Department of Comparative Literature

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Literature captures snapshots of different people, culture and history. In USC College’s comparative literature department, the full spectrum of the world’s literature is being analyzed and compared—from mythology, drama and biographies, to poetry, novels and films.

The programs developed in comparative literature are broadly conceived, with a unique cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approach to study. Traditional courses are offered in literary periods, movements and genres. Students are encouraged to explore literature’s social and political contexts, and to discover its relation to other arts like film, painting and music. In addition, there is a strong non-Western component to the program that exposes students to Asian traditions and cultures.

Faculty bring with them several lifetimes of personal exploration and an interest in emerging global culture, including Third World voices and the avant-garde. Their specialties range from anthropology to postcolonialism, from the Chinese language to Shakespeare, and from biblical texts to Russian poetry. Most are also experts in multiple languages and cultures.

Students study comparative literature through individualized programs, where topics vary from modernist literature to hip-hop culture. The comparative literature major allows students to learn a language in depth, as well as study the literature, art, film and music produced in associated cultures.

As a result, comparative literature makes an ideal double major with nonliterary fields such as cinema, history and philosophy—and even with fields outside the humanities like journalism, international relations, business, and pre-medical or pre-law programs. A minor in comparative literature can likewise be an ideal complement to a major in these fields.

Undergraduate degrees and programs

Graduate degrees and programs