Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences 1 courses 7 total credits
The minor in world literature, like the major in comparative literary studies, examines literary, aesthetic and cultural production beyond the boundaries of one national or linguistic tradition. It is designed for students who are interested in the global and comparative dimensions of literary study, but unable for whatever reason to complete the comparative literary studies major requirements, for example, because they may not have the language skills necessary for the major. Unlike the major, the minor in world literature does not have a language requirement. Students are encouraged to read literary texts in the original language but can also take courses where literature is read in English translation. The minor allows students to study literatures from different parts of the world as well as different periods. Students take courses from at least two different cultural traditions and are encouraged to examine the relations between them—particularly between Euro/American traditions and those of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and South America. In so doing students discover how literary texts circulate transnationally and thus become part of “world literature.” This crossing often involves some kind of translation, so the minor, while allowing students to read literary texts in English translation, also makes translation a primary object of investigation. Double-counting note: Weinberg College prohibits double-counting a minor course toward some other major or minor, except where this is explicitly permitted in this catalog. Weinberg College does allow double-counting a minor course toward a general bachelor's degree requirement (i.e. degree requirements other than majors or minors). Other programs or schools may have their own restrictions that supersede this, so check the relevant parts of this catalog for possible limits.
Courses Named in the Requirements
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMP_LIT 201-0 | Reading World Literature | 1 |
Click a course code or title to read the full course description.
Our subject experts help with essays, research papers, case studies, discussion posts, and capstone projects for these programs — written from scratch to your course requirements.
Program and course information is reproduced from each university's published academic catalog for informational purposes and may change. Always confirm current requirements with your university. We are an independent academic support service and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the universities listed.
Expert guides on essay writing, citation styles, study skills, and academic success.
View All Articles
Learn how to write a good research question for a paper. Narrow your topic, identify a research problem, and create a focused question with practical examples.
Learn how to choose a research topic you can actually research. Discover how to narrow broad ideas, find reliable sources, and develop a focused research question.
Learn how to cite sources in a research paper using APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, with in-text citation examples and reference-list tips.