Bruce Bigley (Professor of English),
Chair, Comparative Literature Committee
Comparative literature is the study of literature beyond the
confines of one national literature. It is especially concerned
with the similarities and differences which can be observed
in literary works in different languages. It makes comparisons
from various points of view, studying, for example, movements,
periods, genres and themes in two or more national literatures.
Certain types of comparative literature studies can be highly
useful to students in such fields as psychology, philosophy,
anthropology and history, as well as to majors in English and
foreign languages and literatures.
Students interested in working toward a degree in comparative
literature (not offered by this University) should bear in mind
that a knowledge of at least two foreign languages is indispensable
for advanced work. Courses in comparative literature topics
are offered at The University of Montana-Missoula in several
departments: English, Drama, Philosophy, Liberal Studies, Foreign
Languages and Literatures, Native American Studies, and Asian
Studies. For advising see the chair.