Comparative Literature

This creative writing course examines the concept of literary creativity through a critical analysis of narrative texts and essays. Through the study of the general structure and fundamental components of essays and narratives -- plot, narrator, character, setting, dialogue -- classes emphasize the process of writing and improving narrative works.

This course examines major intellectual, aesthetic, and philosophical trends in East Asian history. By reading translations of original source material, students will be able to see the principal modes of East Asian cultural and literary thought from their origins to the modern period. Cross-cultural issues will also be discussed. 

This course discusses memory and human rights from the perspective of Chilean literary and cultural production of the dictatorial and post-dictatorial period. It reviews some of the most important works published and performed within the last four decades. Selections include three main literary genres each week: the novel, poetry, and theater/film. The discussion of these materials also includes theoretical studies about the period in question and the importance and difficulties of human rights and memory as social practices.

This literature and society elective course examines the relationship between literature and society, including questions of class, race, ethnicity, religion, history and politics. Also included is an analysis of the novel and the theory of art. Particular attention is given to Latin America, especially Mexico, within a general historic sequence. Topics may vary by semester and course instructor.

This course offers a study of the most representative and influential works in the field of literary thought and creation. Topics include: functions and definitions of art and issues with aesthetic periodization; notions of aesthetics and medieval symbolism; continuities and inflections of the classicist cycle-- from the Renaissance to Enlightenment; aesthetic movements of the 19th century-- from Romanticism to Decadence; aesthetic ruptures of the 20th century-- the Avant-Garde.

This tutorial course focuses on Francophone literature. It discusses two novels centered around the idea of laughter and irony, as well as excerpts from critical texts and other short literary works.