Comparative Literary Studies
Academic Program Introduction
Comparative Literary Studies introduces students to the study of literature beyond individual national and linguistic boundaries. The program allows students to link literary studies with other areas of interest—film, philosophy, linguistics, translation, human rights, gender and sexuality, and more. Our courses emphasize how language operates within different cultural and historical contexts, providing students with skills for appreciating cultural diversity and difference. Students also gain advanced skills in writing and interpretation.
We offer a rare breadth of linguistic and cultural expertise and curricular options. Students choose from courses from departments and programs across the College to construct a major program that suits their interests, and they often pursue a second major, including in STEM fields.
Learning goals
Analyze literary texts, genres, and movements across departmental, national, and linguistic boundaries and in conversation with other texts, cultures, media, or technologies.
Apply key concepts of theoretical approaches to cultural and textual studies.
Understand the history of comparative literary studies and world literature, especially as they evolve in the current global literary moment.
Understand the dynamics presented by a literary text in translation and adaptation.
Acquire skills to appreciate cultural differences.
Programs of Study
Comparative literary studies major
Students go beyond the study of an individual literary tradition to embrace the study of literature in a broadly comparative context.
Course highlights
First-Year Seminar: Monsters
REL112Y
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Women* Write Weird Fiction
ENG119
From the mid-20th century to 2025, women writers have been major players globally in the upsurge of what is now referred to as speculative fiction--a literary supergenre or umbrella term for a spectrum of “what if” fictions: fairy tale, science fiction, horror, dystopian, magic realism, surrealism, fantasy. We will explore together short stories and novels written since 2000. Class discussions will aim at interpretation and appreciation of these peculiar and powerful literary texts as well as reflection on their particular historical and cultural context.In particular, we will be curious about how these authors play with a spectrum of gender - in their own lives and in their writing. The texts include fiction written in English and fiction translated into English; we will address the issue of reading works in translation. Speakers and students of languages other than English, are encouraged to offer their insights into the necessary friction between an original text and its English translation.. Among the authors to be read: Mansoura Ez Eldin, N.K. Jemisin, Samanta Schweblin, Eden Robinson, Vandana Singh. Fulfills the Diversity of Literatures in English requirement. (CPLT 119 and ENG 119 are cross-listed courses.)
Research highlights
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Professor Sergio Parussa investigates the relationship between Judaism and writing in contemporary Italian literature as well as its intertwining with LGBTQ+ culture in Italy. His work includes translations of literary works, such as L'orso maggiore by Ginevra Bompiani, as The Great Bear (Italica Press, November 2000), and Simonetta Perkins by L.P. Hartley (Nottetempo, 2008).
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Professor Carol Dougherty works at the intersection of literature, politics, and history in archaic and classical Greece. Her current research approaches Greek tragedy within the discourse of hospitality, exploring the political and ethical issues that narratives about welcoming the foreigner represent on the Athenian stage. Her book Travel and Home in Homer’s Odyssey and Contemporary Literature was published by Oxford University Press in 2019.
Beyond Wellesley
Beyond Wellesley
A major in comparative literary studies adds value to any résumé. Our graduates pursue careers in media, law, public service, the tech industry, the nonprofit sector, publishing, international business, and academia, among other areas.
Recent Employers
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Wellesley, MA 02481