世界文学计划是一个多学科计划，汇集了包括西方国家和非西方国家在内的各种国家和地区的文学和文化。它强调过去和现在的文学和文化（例如古希腊和罗马）。它把“少数派”或“第三世界”文学理解为与欧洲文学一样值得研究，它认识到西方和东方“古典”的重要性。该计划要求使用英语以外的其他语言进行学习，从而强调文学和语言之间有着密切的联系。提供比较课程和关于个人作者，时期和文学的课程。攻读世界文学专业的学生或辅修过的学生将学习从真正的多元文化和多语种角度学习文学。他们在文学批评和理论的主要流派中也很熟识。
The study of world literature, traditionally called comparative literature, involves a global approach to the art of literature in all its forms. Literature is a unique way of using language that seeks to express human wants and needs through poetic techniques, whether in prose, poetry, drama, or song. Cultures have always turned to literaturewhether in oral or written formto express basic values, concerns, despairs, dreams, and hopes. Literature comments on what is, and reaches for what might be. Cultural identity is created in part through literature, and literature is used to questionat times even underminethat identity. Literature may be a conservative force, emphasizing traditions, or a revolutionary force, provoking change from within.<br><br>The interaction of literatures from various regions of the world also transforms the art, as authors influence each other in what we might call a global writing experiment. World Literature redefines the concept of minor or third world literatures, as it considers marginal artistic expressions to be as worthy of study as any classical tradition of the West or East.