The poetics (or songmaking) of Sappho will be studied from a wide variety of perspectives, suited to the interests of the students enrolled.
Note: For those taking the course as COMPLIT 235, there are no particular language requirements. The emphasis for students, in this case, is to engage creatively with Sappho’s songmaking in a variety of English translations, or to compare with other poetry or songs (composed in whatever language). Students are free to bring into the educational experience a pursuit of their personal interests. For graduate students taking the course as CLASPHIL 235, research will involve reading the original texts in Greek, and comparing texts of other classical Greek and Latin poets like Euripides and Catullus.
Founded as a graduate program in 1904 and joining with the undergraduate Literature Concentration in 2007, Harvard’s Department of Comparative Literature operates at the crossroads of multilingualism, literary study, and media history.
© 2023 President and Fellows of Harvard College
Sign up to receive news and information about upcoming events, exhibitions, and more
