Comparative Literature
The interdepartmental major in Comparative Literature leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Comparative Literature investigates literary works from the perspective of more than one national literature; works are often studied in conjunction with other intellectual disciplines, such as anthropology, the arts, history, and philosophy. Traditionally, comparatists have focused on literary movements, genres, and historical periods, and on the history of literary themes and ideas. Comparatists are interested in Western, non-Western, and emergent literatures, in minor genres like biography, in the history of education and the theory of reading, in women's studies, and in literary theory. The major in Comparative Literature has historically been among the popular choices for students minoring in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. Possible languages of study at Lehman include Spanish, English, French, Irish, Japanese, and Italian.
Welcome, Irish Track Students
We welcome the newest group of students matriculated in the Comparative Literature B.A. program, students of Irish language and literature. Irish is a Gaelic language of the Celtic branch of the Indo-European family. It possesses one of the oldest literatures in Europe. Lehman College is the home of the CUNY Institute for Irish-American Studies and, fittingly, the Department of Languages and Literatures offers a wide variety of Irish language and literature courses. Check out the Irish Track of the B.A. in Comparative Literature for more information.
UPCOMING DEPARTMENTAL EVENTS
-1295x870.jpg)
September 17, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Dictatorship Across Borders Brazil, Chile, and the South American Cold War by Mila Burns
A trailblazing analysis of Brazil’s influence on the 1973 Chilean coup d'état - this book offers a groundbreaking perspective on the 1973 Chilean coup. It highlights Brazil’s pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of South America during the Cold War. Shifting the focus from the United States to interregional dynamics - Mila Burns argues that Brazil was instrumental in the overthrow of Salvador Allende and establishment of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship.
September 25, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Project Esther and the Epstein Conspiracy: How They May Not Be Good for American Jews
Project Esther and the Epstein Conspiracy may have ominous implications for American Jews. Naomi Zack discusses leading definitions of antisemitism as applied to these two current initiatives. Naomi Zack is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Lehman College and affiliated member of CUNY Graduate Center’s Philosophy Department. College Senate Committee on Academic Freedom Chair David Manier will moderate.
