Comparative Literature

The Comparative Literature Program at Dartmouth College offers an interdisciplinary and innovative approach to the study of world literatures, cultures, and arts. This program encourages students to explore literary works across various languages, historical periods, and cultural contexts, fostering a deep understanding of global interconnectedness and cultural diversity. By engaging with texts from Western, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American traditions, students develop critical analytical skills and cultural awareness essential for navigating an increasingly interconnected world. The curriculum includes a diverse selection of courses in multiple languages, literary theories, and cultural studies, enabling students to analyze literary artifacts from different perspectives and in various media formats. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and humanities-focused seminars that challenge traditional disciplinary boundaries and promote creative inquiry. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of original language proficiency, encouraging students to attain fluency in at least one language other than English, often through immersive study or exchange programs. Faculty members are renowned scholars in fields such as literary theory, postcolonial studies, comparative literature, and area studies, providing a rich learning environment that stimulates intellectual curiosity and broadens academic horizons. Graduates of the Comparative Literature Program are well-equipped for careers in academia, publishing, international relations, cultural diplomacy, and media. They gain valuable skills in critical thinking, close reading, and cross-cultural communication, preparing them to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to a diverse and rapidly changing global society. The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages students to forge connections between literature and other disciplines such as philosophy, history, arts, and media studies. Overall, the Comparative Literature Program at Dartmouth College offers students a comprehensive, challenging, and enriching educational experience dedicated to understanding the complex tapestry of human expression across time and space.

Program Description for Comparative Literature at Dartmouth College

The Comparative Literature program at Dartmouth College offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with literature across different cultures, languages, and historical periods. This interdisciplinary program encourages exploration of literary texts not only within their original linguistic and cultural contexts but also through comparative frameworks that highlight themes, stylistic elements, and socio-political issues that transcend national boundaries. Students enrolling in this program will develop critical skills in reading, analysis, and interpretation, equipping them to navigate the complexities of global literature and culture.

Courses within the Comparative Literature curriculum encompass a wide array of topics, including classical and modern literary traditions, translation studies, poetics, and theoretical approaches to literature. Students are encouraged to examine works in their original languages whenever possible, fostering proficiency in languages such as French, Spanish, German, and others. The program emphasizes a combination of historical perspective and contemporary critical theory, enabling students to contextualize literary texts within their historical moments while engaging with current scholarly debates.

Dartmouth’s Comparative Literature program promotes a collaborative learning environment often involving seminars, lectures, and independent research projects. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who are experts in diverse fields, ranging from literary theory and cultural studies to translation and area studies. The program prepares students for a variety of careers, including academia, publishing, translation, international relations, and cultural advocacy.

Apart from coursework, students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs and internships that enhance their understanding of world literatures and fostering cross-cultural competence. The program culminates in a senior thesis, a substantial research project that allows students to explore a specific area of comparative literature in depth. Overall, the Dartmouth College Comparative Literature program offers a rigorous and enriching academic experience designed to foster critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and scholarly excellence.

The Comparative Literature Program at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate students’ understanding of literature across diverse cultures, languages, and time periods. To complete the program, students are typically required to complete a total of approximately 32-36 course credits, including both core and elective courses. The foundational component often involves a set of introductory courses that explore comparative literary analysis, theoretical frameworks, and cross-cultural perspectives. Students must engage in a minimum of four courses focused on literature from different countries and languages, emphasizing original texts in their original languages whenever possible.

In addition to coursework, students are generally expected to participate in seminars, discussions, and workshops that deepen their analytical skills and foster critical thinking about themes such as identity, modernization, postcolonialism, gender, and translation. The program encourages students to undertake a senior thesis or project that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and synthesize their knowledge across literary traditions and theoretical approaches. Language proficiency is often emphasized, with students required or encouraged to demonstrate skills in at least one foreign language relevant to their area of study.

Elective courses may include topics such as literary theory, translation studies, film, and digital humanities, providing a multidisciplinary dimension. The program also promotes interdisciplinary engagement, encouraging students to incorporate perspectives from history, philosophy, anthropology, and other fields. Participation in faculty-led research, internships, or study-abroad programs is highly recommended to enrich the learning experience.

Assessment typically involves written papers, presentations, class participation, and the senior thesis. The program aims to develop students' abilities to compare texts critically, understand cultural contexts, and communicate complex ideas effectively. Completion of the program prepares students for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, public service, or graduate study in related fields.

The Program awards a limited number of fellowships, which include a full tuition waiver and nine-month stipend. As part of their fellowship, students work for for at least two terms as a teaching or research assistant. Appointments are facilitated by the Director of Graduate Studies, and may be available in humanities departments or in other relevant units (such as the Leslie Center for the Humanities, the Dartmouth Center for the Advancement of Learning, or Rauner Special Collections Library).

Students not awarded fellowships also work for at least two terms; they are paid per term for assistantship or internship positions (usually around $800/term).

The Comparative Literature Program at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum that emphasizes the study of literature across diverse languages, cultures, and historical periods. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students engage with texts from around the world, analyzing themes, narrative structures, and linguistic features to develop a nuanced understanding of global literary traditions. The program encourages students to explore how literature interacts with other arts and disciplines, fostering critical thinking and intercultural awareness. Courses often combine close reading with theoretical frameworks drawn from cultural studies, philosophy, history, and linguistics, enabling students to examine literary works in their societal and political contexts. Emphasis is placed on building strong language skills, with many courses offered in multiple languages or requiring translation and comparative analysis. The program also promotes original research, with opportunities for independent projects and honors work that contribute to the scholarly field of comparative literature. Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise spanning multiple regions and periods, providing students with mentorship and guidance tailored to their interests. Dartmouth’s cultural environment, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, adds an experiential dimension to the program, encouraging engagement through seminars, reading groups, and international study opportunities. Graduates of the Comparative Literature Program are well-equipped for careers in academia, publishing, writing, translation, and other fields that value intercultural communication and critical analyses of texts. The program’s structure allows for flexibility, enabling students to combine comparative literature with other disciplines such as Asian Studies, Gender Studies, or Film and Media Studies, thereby broadening their academic and professional horizons.