About Our Department

The Department of Humanities and Comparative World Literature houses the programs in Humanities, Comparative World Literature, Video Game Studies and American Studies. Join our community of scholars committed to exploring arts and ideas across boundaries that have divided the study of nations, historical eras, languages and forms of cultural expression.

American Studies

American Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of American culture and society that draws upon courses from departments and programs in the humanities and social sciences.

The core curriculum includes courses in U.S. history, literary and cultural studies, geography and California studies, while electives, chosen on advisement, may be drawn from any department or program with courses that focus on the U.S.

Our alumni have gone on to graduate school, law and business school, education, public policy, nonprofits and museum work. We are working to build an alumni network to help students like you navigate your next steps after graduation.

Comparative and World Literature

Comparative and World Literature puts world literatures into conversation with one another by thinking critically about literature across national borders, time periods, languages and genres and crosses boundaries between literature and the other arts.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this field, you will acquire critical abilities and solid knowledge in several disciplines of the humanities.

Defining Comparative World Literature can be a complex task. According to Roland Greene: “Comparative Literature is the laboratory or workshop of all literary studies, and through them, of the humanities. Comparative literature compares literature, not only as an accumulation of primary works but, as the languages, cultures, histories, traditions, theories, and practices with which those works come.” (“Their Generation,” Comparative Literature in the Age of Multiculturalism)

Humanities

Humanities undergraduate and graduate students use literature, music, visual culture, philosophy and architecture to explore the world’s cultural diversity. Our inquiry focuses on expressive forms, social values and artistic insights across human communities.

This goal is accomplished through a two-pronged approach:

• a core curriculum that develops sound writing skills and introduces humanistic methods of critical analysis
• a series of electives allowing you to explore the areas of American culture studies, world literatures and cultures, and science, technology and new media studies. You are free to choose from across these areas, or to focus on one area in depth, with the option of earning a concurrent minor in American Studies, Comparative and World Literature, or Video Game Studies.

Seeking to base your career on a broad knowledge of American and world cultures? You will find the Humanities B.A. major useful for positions in government, business, education and the arts. We offer invaluable training for students who wish to pursue an M.A. or a Ph.D. in any Humanities discipline. The M.A. program serves a variety of personal and career objectives, including preparation for teaching, doctoral study, business, public service and the arts.