploration of the possibility of shared, intertextual literary and cultural heritages. Primary literary texts will be selected from a wide geographical and cultural base, across genres and historical periods and religious traditions.