Comparative Thought and Literature, Minor

About This Program

The Comparative Thought and Literature (CTL) minor is designed for students who wish to examine and practice humanistic thinking in order to tackle complex contemporary problems, which no single civilization or discipline alone can solve. The minor provides a broad introduction to the documents and thought of modern culture for all students, from those interested in a general liberal arts preparation to those in one of the university’s pre-professional programs. These courses develop ways to think along with texts of philosophy, intellectual history, literature, film, music, and art. Students will learn how to engage deeply with national and trans-national literatures, media, and intellectual history from across the globe, placing a wide range of aesthetic and philosophical traditions, including those of underrepresented groups and Indigenous peoples, in conversation and debate. The CTL minor supports the core “Foundational Abilities” of the General Education Model. Small, writing-intensive seminars enable students to engage in close study and intense discussion of critical texts and verbal works of art from a range of traditions around the world (Foundational Abilities #1 and #3). Many CTL classes also explore ethical foundations in local, national, and global traditions in a profound way (Foundational Abilities #4 and #5). The capstone option, as well as CTL’s Honors Program, supports Foundational Ability #6, enabling a senior to “independently conceptualize and complete a large-scale, consequential project.”

Degree Requirements