World Literatures

Catalog description

This course serves as an introduction to the field of World Literature, with an especial focus on non-“Western” writers. Our readings span cultures and historical periods, allowing us to reflect on the recurring themes, styles, and ethical problematics of several literary traditions around the globe. Through close reading and critical analysis, students will delve into themes such as colonial hegemony, resistance, and the impacts of globalization on literary narratives. We will also consider the complexities and implications of translation, analyzing how linguistic and cultural barriers can both hinder and enrich the process of transnational literary transmission. By the semester’s end, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of the diversity and interconnectedness of global literatures, and will be better equipped to think critically about literary canon formation.