The Department of Comparative Literature offers the study of diverse fields and cultures. Its faculty include: experts on English and American culture, classicists who study both the ancient world and its still living legacy on later periods, specialists in French and Francophone culture, scholars focused on peninsular Spain and Latin and South America, professors with German, Italian, Scandinavian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and modern Greek specialization, scholars committed to the study of post-colonialism, others interested in the philosophical principles underlying the nature of language, and scholars focusing on the history, practice, and theory of translation. Since the founding of the graduate program in 1964, comparative literature has evolved to include not only Western cultures both ancient and modern, but Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic, as well. The department, in cooperation with the various literature departments and programs, offers a wide array of courses in literature, literary theory, and cultural studies. Faculty include 25 members of professorial rank with appointments wholly or partly in the department. As members of a medium-sized department in a relatively small university, graduate students enjoy unusual opportunities for close contact in and outside of the classroom. Students receive close guidance, including job-search preparation. The program offers several colloquia, lectures, and forums each year.