This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module is designed to familiarise students with the history of Comparative Literature as an academic discipline, to develop their ability to analyse critically the major conceptions of Comparative Literature that have emerged over the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and to enable them to apply theories of Comparative Literature in the analysis of literary movements, literary genres, literary topoi, and literary figures who recur at different moments in literary history.
Students will begin by studying a range of major conceptions of Comparative Literature, and will consider the implications for the discipline of Comparative Literature of theories of globalisation, multiculturalism, translation studies, and world literature. They will then proceed to analyse selected literary works within the framework of these conceptions of Comparative Literature. The module will therefore combine a theoretical with a practical literary-critical dimension, encouraging close reading and an appreciation of historical context in the analysis of theoretical and literary texts.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Total Private Study Hours: 280
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 (2,000 words) – 40%
Essay 2 (3,000 words) – 60%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (5,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate familiarity with the theory and practice of Comparative Literature as an academic discipline;
2 Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural and historical contexts out of which various influential conceptions of Comparative Literature have emerged;
3 Examine the relation between Comparative Literature as a discipline and other approaches to the literary (including Translation Studies);
4 Appreciate the importance for Comparative Literature of reflections upon multiculturalism and globalisation;
5 Critically assess questions of literary movements, genres, topoi, and figures from a Comparative Literature perspective.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate refinement in communication skills and argumentation, through one extended piece of written coursework;
2 Demonstrate development in close reading and analytical skills with regard to both theoretical texts and literary works from a range of historical periods and genres;
3 Demonstrate independent research skills.
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