Master of Arts - Studies in Comparative Literatures and Arts
ObjectivesThe M.A. in Studies in Comparative Literatures and Arts is an interdisciplinary and interfaculty program that not only focuses on the study of literature from different nations, but also examines the ways in which literature enters into dialogue with the fine and performing arts. Throughout the program, students examine contemporary approaches to texts of various types, as well as the possibilities and problems that arise in comparative studies, including issues related to the translation and adaptation of works. Through coursework, students are encouraged to develop a cross-disciplinary understanding of how works of art or cultural production evolve, are received, and are interpreted.
Academic titleMaster of Arts - Comparative Literatures and Arts
Course descriptionWhile the program offers both a thesis option and a major essay option, students are strongly encouraged to pursue the major essay option, as the additional coursework required by this stream provides more opportunity for comparative analysis across the arts. Students pursuing the major essay option are required to take six half-courses: the two core courses (SCLA 5P01 and SCLA 5P02) and four elective courses (SCLA 5P60–5P89). In addition to the courses, each student must complete a research paper of 40-50 pages, after enrolling in SCLA 5F91. Students choosing the thesis option will take four half-courses: the two core courses (SCLA 5P01 and SCLA 5P02) and two elective courses (SCLA 5P60–SCLA 5P89). In addition to the courses, each student must complete and defend at a public oral examination a thesis of 75-100 pages, after having enrolled in SCLA 5F90.
Program for 2008 – 2009
Fall Term:
SCLA 5P01 Prof. Corrado Federici Comparative Critical Theory in Literature and the Arts
Contemporary approaches to texts of various types, discursive and aesthetic traditions, possibilities and problems arising from comparative studies. Theories of translation and adaptation.
SCLA 5P02 Prof. Corrado Federici Comparative Critical Theory in Literature and the Arts: Applications
Applications of critical theory to the interdisciplinary study of theatre, visual arts and music.
SCLA 5P03 Prof. Brian Power Critical Theory and the Arts
An examination of the modes of production, reception and analysis of art from its inception to its cultural, institutional or ideological transformation. Workshop format.
Note: field trips may be required.
Winter Term:
SCLA 5P64 Prof. Derek Knight Space and the Social Ecology of Art
How we construct and adapt to our human or natural environment, how we determine the cultural value or social production of space, and how art, environment and aesthetics interrelate. Topics include urban, suburban and exurban spaces; natural, "naturalized" and simulated environments; site specific, public and installation art.
Seminar, 3 hours per week.
SCLA 5P72 Prof. Alexandre Amprimoz Symbolism
Study of this artistic movement from its French and Belgian origins in poetry to its later international impact on German Expressionist cinema and South American Magic Realizm in fiction. Artists studied include forerunners, writers of the Symbolist Manifesto period, Symbolist musicians and painters.
Spring Term: