The comparative or cross-cultural study of literatures is, in some ways, an idealistic academic discipline: it assumes that people from different cultures, times, places and languages can communicate with each other, understand (if not fully share) each other’s traditions, and benefit from such contacts.

Year 1

Initially you will read a wide variety of texts under the theme of heroes. You will analyse works representing different types of hero: classical, tragic, popular, traditional, comic, anti-heroes and others and also explore the notion of heroism, its absence in our lives and our longing for it as this finds expression in various historical contexts and cultures. The notion of female heroism in contrast to male heroism is also explored.

You will also study two other subjects in year 1 according to your interests: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

In the second year the theme of frontiers will focus on the depiction of various forms of discovery and borders: geographic, scientific, psychological, gender-orientated and cultural.

You will study a variety of ‘crossings’ and look at the exploration of otherness, secrets, mysteries and taboos. You will also focus on various literary and cinematic depictions of the search for identity and the meaning of self through a series of challenging texts and films from a variety of cultures.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2 according to your interests: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you successfully complete the Comparative Literature courses in first and second years, you may progress to Honours in third and fourth years. Comparative Literature may only be taken as a Joint Honours Degree, meaning that you will also study another subject from a wide range.

In your Honours years you will take these core courses (one in each year):

• Intercultural readings
• Theories of reading.

These courses will introduce you to major concepts in literary and cultural theory and intercultural approaches to literature. They offer you the opportunity of studying culturally different texts within multiple frameworks, so you can reflect critically upon different approaches. You will also gain an awareness of issues of language and translation as they relate to the reading of texts from different cultures.

This programme gives you the opportunity to include the study of a foreign language (even as a beginner) as part of your curriculum.

The programme combines staff expertise in the five language areas that make up the School of Modern Languages & Cultures along with contributions from other academic disciplines.

Our Comparative Literature students have studied abroad at universities in Canada and the USA for a semester or longer. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to encounter another culture and to experience different approaches to the subject as well.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue rewarding careers in business and commerce, marketing, media, teaching (both at home and abroad), translating and interpreting, and the civil service.