The study of comparative literature encompasses many areas of knowledge, both within the field of literature and beyond. As such, it grants students a wide perspective on a variety of subjects alongside a fine-tuned, in-depth, analytic capability. The integrative tools given to the department’s students, paired with their exposure to a wide range of approaches, perspectives, and world-views, hold an inherent advantage, which will serve the students wherever they turn. In addition to the wide literary and theoretical education, the studies in the department grant students a solid humanistic grounding, as well as tools for critical thinking, which are imperative for any professional choice. The department’s alumni have continued their professional paths in many fields:
First Year
The courses in the first year of the program offer foundational knowledge in the field of comparative literature and a basic introduction to the masterpieces of world literature. The introductory courses in this year include two methodological introductions: “Introduction to Prose” and “Introduction to Poetry” (each accompanied by a tutorial in which students engage in close readings and analysis of selected literary texts); two historical introductions: "Masterpieces of World Literature I" (which spans from Antiquity to the Middle Ages) and "Masterpieces of World Literature II" (which spans from the Renaissance to the present); and a general introductory course to the field of comparative literature, which deals with encounters between literatures and cultures and the relation of literature to questions of aesthetics, politics, ethics, and more. Alongside these introductory courses, students may choose from a range of elective courses on different literatures.
Second Year
The main goal of the studies in the second year is to complete the introductory education in comparative literature, enabling every student to start focusing on her or his fields of interest. During this year, two basic theoretical courses are given, which together offer a preliminary historical and theoretical survey of key topics in literary criticism throughout history. The courses are: “Landmarks of Criticism – From Plato to Nietzsche” and “20th Century Critical theories: Basic Topics”. Each of these courses is accompanied by a tutorial in which topics and issues raised in class are clarified, giving an opportunity to conduct a wider, more in-depth discussion. Alongside these courses, numerous elective courses in a variety of subjects are open to the department’s students.
Third Year
The last year of the bachelor’s degree allows students to participate in a wide range of courses both inside and outside of the department. During this year students write a seminar paper – a comprehensive work of research – in a subject of their choosing. In addition, every student must take over the course of the degree one course in each of the following elective units: “Antiquity”; “The Middle Ages/Renaissance/Enlightenment”; “Modern and Contemporary Literature”; and “Interdisciplinary Studies”.
Master's level studies in comparative literature aim at expanding the knowledge acquired in the bachelor’s degree, developing the research and analytic capabilities of the student, and providing the student with the opportunity to delve deeper into his or her field of specialization. Most of the master's level studies are given in a seminar format, and include two mandatory theoretical courses (in varying topics), as well as elective studies both in and out of the department.
The master's program is open in two separate tracks: research-based and not research-based. Within the research-based track, students write a comprehensive piece of research work (“thesis”). Selected students from the master's program get the opportunity to teach the department's various tutorials. In addition, a variety of scholarships for outstanding students are available within the Hebrew University.
An opportunity to pursue a high level research in comparative literature, which prepares for a career as scholars and researchers in the academia, is open to outstanding students. Various generous scholarships are available in the Hebrew University. For more information, please contact the Chair of the department.