Introduce students to the major and most recent developments in critical theory so that they are more adequately equipped to be aware of the assumptions, problems, and opportunities of doing comparative work.

Develop the students' skills of interpretation that demonstrate keen awareness both of current critical debates and of the particular qualities of the objects of study.

Develop the students' skills of argumentation that demonstrate awareness of the complex and subtle range of views possible without losing clarity or persuasiveness.

Develop the students' skills of self-awareness that will improve the quality of questions they bring to their research and enhance the value of their interdisciplinary and comparative critical work in the humanities.