Comparative literature is an exciting interdisciplinary course that studies literature as shaped by different languages, cultures and nations. It is most attractive to students with a wide-ranging interest in literature, literary theory and cultural studies as well as those who like reading a piece in its original language as well as in translation. You will study literature and other cultural forms across historical, scientific and political boundaries as all these influence any work. Professionals in this field, called “comparatists”, may also explore other art forms along the way to study how other means of expression compare with the written word. Art, like literature, may vary from culture to culture and artist to artist but still holds a universal appeal.

Comparatists see literature as a window to diverse peoples and different eras and analyse how different or similar they are to one another.

Comparative literature works with a variety of methods and approaches using the globe as its book. Recognising the creation, production, audience and appreciation of culture and literature as influenced by social, psychological, historical, political and economic means is “comparative” and so, comparatists must always study literature in its appropriate context.

What do I have to do?

You may study classics, Asian studies, English, Germanic languages and literature, philosophy, the romantics and Slavic languages and literature. Comparative study is all about understanding literature and all its nuances in the broadest terms and exploring examples of literary comparison.

Comparatists deal with literary theory in critical, cultural and historical contexts, media and communication, primary texts, translated works, migration, feminist theory and criticism, gay or lesbian writing, popular culture, film, and “undiscovered” literature.

What should I study?

You should have a graduate degree in subjects mentioned under the eligibility criteria of each university offering this course. For example, English literature, philosophy, Sanskrit, Urdu and so on. You should have a good grasp of the history of literature and literary texts, whatever their period or national origins and be well-versed in a foreign language. If you intend to continue as a postgraduate, the study of a second foreign language is highly recommended.

Students of comparative literature study a generous range of literary works within national boundaries of their choice. They are encouraged to read a wide variety of literatures and develop a focussed critical understanding of important and cultural issues. The programme is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of individual emphasis on literature, culture, periods, genres, history, criticism and theory.

The MPhil, a two-semester programme, includes courses in comparative literature: principles and methods, a literary history of India in its social and political context, the impact of the classical past on Indian literature, the impact of the West on modern Indian literature, and western and Indian critical traditions or translation: theory and practice. The programme includes a written examination at the end of the first semester and the submission of a dissertation by the end of the second semester. The dissertation is to be written under supervision, on a topic approved by the centre.

What next?

If the world is becoming a global village, comparative literature has an important role to play. It explores our past and present, not within the confines of one nation or one language but on a global scale, without resorting to generalisations and stereotypes.

Comparatists learn to express their ideas clearly, do independent research and think analytically as well as imaginatively. These skills are likely to help them qualify for careers in education, law, technical writing, media communication, journalism, public relations, civil service, business, gender studies, research and professional translation among others.

where to study

• Agra University, Agra.
• University of Bombay, Mumbai.
• University of Delhi, Delhi.
• Jadavpur University, Calcutta.
• The School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, JNU, New Delhi.
• The Centre for Comparative Literature, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad.
• Department of Comparative Literature, Princeton University, US.
• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, US.
• Columbia University, New York, US.
• Department of Comparative Literature, Harvard University, US.