Comparative Literature
Traditional definitions of comparative literature focus on the study of two or more literature side-by-side (such as English and German) and their multifaceted components, which may include historical, gendered, economic, cultural, social, philosophical, theological, and linguistic issues. Reading across language barriers is encouraged in comparative literature to highlight what is often lost when only one literary tradition is studied. That is the main ideology of taking part in comparative literature. Sometimes we may find it not important to study more than one language. Still, a minimum of two languages outside one's native tongue is necessary for students pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature. Students are required to reach a high level of linguistic competence in their first foreign language. If you want to major in Comparative Literature, you do not need to know another language, provided you can write in English. Unless otherwise specified, a student must submit all independent work in Comparative Literature in English. For my senior thesis, I'd like to analyze secondary materials written in a language other than English, but I'd like to write on primary texts written in English.