Teaching
CPLS G4900
Introduction to Comparative Literature and Society
Spring 2012: Thursday 2:10pm-4:00pmGo to Courseworks »
INTRODUCTION
This course introduces graduate students to the changing conceptions in the comparative study of literatures and societies by examining a broad spectrum of methods, fields, and lines of inquiry in literary, historical, and social studies. The course has two sets of interrelated objectives: First to broaden the theoretical foundation of cross-cultural studies to include non-European societies and histories, and second to negotiate a cross-disciplinary conversation between literary studies and social sciences. Students are expected to have a preliminary familiarity with the discipline in which they wish to do their doctoral work. The reading list is intended to facilitate class discussions—narrowing in from multiple perspectives on the nature of a changing discipline or a given field of inquiry.
The readings are structured under three broad rubrics. We begin with some fundamentals in literary and social studies and then move on to a set of readings that address the dominant issues and methodologies in comparative or cross-cultural studies in the humanities and social sciences. We conclude by focusing on the limits and possibilities of interdisciplinary work. After the first few weeks, we will invite guest speakers from other fields and disciplines to participate in our meetings and answer questions. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and explore fields and disciplines other than their primary focus of study in the home department.
REQUIREMENTSAttendance is mandatory. Students are required to complete all assignments and participate in class discussion. Each student is asked to pick a week and post at least three questions on that week’s reading to the Courseworks site by 9am on Wednesday, and everyone else should respond to those questions by 9am on Thursday.
