Comparative Studies Courses
Comparative Studies 1100 Introduction to the Humanities: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Online | Elizabeth Vu
Explores the role of literature and the arts in constructing, maintaining, and questioning the values and beliefs of diverse cultures and historical periods; topics vary. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
Comparative Studies 2301 Intro to World Literature
Online | TuTh 11:40-1:15PM | Ashley Perez
Have you ever thought about the fact that the idea of north as “up” is arbitrary? Even though north is no more “up” than south is “down,” these and other received ideas affect the way we see the world and the literatures in the world. This class focuses on learning to see culture, space, and literature in new ways. We will closely examine the idea of “world literature” itself, and we will consider the linguistic, cultural, technological, and economic networks that make texts from around the globe available to us. For example, how is the world of literature shaped by the fact that writers in many places can only access a significant audience by writing in English or producing works that “travel well” via translation? How do we imagine relationships between the works we read (a tiny fraction) and the many we do not? These topics will be explored through discussion of 20th- and 21st-century texts from five geopolitical areas: the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin and Central America/the Caribbean, and Europe/North America. In addition to engaged in-class and online discussion, course assignments include short papers and a presentation. All assignments will help you pursue the course goals and participate deeply in a community of learners. This course meets GE requirements in Literature and Diversity (Global Studies).
Comparative Studies 5691 Topics in Comparative Studies: New Animism
Denney Hall 253 and NE South Oval | TuThu 2:50-6:00PM | Melissa Curley
Critical study of selected themes and topics in a comparative and cross-cultural perspective; emphasis on issues of method, critical theory, representation, power, knowledge, and authority. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 651. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 cr hrs
Religious Studies Courses
Religious Studies 2102.02 Comparative Sacred Texts
Online | MWF 2:50-6:00PM | Michael Swartz
This course offers an introduction to religious views of the universe, the supernatural, social organization, ethics, etc., through sacred texts (oral and written) of diverse cultures and historical periods. In spring 2020, the course will focus on sacred stories. Exploring narratives drawn from the repertoires of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the Rastafari movement, we'll look at stories people tell about gods and goddesses; life and the afterlife; suffering and healing; magicians, madness, and monsters. We'll examine how these stories circulate across space and time, what kinds of deep questions they seek to answer, and how they have been reinterpreted in contemporary popular culture. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.