Comparative literature and literary theory can be studied at the Faculty of Arts either as a single subject or combined with other subjects (Slavonic, Germanic or Romance languages, the History of art, musicology, philosophy or cultural sociology), or combined with subjects taught at other faculties (journalism, dramaturgy, theology). Candidates who have graduated from a four-year high school and have an adequate knowledge of two foreign languages can apply for this course. There are 50 places available each year, fewer than the number of applicants, so candidates have to take an entrance exam which tests their knowledge of Slovene and general literature and literary theory.
The course lasts up to five years. Students have up to 750 hours of lectures and seminars per year in their first, second and third year, rather fewer in the fourth year; the fifth year is spent completing the degree, without the obligation to attend lectures and seminars. There are up to 25 hours of specialized courses per week for those who study comparative literature as a single subject, and 12 hours for joint honours students.
Major courses: history of world literature, comparative literature, literary theory, literary translation, methodology of literary studies.
Students of comparative literature as a single subject are obliged to take courses in Slovene language and stylistics, Slovene literature and other Slavonic literatures, and two foreign languages (German is obligatoiy, the other optional).
Assessment is made by examinations (a total of cca 25 are taken before completing a degree). Exams test the students’ ability to understand and interpret literary texts in seminars, the final dissertation their research and creative talent. Candidates are required to present it before a board of faculty members. A graduate of the department gains the title of “Graduate in comparative literature”.
There is a two year postgraduate programme: its contents is determined individually for each student. The degree is completed with a Master’s thesis, and the candidate gains the title “MA in comparative literature and literary theory”.
Those who have either an MA or an adequate amount of published papers can enrol for a PhD degree, propose a thesis, and after its successful public defendance they gain the title of “PhD in literary-historical sciences”.
Comparative literature and literary theory are combined in several courses. Comparative literature contains material from world literature, with an emphasis on the essential features of literary periods; it follows international literary processes, examines their spiritual, aesthetic and social origins. It pays special attention to the peaks of European literature and movements in contemporary world literature, the changes and novelties brought about by modern literary trends, and, to a lesser extent, to trends in the literatures of non-European languages. In all this, of course, it continually locates
THE STUDY OF COMPARATIVE LITERATURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA
Slovene literature in European and international streams and studies their interconnections.
Literary theory provides a fundamental knowledge of the general characteristics of literary works, their structure, form, composition, style, verse forms, and also the more abstract features of literature which belong in the domain of the philosophy of art and aesthetics. So besides being devoted to literature and interested in a thorough accurate historical knowledge, a literary comparatist also has to develop a comprehension of abstract or philosophical problems.
Four professors and three assistants currently work at the department. An important part of the department is its specialized library with 13,000 units and 34 regular periodicals.
During their course, students also have further means of help: student counselling, mentorship, recommendations for grants, advice and recommendations on future employment; they can use the department’s library, and have the opportunity to undertake research work. The status of a regular student also ensures free, full-cover medical insurance.
Graduates of comparative literature and literary theory are qualified for high school teachers, literary critics, editors, journalists, dramaturgists and librarians. Finally, graduates of the single subject course have the basic knowledge required for further literary research at the respective institutes, faculty departments or other similar institutions.