Comparative Literature
College of Letters and Science
Department Office: 4125 Dwinelle Hall, (510) 642-2712
Chair: Miryam Sas, PhD
Department Website: Comparative Literature
Overview
The Department of Comparative Literature is a vibrant place for the research and study of literatures and cultures in an interdisciplinary framework, from a transnational and cross-cultural perspective.
We have particular strengths in Latin American literatures, French and German, Hebrew and Yiddish studies, classics, critical theory, East Asian literatures and arts, performance studies, postcolonial theory, film and media, poetry and poetics, English and American litertures, Early Modern and Renaissance studies and Slavic literatures and cultures. Though undergraduates often read in translation, we focus on close readings as well as critical study of works in context.
Major Requirements
Comparative Literature majors are trained in the cross-cultural and critical reading of literatures and cultures. With a grounding in the theory and history of literature and in the close analysis of texts and cultural discourses, Comparative Literature students come to engage in original research projects that cross disciplinary and national boundaries.
The junior course (CL 100) introduces students to a variety of literary texts and critical and theoretical approaches. The senior course (CL 190) takes up a specific literary context and leads to an independent project involving several literary traditions. For honors students, the senior thesis writing seminar (CL 170) provides support for a more extended independent research project in a topic developed by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor. Comparative Literature students must gain at least third-year level proficiency in a language other than English in order to begin to read works in the original language by the end of their studies.
Upper Division Requirements
A minimum of 30 approved upper division units in literature, including:
- A section of CL 100, a section of CL 190, and one Comparative Literature period course (the 151-155 series).
- At least four courses in the "major" literature, totaling not fewer than 12 units, with readings in the original language (this could include English).
- At least two courses in the "minor" literature totaling not fewer than 6 units, with readings in the original language and selected to fit the student's period of primary interest (e.g. classical, medieval, early modern, modern); and
- At least one upper division course in a classical literature, where works are read in translation or in the original from Greek, Latin, Classical Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, Sanskrit, or Classical Chinese or Japanese.
Honors Requirements
Students who have attained junior standing may be admitted to the honors program if they:
- Have accumulated at least an overall 3.3 grade point average (GPA) and at least a 3.55 GPA in the major, and at the time of graduation have accumulated at least a 3.65 GPA in the major and a 3.4 average in all work completed at the University.
- Have completed at least eight upper division units in literature, including Comparative Literature 100 or the equivalent.
- Are prepared to do upper division work in one vernacular foreign literature or one classical literature.
In addition to the requirements for the regular program outlined above, candidates for the BA with honors in Comparative Literature must demonstrate, through either examination or coursework, a sense of the historical development of their principal literature, and earn a grade of B or higher for an honors thesis in Comparative Literature H195. Students interested in the honors program are urged to consult an adviser in the Department of Comparative Literature at their earliest opportunity.
Program for Study Abroad
While progressing toward the undergraduate degree in comparative literature, you may have the opportunity to earn credit while studying abroad. Comparative literature majors and minors are encouraged to participate in the Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad (EAP).
For information about these programs, contact an adviser in the Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad Office, 160 Stephens Hall #2302, Berkeley, CA 94720-2302, or phone (510) 642-1356. Information is also available online at the Study Abroad website.
The Graduate Program
Students are admitted for post-baccalaureate work leading to the PhD degree. This degree prepares students for teaching and research in classical and modern languages and literatures and is especially designed to encourage interdisciplinary research involving the study of literary and theoretical documents in several languages. The program is designed to provide students with the maximum of flexibility compatible with a rigorous course of study. The program emphasizes comprehensive historical coverage of one literature, with students designing an individual program of study that involves two additional literatures. Further information concerning the program should be sought from the office of graduate studies in the Department of Comparative Literature.
Undergraduate Preparation
Students interested in the graduate program in comparative literature at Berkeley are advised that strong undergraduate preparation in at least two foreign languages will speed up their work at the graduate level.
Requirements for the PhD Degree
A minimum of 10 graduate courses is required for the PhD degree, counted cumulatively from the beginning of graduate study at Berkeley. (Students entering with MA's from other institutions will be able to count up to two MA courses toward the 10-course requirement.) Students must demonstrate competence in three languages other than English. Courses include Approaches to Comparative Literature, as well as graduate-level courses in the major and each of two minor literatures. These are intended to help prepare students for the PhD written and oral qualifying examinations, which examine the three literatures in a comparative context and are based on reading lists and a statement of interests drawn up by the student in consultation with an adviser. Students are expected to complete these examinations no later than the fourth year of study and to devote the following three years to the development of a prospectus and the completion of a doctoral dissertation. Dissertation committees are ordinarily composed of members of the Department of Comparative Literature and other related departments.
