The Yale Comparative Literature department is renowned for its rigorous and interdisciplinary approach to the study of literature. Founded in 1946, the department has a long history of fostering a community of scholars who engage with a wide range of literary traditions, languages, and critical theories. The department's faculty includes some of the most distinguished scholars in the field, with expertise in areas such as literary theory, cultural studies, and translation studies.
History and Development of the Department
The Yale Comparative Literature department was established in the aftermath of World War II, as part of a broader effort to promote international understanding and cultural exchange. The department’s early years were marked by a focus on European literature, with an emphasis on the study of French, German, and Italian literary traditions. Over time, however, the department has expanded its scope to include a wide range of literary traditions from around the world, including African, Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern literatures. Today, the department is recognized as one of the leading centers for comparative literature in the world, with a diverse and international student body and faculty.
Faculty and Research Interests
The Yale Comparative Literature department is home to a diverse and accomplished faculty, with research interests that span a wide range of topics and traditions. Some of the department’s faculty members are leading experts in areas such as postcolonial theory, feminist criticism, and cultural studies. Others have made significant contributions to the study of literary theory, philosophy, and history. The department’s faculty also includes a number of distinguished translators and writers, who bring a deep understanding of the craft of writing and the art of translation to their teaching and research.
| Faculty Member | Research Interests |
|---|---|
| Professor Emily Apter | Literary theory, French literature, translation studies |
| Professor Haun Saussy | Chinese literature, literary theory, cultural studies |
| Professor Roberto González Echevarría | Latin American literature, literary theory, cultural studies |
Curriculum and Degree Programs
The Yale Comparative Literature department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, designed to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive education in comparative literature. The undergraduate major in Comparative Literature requires students to complete a series of core courses in literary theory, cultural studies, and language, as well as a number of elective courses that allow them to pursue their individual interests and passions. The graduate program in Comparative Literature offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced research and study in a wide range of areas, from literary theory and cultural studies to translation studies and creative writing.
Undergraduate and Graduate Courses
The Yale Comparative Literature department offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, covering topics such as literary theory, cultural studies, and translation studies. Some examples of courses that have been offered in recent years include “Introduction to Comparative Literature,” “Literary Theory and Criticism,” and “Translation and Cultural Studies.” The department also offers a number of seminars and workshops, which provide students with the opportunity to engage in intensive and collaborative study of specific topics and texts.
- Undergraduate courses: "Introduction to Comparative Literature," "Literary Theory and Criticism," "Cultural Studies and Literature"
- Graduate courses: "Advanced Literary Theory," "Translation and Cultural Studies," "Seminar in Comparative Literature"
What are the admission requirements for the Yale Comparative Literature graduate program?
+To be considered for admission to the Yale Comparative Literature graduate program, applicants must submit a completed application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. Applicants must also take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and demonstrate proficiency in at least one language other than English.
What kind of career opportunities are available to graduates of the Yale Comparative Literature department?
+Graduates of the Yale Comparative Literature department have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers, including academia, publishing, translation, and writing. Many have also gone on to work in fields such as law, medicine, and business, where their skills in critical thinking, writing, and cultural analysis are highly valued.
Research and Publications
The Yale Comparative Literature department is home to a number of research centers and initiatives, which support the work of faculty and students in a wide range of areas. The department is also affiliated with a number of academic journals and publications, including the Yale Journal of Criticism and the Comparative Literature series. Faculty members and students in the department have published numerous books and articles in leading academic journals, and have received a number of awards and honors for their research and teaching.
Research Centers and Initiatives
The Yale Comparative Literature department is home to a number of research centers and initiatives, including the Yale Center for Comparative Literature and the Initiative for the Study of Culture and Literature. These centers and initiatives provide support for faculty and student research, as well as a range of events and activities that bring together scholars and writers from around the world.
