English and Comparative Literature

English and Comparative Literature

Just as, historically speaking, comparative literature arose from the emergence of nationalism (borders can’t be crossed if none exist) the field today cannot prosper without strong national literature departments. But for both students and faculty, comparative literature appeals to the pervasive desire to transcend the merely national point of view, to engage with great imaginative works of literature from different places and times. Mandating an intense immersion in at least one foreign language and literature, and with courses on literature in translation that seriously engage non-western literature as well as western texts, comparative literature provides to its students a serious, sustained understanding of cultures beyond their own, and helps them become better global citizens. Comparative literature is well situated to study, as no single national literature department can, relationships between literary cultures as they involve influence, encounter, exchange, and translation.

WashU does not offer an MA in comparative literature. Students entering the PhD program without an MA, however, may earn an MA in the course of pursuing the PhD.

Tracks: Comparative Literature and International Writers