COM LIT H1A English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of discussion per week, and individual conferences.
Prerequisites: (a) UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam, (b) a 3.5 grade point average in high school English, (c) a reading knowledge of an ancient or modern foreign language, and (d) permission of the instructor.
Expository writing based on analysis of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature. Limited to 10 qualified freshmen and/or sophomores who meet for round-table discussions and attend weekly tutorial sessions. Individual assignments provide each student with the opportunity to exploit his or her linguistic and literary training. H1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and H1B satisfies the second half.
Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement
COM LIT H1B English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of discussion per week, and individual conferences.
Prerequisites: (a) UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam, (b) a 3.5 grade point average in high school English, (c) a reading knowledge of an ancient or modern foreign language, and (d) permission of the instructor.
Expository writing based on analysis of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature. Limited to 10 qualified freshmen and/or sophomores who meet for round-table discussions and attend weekly tutorial sessions. Individual assignments provide each student with the opportunity to exploit his or her linguistic and literary training. H1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and H1B satisfies the second half.
Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement
COM LIT N1A English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature 3 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 4 hours of lecture and individual conferences per week for 8 weeks. 6 hours of lecture/discussion per week for 6 weeks.
Prerequisites: A passing grade in Subject A examination or course. 1A is prerequisite to 1B.
Expository writing based on analysis of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature. Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement.
Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement
COM LIT N1B English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature 3 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 4 hours of lecture and individual conferences per week for 8 weeks. 6 hours of lecture/discussion per week for 6 weeks.
Prerequisites: A passing grade in Subject A examination or course. 1A is prerequisiteA passing grade in Subject A examination or course. 1A is prerequisite to 1B. to 1B.
Expository writing based on analysis of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature. Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement.
Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement
COM LIT R1A English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture per week plus individual conferences. 10 hours of lecture per week plus individual conferences for 6 weeks; 7.5 hours of lecture per week plus individual conferences for 8 weeks.
Prerequisites: UC Entry Level Writing Requirement or UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam. 1A or equivalent is prerequisite to 1B.
Expository writing based on analysis of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature. R1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R1B satisfies the second half.
Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement
Formerly known as 1A.
COM LIT R1B English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture per week plus individual conferences. 10 hours of lecture per week plus individual conferences for 6 weeks; 7.5 hours of lecture per week plus individual conferences for 8 weeks.
Prerequisites: UC Entry Level Writing Requirement or UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam. 1A or equivalent is prerequisite to 1B.
Expository writing based on analysis of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature. R1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R1B satisfies the second half.
Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement
Formerly known as 1B.
COM LIT R2A English Composition in Connection with Reading of World and French Literature 5 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 5 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Three years of high school French or two years with a B plus average.
Expository writing done in connection with the reading of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature and the study of selected French texts read in the original. Course will prepare students for more advanced work in French. R2A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R2B satisfies the second half.
Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement
Formerly known as 2A.
COM LIT R2B English Composition in Connection with Reading of World and French Literature 5 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 5 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Three years of high school French or two years with a B plus average.
Expository writing done in connection with the reading of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature and the study of selected French texts read in the original. Course will prepare students for more advanced work in French. R2A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R2B satisfies the second half.
Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement
Formerly known as 2B.
COM LIT R3A English Composition in Connection with Reading of World and Hispanic Literature 5 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 5 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Three years of high school Spanish or two years with a B+ average.
Expository writing done in connection with the reading of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature and the study of selected Spanish texts read in the original. Course will help prepare students for more advanced work in Spanish. Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition Requirement.
Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement
COM LIT R3B English Composition in Connection with Reading of World and Hispanic Literature 5 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 5 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Three years of high school Spanish or two years with a B plus average.
Expository writing done in connection with the reading of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature and the study of selected Spanish texts read in the original. Course will help prepare students for more advanced work in Spanish. Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition Requirement.
Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement
COM LIT 20 Episodes in Literary Cultures 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Fall
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture and 1 hour of Discussion per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Completion of a 1A course or its equivalent is recommended but not required.
An introductory level exploration of a specific author, work, theme or literary movement in an international context. Emphasis on the ways in which literature has played (and continues to play) a crucial role in the relationship between different cultures, traditions, and languages. Readings and topics to vary from semester to semester.
Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 24 Freshman Seminar 1 Unit
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.
Hours and format: 1 hour of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.
The Freshman Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to fifteen freshmen.
Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 39H Freshman/Sophomore Seminar 2 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.
Hours and format: 1 hour of seminar per week per unit.
Freshman and sophomore seminars offer lower division students the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member and a group of peers in a small-seminar setting. These seminars are offered in all campus departments; topics vary from department to department and from semester to semester. Enrollment limits are set by the faculty, but the suggested limit is 25.
Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT N40 Women and Literature 3 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 7 and 1 half hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.
A study of women as portrayed in literature, and of women writers. Selected readings on a topic which varies from summer to summer, detailed consideration of both literary techniques and the problems of women.
Course may be repeated once for credit if topic varies. Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 41A Introduction to Literary Forms: Forms of the Epic 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Comparative study of masterpieces of world literature.
COM LIT 41C Introduction to Literary Forms: Forms of the Novel 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. 8 hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Comparative study of masterpieces of world literature.
COM LIT 41D Introduction to Literary Forms: Forms of the Drama 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Comparative study of masterpieces of world literature.
COM LIT 41E Introduction to Literary Forms: Forms of the Cinema 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. 7.5 hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Comparative study of masterpieces of world literature.
COM LIT N41A Introduction to Literary Forms: The Epic 3 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 6 hours of Lecture per week for 8 weeks. 7.5 hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Comparative study of masterpieces of world literature.
COM LIT N41B Introduction to Literary Forms: The Lyric 3 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 6 hours of Lecture per week for 8 weeks. 7.5 hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Comparative study of masterpieces of world literature.
COM LIT N41C Introduction to Literary Forms: The Novel 3 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 6 hours of Lecture per week for 8 weeks. 7.5 hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Comparative study of masterpieces of world literature.
COM LIT N41D Introduction to Literary Forms: The Drama 3 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 6 hours of Lecture per week for 8 weeks. 7.5 hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Comparative study of masterpieces of world literature.
COM LIT 60AC Topics in the Literature of American Cultures 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Study of the ethnic diversity of American literature. Topics will vary from semester to semester, but may include such themes as Cultures of the City, Gender, Race, Ethnicity in U.S. Literature, Race and Identity. Students should consult the department's course bulletin well before the beginning of the semester for details.
Satisfies the American Cultures requirement
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT N60AC Topics in the Literature of American Cultures 3 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 7.5 hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Study of the ethnic diversity of American literature. Topics will vary from summer to summer but may include such themes as gender, race, ethnicity, marriage, sexuality, identity, and the supernatural. Students should check the department's bulletin boards for summer course listings and further details.
Satisfies the American Cultures requirement
Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 98 Directed Group Study for Freshmen and Sophomores 1 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Offered for pass/not pass grade only.
Hours and format: 1 to 4 hour of Independent study per week for 15 weeks. 1 to 4 hour of Independent study per week for 8 weeks. 1 to 4 hour of Independent study per week for 6 weeks.
Prerequisites: Lower division standing.
Group study in a field that may not coincide with that of any regular course and must be specific enough to enable students to write essays based upon their studies.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 100 Introduction to Comparative Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture per week. 8 hours of lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Prerequisites: One upper division literature course in a foreign language or consent of the instructor.
An introduction to problems of the comparative study of literature and culture. Emphasis on principles of comparative methods and analysis with focus on selected literary, critical, and theoretical texts from antiquity to the present. Readings in English and at least one foreign language.
Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 112A Modern Greek Language and Modern Greek Composition 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture and 1 hour of Discussion per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Two years of college-level classical Greek, including a course on Homer and a course on either Plato or a dramatist.
Modern Greek pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and syntax studied. The forms of writing (prose, poetry, drama) and the reading of literary texts as auxiliary to the acquisition of compositional skills.
COM LIT 112B Modern Greek Language and Modern Greek Composition 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture and 1 hour of Discussion per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Two years of college-level classical Greek, including a course on Homer and a course on either Plato or a dramatist.
Modern Greek pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and syntax studied. The forms of writing (prose, poetry, drama) and the reading of literary texts as auxiliary to the acquisition of compositional skills.
COM LIT 120 The Biblical Tradition in Western Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Examination of selected aspects of the Biblical tradition and their relevance to the study of later literature.
COM LIT 151 The Ancient Mediterranean World 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor. Graduate students who wish to take this course are required to go back to the original Hebrew, Greek, or Latin texts.
The literature of Greece, Rome, the Biblical lands, and other ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean basin.
COM LIT 152 The Middle Ages 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor. Graduate students wishing to enroll must know at least one foreign language relevant to the materials studied.
The literature of the Middle Ages.
COM LIT 153 The Renaissance 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing or permission of the instructor. Graduate students wishing to enroll must know at least one foreign language relevant to the materials studied.
European literature of the Renaissance.
COM LIT 154 Eighteenth- and 19th-Century Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor. Graduate students wishing to enroll must know at least one foreign language relevant to the materials studied.
Literature of the 18th and 19th centuries.
COM LIT 155 The Modern Period 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. 7.5 to 8 hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing or permission of the instructor. Graduate students wishing to enroll must know at least one foreign language relevant to the materials studied.
Literature of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 156 Fiction and Culture of the Americas 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
Comparative study of American, Native-American, Spanish-American, Caribbean, and Brazilian literature and culture. Readings chosen to illustrate diverse attitudes of Americans toward their culture, politics, and environment.
COM LIT 165 Myth and Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Study of the earliest myth texts and of the progressive growth of literature out of myth to the present day. Myth and oral composition. Emphasis on the meanings of myth as reflected in varying idioms.
COM LIT 170 Special Topics in Comparative Literature 1 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: Hours to be arranged.
An independent studies course designed to fulfill a need intrinsic to the undergraduate major's program which cannot otherwise be satisfied because it involves either a literature not covered in regularly scheduled course offerings or a special methodological framework or bias of selection.
Course may be repeated for credit with different topic and consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 171 Topics in Modern Greek Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Completion of a Modern Greek 112B or consent of instructor.
This course frames methodologically selected topics in Modern Greek Literature and places them in their historical, social or cultural context.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 190 Senior Seminar in Comparative Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion or 3 hours of seminar per week.
Prerequisites: Senior standing; 100 and one course from the 151-160 series (the latter may be taken concurrently).
Seminar-style treatment of a major topic in Comparative Literature. Substantial paper required.
Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT H195 Honors Course 1 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisites: Honors standing, 8 units in upper division literature courses, including 100 or the equivalent, and knowledge of a vernacular language or a classical language.
Preparation and writing of an honors thesis under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 198 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Offered for pass/not pass grade only.
Hours and format: 1 to 4 hour of Directed group study per week for 15 weeks. 1.5 to 7.5 hours of Directed group study per week for 8 weeks. 2.5 to 10 hours of Directed group study per week for 6 weeks.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Group study in a field that may not coincide with that of any regular course and must be specific enough to enable students to write essays based upon their studies.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Undergraduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Offered for pass/not pass grade only.
Hours and format: Hours to be arranged.
Enrollment restrictions apply.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 200 Approaches to Comparative Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to graduate standing in Comparative Literature.
Lectures on literary theory, on the study of criticism, and on the methods of comparative literary theory.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 201 Proseminar 1 Unit
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Term course may be offered: Fall
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Hours and format: 1 hour of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.
Prerequisites: Required for all first year graduate students.
This course is designed to give all new graduate students a broad view of the department's faculty, the courses they teach, and their fields of research. In addition, it will introduce students to some practical aspects of the graduate career, issues that pertain to specific fields of research, and questions currently being debated across the profession. The readings for the course will consist of copies of materials by the department's faculty.
COM LIT 202B Approaches to Genre: Lyric Poetry 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to graduate standing in Comparative Literature: advanced undergraduates may be admitted with the consent of the instructor.
Application of the methods of Comparative Literature to the study of genres.
COM LIT 202C Approaches to Genre: The Novel 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to graduate standing in Comparative Literature: advanced undergraduates may be admitted with the consent of the instructor.
Application of the methods of Comparative Literature to the study of genres.
COM LIT 210 Studies in Ancient Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in ancient Greek or Latin and familiarity with at least one modern foreign language.
