If you are fond of literature as a subject, however, would like to study something different from the standard course generally taught at colleges and Universities, Comparative Literature is the perfect subject for you. However, students of this subject say Comparative Literature can be interpreted in many ways. That may mean something to you might differ from someone else, and this makes the subject engrossing and interesting.
John Eilermann St. Louis – How is Comparative Literature different?
John Eilermann is a student of Comparative Literature and lives in St. Louis in Missouri. He loves living in this city and is very fond of its metropolitan nature and architecture. He says if you are fond of cultural studies, Comparative Literature will make you increase your knowledge and exposure to the different cultures in the world.
Get exposure to different cultures and countries
As a student of Comparative Literature, you will not be just comparing one text with another. You will be exposed to different countries and cultures. You will learn about different time periods and how people from across the world have a different approach to literature.
The chance to work and study in a different language
John Eilermann St. Louis says students often speak one language, and they study the text of the original, which might be in a different language. However, thanks to translated texts, you can now read famous works written by writers from across the globe. If you have already studied any A-level language, Comparative Literature helps you progress to the next level. One will be exposed to new languages when they study Comparative Literature. This means when you already know a language, you can improve on it and become more proficient.
Get the opportunity to challenge your perspective
When you study Comparative Literature, you get the opportunity to challenge your current perspective. Most of the time, you not only have to analyze literature, but you will be asked as to why you are making that analysis. Here, you will be asked to place your opinions and views on the period after colonialism, capitalism, what you think about the canon and who actually decides on the books that you should remember. You will also be asked on why the world does not have a uniform system for literature and whether such a system is practical or not.
John Eilermann St. Louis says that when you study Comparative Literature, you will come across a wide range of books, theories, and approaches. This enables you to challenge your perspective and change them as you get exposed to new books and theories. You get the opportunity to widen your knowledge and travel back in time to periods in the past. He says that if you are intrigued by literature and want more than just the English language, you should choose Comparative Literature and enjoy the vast horizon of knowledge you will be endowed with. You will become familiar with cultures and countries you have heard of but never visited. The experience of challenging your perspective and views is thrilling, and Comparative literature will never disappoint you at all!
