Comparative literature
Comparative literature (sometimes abbre-
viated "Comp. lit.") is critical scholarship
dealing with the literature of two or more dif-
ferent linguistic, cultural or national groups.
While most frequently practiced with works
of different languages, it may also be per-
formed on works of the same language if the
works originate from different nations or cul-
tures among which that language is spoken.
Also included in the range of inquiry are com-
parisons of different types of art; for ex-
ample, a comparatist might investigate the
relationship of film to literature.
Overview
Students and instructors in the field, usually
called "comparatists," have traditionally been
proficient in several languages and acquain-
ted with the literary traditions and major lit-
erary texts of those languages. Some of the
newer sub-fields, however, stress theoretical
acumen and the ability to consider different
types of art concurrently, over high linguistic
competence.
The interdisciplinary nature of the field
means that comparatists typically exhibit
some acquaintance with translation studies,
sociology, critical theory, cultural studies, re-
ligious studies, and history. As a result, com-
parative literature programs within universit-
ies may be designed by scholars drawn from
several such departments. This eclecticism
has led critics (from within and without) to
charge
that Comparative Literature
is
insufficiently well-defined, or that comparat-
ists too easily fall into dilettantism, because
the scope of their work is, of necessity,
broad. Some question whether this breadth
affects the ability of Ph.D.s to find employ-
ment in the highly specialized environment of
academia and the career market at large, al-
though such concerns do not seem to be
borne out by placement data that shows com-
parative literature graduates to be hired at
similar or higher rates than their compeers in
English.[1]
The terms "Comparative Literature" and
"World Literature" are often used to desig-
nate
a
similar
course
of
study
an