Comparative investigation of a topic in ancient literature between the eighth century B.C.E. and the fourth century C.E. with some attention to subsequent developments.
COM LIT 212 Studies in Medieval Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two medieval languages.
Comparative investigation of a topic in literature and culture between the fifth and the fourteenth centuries.
COM LIT 215 Studies in Renaissance Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages.
Comparative investigation of a topic in Western literature in the Renaissance period.
COM LIT C221/RHETOR C221 Aesthetics as Critique 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature; Rhetoric
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.
A close reading and discussion of the major texts of modern aesthetics, from the 18th century to the present, with emphasis on the Continental tradition of Kant, Adorno, and Derrida.
COM LIT 223 Studies in the 19th Century 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages.
Comparative investigation of major themes in nineteenth-century literature and culture.
COM LIT 225 Studies in Symbolist and Modern Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages.
Comparative investigation of a topic in literature and culture of the modern period.
COM LIT 227 Studies in Contemporary Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages.
Comparative investigation of a topic in contemporary literature and culture.
COM LIT 232 Studies in Near Eastern-Western Literary Relations 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in a Near Eastern or a European language. Undergraduates may be admitted with consent of the instructor.
Comparative investigation of a literary topic requiring the study of both Near Eastern and Western documents.
COM LIT 240 Studies in the Relations Between Literature and the Other Arts 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages.
Comparative study of the historical and systematic relations between literature and other arts such as the visual arts, music, and film.
COM LIT 250 Studies in Literary Theory 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages.
Comparative investigation of a topic in the theory of literature.
COM LIT 254 Studies in East-West Literary Relations 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages, one of which must be an East Asian language.
Comparative investigation of a literary topic requiring the study of both East Asian and Western documents.
Formerly known as C254.
COM LIT 258 Studies in Philosophy and Literature 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages.
Comparative investigation of a topic in the relationship between philosophy and literature.
COM LIT 260 Problems in Literary Translation 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages or permission of the instructor.
Theory and practice of translation. Students will complete a project in literary translation.
COM LIT 265 Gender, Sexuality, and Culture 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Comparative investigation of a topic related to the study of gender and/or sexuality in literature and culture.
COM LIT 266 Nationalism, Colonialism, and Culture 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: 3 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Preparation in two foreign languages.
Comparative investigation of a topic in ideology, politics, and identity and its relation to the formation of national, colonial, and/or post-colonial literatures and cultures.
COM LIT 298 Special Study 1 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Primarily for students engaged in preliminary exploration of a restricted field, involving the writing of a report. May not be substituted for available seminars.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT N298 Special Study 2 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Term course may be offered: Summer
Grading: Letter grade.
Hours and format: Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Primarily for students engaged in preliminary exploration of a restricted field, involving the writing of a report. May not be substituted for available seminars.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 299 Directed Research 1 - 12 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Hours and format: Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the Qualifying Examination.
Writing of the doctoral dissertation.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 300 Supervised Teaching in Comparative Literature 1 - 4 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Hours and format: Regular meetings to be arranged with supervising instructor.
Prerequisites: Appointment as a graduate student instructor in the department. Consent of graduate advisor.
Course credit for experience gained in academic teaching through employment as a graduate student instructor.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 375 Methods of Teaching Literature and English Composition-Comparative Literature 2 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers
Term course may be offered: Fall
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Hours and format: 2 hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Prerequisites: Appointment as a graduate student instructor or consent of instructor.
Discussion of the theory and practice of teaching composition at the college level in a department of comparative literature.
Formerly known as Comparative Literature 360S.
COM LIT 601 Individual Study for Master's Students 1 - 8 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate examination preparation
Terms course may be offered: Fall and spring
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Hours and format: Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Individual study for the comprehensive or language requirements in consultation with the Graduate Adviser. Units may not be used to meet either unit or residence requirements for the master's degree.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
COM LIT 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students 1 - 8 Units
Department: Comparative Literature
Course level: Graduate examination preparation
Terms course may be offered: Fall, spring and summer
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Hours and format: Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the Master's examination.
Individual study in consultation with the Graduate Adviser intended to provide opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. May not be used for unit or residence requirements for the doctoral degree.
Course may be repeated for credit. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Print this page.
The PDF will include all information unique to this page.
All pages in Academic Catalog.