Meet some of our Comparative Studies in Literature & Culture students.
Nora Youngelson
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture major with concentration in French, minors in Interdisciplinary Writing and French
“My four years as a Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture major have been transformative. The intentional mentorship from professors and engaging classes drew me into the major and cemented CSLC as my intellectual home. Unique experiences such as working with professors on their research and receiving support from the Undergraduate Research Center to conduct research in Paris have inspired me to pursue graduate studies in Comparative Literature.”
Alphonse Wan
Hometown: Hong Kong
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture major with concentration in Chinese, Ancient Greek
“Through engaging lectures and inspiring discussions, Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture professors read literature with students, challenging us to think in light of new horizons. This not only allows students to reflect and renew their understanding of the Self and the World, but also opens us up to other fields of study and possibilities.”
William Lanstone
Hometown: London, UK (currently a University of Missouri doctoral student in English)
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture major with concentration in Ancient Greek
“There is no way I’d be where I am now without Oxy’s Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture department. The depth of instruction and level of care from the professors is extraordinary, and I began my PhD with a theoretical knowledge base far exceeding the expectations for first-years. I made maybe a dozen lifelong friends through the major.”
Thalia Eyles
Hometown: London, England
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture Major with concentration in Ancient Greek
The Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture department has prepared me to engage with the world beyond Oxy, both academically and personally. The teaching of these professors opened my world, and continues to allow me to rush head-first at every challenge with passion and curiosity. The blend of literature, language, philosophy, and theory that CSLC offers has prepared me to investigate many disciplines on my own and has exposed me to an abundance of information and art that continues to enrich my intellectual and creative life.
Eran Karmon
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture major, English minor
“Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture has provided me with a comprehensive education in literature, philosophy, and language. Over the years, I’ve developed not only a firm grasp on each independent area of study but—through the department’s comparative approach—a robust understanding of what it all means to and in the world at large.”
Bia Pinho
Hometown: Curitiba, Brazil
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture major with concentration in German
My professors taught incredibly inspiring and engaging classes, and my advisor was always quick to support me. Participating in the Undergraduate Research Center and completing my senior comprehensive project also helped align my interest in German culture.
Chloe Wheeler
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (concentration: ancient Greek) and Spanish Majors
“From ancient Greek grammar over lunch to packed lectures late at night about novels like Moby Dick, the freedom and encouragement to explore languages and literatures within a rigorous program and under expert guidance were the most rewarding parts of my liberal arts education—one that continues to inspire and support me today.”
Garrett Howard ’25
Hometown: Utica, Kentucky
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture major, linguistics minor
“I adore the Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture department for its unique approach to studying literature, language, and philosophy, but really, the department stands out most for its professors. Of course, the classes are brilliant, engaging, and contemporary, but beyond that, the professors go above and beyond to invest in their students’ academic, professional, and personal goals. I am so grateful for the resources and experiences I had access to as part of the CSLC department, and can’t imagine a better context for my college years."
To view Meet Our Majors profiles, visit the main page.