Bachelor
2024/2025
Comparative History of Literature
Type:
Elective course (Philology)
Area of studies:
Philology
Delivered by:
Department of Philology
When:
4 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Renata Goroshkova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Course Syllabus
Abstract
In the course, students will grasp the key concepts of comparative literature that emerged across diverse historical periods and linguistic contexts. The principle of historicism, covered in the course, helps in identifying the essence of literature through its history. Exploring the transformation of literary history with the help of literary criticism presents it as a dynamic and ongoing process. This would be beneficial for final year students as they gain insight into the importance of a particular author or phenomenon in the literary process, which their final research project might be dedicated to.
Learning Objectives
- To enable students to become proficient in the comparative-historical method and utilize it effectively in their academic work
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of the problems and methods of modern Comparative Studies so that students freely navigate within this field
- To develop a strong understanding of the concepts and ideas put forth by scholars in Comparative Studies throughout history of the discipline
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Students recognize and define contemporary terminology in Comparative and World Literature Studies
- Students have a clear grasp of the main issues in modern Comparative Studies
- Students elaborate on and apply central concepts of Comparative Literature Studies to their individual research projects
- Students comprehend the development of the literary canon and the types of dialogues that occur within this field
- Students read the assigned texts engage in group discussions of challenging theoretical and literary issues by expressing their judgments, questioning suggested interpretations, and maintaining scholarly debate
Course Contents
- The Historical and Theoretical foundations of the Comparative Method
- The issues, challenges, and perspectives of Comparative Literature in the Modern World
Assessment Elements
- In-Class ParticipationStudents are expected to attend all lectures and seminars and contribute to discussions. They need to be prepared for class by having completed their home assignments, and participate actively in class activities.
- Research ProjectAs a mid-term paper towards the end of Module 1, each student submits a bibliography of 10-15 sources on the topic selected by the students from their current research interests, based on the main research project for Year 4 / graduation work. The main aim of such research is to provide compelling and full overview of comparative aspects that have been already discussed by the students’ predecessor in the field. Bibliographies can be annotated and commented (using formal language) by students to evaluate, or consider how a source can be utilized in students' final projects. Ensure your bibliography follows the MLA style.
- Essay1,000-4,000 words comparing any literary work with a Russian/German/French/Spanish/Italian/Dutch/Danish/Finnish/Norwegian/Japanese/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese/Brazilian/Argentinian/South African/… text/artwork/film/musicalcomposition/… of the student’s choice and bringing up the theoretical issues in Comparative Literature Studies covered during lectures and seminars. The essay is to be submitted to Course Instructor(s) on or before the first day of exam period at the end of Module 2 on Smart LMS or by email.
- PresentationAs a presentation, the student should make a detailed analysis of primary research literature (be it an article, or a chapter from a theoretical work) from the suggested by the course instructor list, revealing the main meaning of the theory, and explaining the terms that were used by the researcher. The second speaker, whose tasks include peer-reviewing, also reads the same article by the agreed day. After listening to a colleague's presentation, a peer-reviewer gives constructive feedback, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the presentation, closing those gaps in the coverage of the theory that were missed by the first speaker. After receiving criticism, the first speaker has the opportunity to answer questions and comments.
- ExamOn a scheduled date during the exam period at the end of Module 2, students take a test. The quiz consists of 10 to 20 questions of various types (multiple choice, gap filling, short essay, etc.). The content, type, and weight of the questions in the exam grade calculation is determined by the instructor(s) who develop(s) the quiz and cannot be known to students in advance. The exam lasts 80 minutes. Students may not use their own study materials in the course of the exam, and any communication among students during the exam is strictly forbidden and counts as cheating. Cheating and/or any amount of plagiarism* at the exam results in mark 0 (zero).
Interim Assessment
- 2024/2025 2nd module0.2 * Essay + 0.2 * Exam + 0.15 * In-Class Participation + 0.15 * In-Class Participation + 0.2 * Presentation + 0.1 * Research Project
