Comparative Literature explores and provides knowledge about the Western literary tradition from the Antiquity until today. The two-year Master's programme provides a deeper insight in selected parts of world literature, at the same time as it focuses on literary theory and methods as well as aesthetics and scholarly working methods.
Comparative Literature is a comparative field of study. Literary works can never be interpreted independently, but they must be understood in dialogue with other pieces of work. This comparative aspect does not only cover literature; the study of literary texts in connection with other art forms such as visual art, film and music are also explored.
This Master's programme consists of two integrated parts:
Three courses constitute a common specialized study which will provide an understanding of academic theory, literary theory, and a history of the Comparative Literature as a field of study. Thus the students are given a foundation for scholarly work with literature on an advanced level. The students will be acquainted with texts from the European literature from Antiquity until the present, from modern literary theory, aesthetic theory, poetics, genre theory, theory of interpretation, as well as from relevant debates in literary studies.
The study is brought to a closure with a Master’s thesis, prepared and written during a period of two semesters. Through the work on the Master's thesis the students will learn how to work independently with textual analysis and practice their skills in critical use of theories and methods, as well as how to structure larger material. The work on the thesis is continually discussed with fellow students at seminars.
The study is suited for those who have an interest in literature and writings - both one's own works and other's should consider studying Comparative Literature at master level. The study provides a broad foundation for work with different types of texts. The study also suits those who wish to continue at doctorate level.
Comprative Literature at NTNU Comparative literature is an active research community with a broad range of lecturing and research activity. Research topics cover Antiquity literature, European baroque and the 18th century till modernistic literature and a variety of theoretical perspectives including modern gender theory and psychoanalytic theory. Our lecturers and researchers are participating at several interdisciplinary research projects - both national and international - such as the 18th century, aesthetic technologies, globalization and heteronormativity.
