A work of literature always makes connections. It not only reaches individual readers; it can invoke other literary works and traditions, it can challenge or embrace scientific or historical knowledge, it can be translated into another language or transformed by film. Comparative literature explores this rich tapestry of relationships. At Hamilton, comparative literature is the study of literary and cultural texts from around the globe.
This is the study of literature in the broadest sense. Courses in the comparative literature program focus on canonical texts, popular literature, film and even opera from diverse national traditions. They range from in-depth study of Dante’s Inferno to an overview of Japanese film, and from an examination of the way tragedy has been redefined in different cultural contexts to an exploration of how the detective story is used by avant-garde novelists.
The concentration in comparative literature is extremely flexible and is built around each student’s individual interests. But it is held together by a core of required courses in literary history and literary theory as well as an intensive senior seminar. Much of each student’s work is done in other literature departments and involves reading in foreign languages. The minor includes five courses, one of which is a required survey of either literary history or literary theory; foreign language work is recommended, but not required, for the minor.
Hamilton is one of the few small liberal arts colleges where comparative literature is an independent department rather than a part of a larger program. This means students and faculty members work closely together and know one another well. We’re deeply committed to writing- and discussion-based teaching, so classes are small and interactive. Most introductory courses are limited to 20 students, and advanced courses are even smaller.
Comparative literature is rooted in a multicultural perspective. This is particularly valuable in the modern world, where a global view must be balanced with respect and appreciation for diverse national traditions and genres. In addition, the department contributes heavily to the innovative, interdisciplinary approach to the liberal arts at Hamilton. Courses allow students to work at the intersection of literature and such diverse fields as philosophy, psychology, theatre, music and even physics and mathematics.
As authors and editors, faculty members in our department have produced ten books and are currently at work on several more. We have written numerous scholarly articles, too, publishing on the relationship between literature and music, law, the visual arts and psychology, among others topics. Most important, our ongoing commitment to research and scholarship extends to our students, who regularly work as research assistants to faculty members.
The study of comparative literature is carried out through intensive writing and rigorous discussion in a community of committed students and scholars. Hamilton graduates in comparative literature go on to pursue a wide variety of professions and graduate studies in such fields as law, education, publishing, journalism, medicine, government and marketing.
Hamilton is one of the few small liberal arts colleges where comparative literature is an independent department rather than a part of a larger program. This means students and faculty members work closely together and know one another well. We’re deeply committed to writing- and discussion-based teaching, so classes are small and interactive. Most introductory courses are limited to 20 students, and advanced courses are even smaller.
Comparative literature is rooted in a multicultural perspective. This is particularly valuable in the modern world, where a global view must be balanced with respect and appreciation for diverse national traditions and genres. In addition, the department contributes heavily to the innovative, interdisciplinary approach to the liberal arts at Hamilton. Courses allow students to work at the intersection of literature and such diverse fields as philosophy, psychology, theatre, music and even physics and mathematics.
As authors and editors, faculty members in our department have produced ten books and are currently at work on several more. We have written numerous scholarly articles, too, publishing on the relationship between literature and music, law, the visual arts and psychology, among others topics. Most important, our ongoing commitment to research and scholarship extends to our students, who regularly work as research assistants to faculty members.
The study of comparative literature is carried out through intensive writing and rigorous discussion in a community of committed students and scholars. Hamilton graduates in comparative literature go on to pursue a wide variety of professions and graduate studies in such fields as law, education, publishing, journalism, medicine, government and marketing.
Hamilton is one of the few small liberal arts colleges where comparative literature is an independent department rather than a part of a larger program. This means students and faculty members work closely together and know one another well. We’re deeply committed to writing- and discussion-based teaching, so classes are small and interactive. Most introductory courses are limited to 20 students, and advanced courses are even smaller.
Comparative literature is rooted in a multicultural perspective. This is particularly valuable in the modern world, where a global view must be balanced with respect and appreciation for diverse national traditions and genres. In addition, the department contributes heavily to the innovative, interdisciplinary approach to the liberal arts at Hamilton. Courses allow students to work at the intersection of literature and such diverse fields as philosophy, psychology, theatre, music and even physics and mathematics.
As authors and editors, faculty members in our department have produced ten books and are currently at work on several more. We have written numerous scholarly articles, too, publishing on the relationship between literature and music, law, the visual arts and psychology, among others topics. Most important, our ongoing commitment to research and scholarship extends to our students, who regularly work as research assistants to faculty members.
The study of comparative literature is carried out through intensive writing and rigorous discussion in a community of committed students and scholars. Hamilton graduates in comparative literature go on to pursue a wide variety of professions and graduate studies in such fields as law, education, publishing, journalism, medicine, government and marketing.
Hamilton is one of the few small liberal arts colleges where comparative literature is an independent department rather than a part of a larger program. This means students and faculty members work closely together and know one another well. We’re deeply committed to writing- and discussion-based teaching, so classes are small and interactive. Most introductory courses are limited to 20 students, and advanced courses are even smaller.
Comparative literature is rooted in a multicultural perspective. This is particularly valuable in the modern world, where a global view must be balanced with respect and appreciation for diverse national traditions and genres. In addition, the department contributes heavily to the innovative, interdisciplinary approach to the liberal arts at Hamilton. Courses allow students to work at the intersection of literature and such diverse fields as philosophy, psychology, theatre, music and even physics and mathematics.
As authors and editors, faculty members in our department have produced ten books and are currently at work on several more. We have written numerous scholarly articles, too, publishing on the relationship between literature and music, law, the visual arts and psychology, among others topics. Most important, our ongoing commitment to research and scholarship extends to our students, who regularly work as research assistants to faculty members.
The study of comparative literature is carried out through intensive writing and rigorous discussion in a community of committed students and scholars. Hamilton graduates in comparative literature go on to pursue a wide variety of professions and graduate studies in such fields as law, education, publishing, journalism, medicine, government and marketing.
