Delivered at:: Department of Philology

Course type:: Elective course

When:: 4 year, 1, 2 module

Instructor

Goroshkova, Renata

Full Syllabus Ask Question

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 Participation (module 1)
Students 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.
In-class Participation (module 2)
Presentation/Peer-reviewing
As 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.
Essay (Exam)
1,000-4,000 words comparing the Madeleine Thien novel 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.
Exam
On 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

2025/2026 2nd module
0.2 * Essay (Exam) + 0.2 * Exam + 0.2 * In-Class Participation (module 1) + 0.2 * In-class Participation (module 2) + 0.2 * Presentation/Peer-reviewing

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Surrealism : genesis of a revolution, Brodskaia, N., 2009

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Surrealism, Caws, M. A., 2004

Authors

GOROSHKOVA RENATA RISHATOVNA
KESSEL KSENIIA VITALEVNA

Bachelor’s Programme 'Philology'

Contacts

Comparative Literary Studies: Theoretical and Practical Approaches