Department of English and Comparative Literature records, 1910s-1990s

Creator:
Columbia University. Department of English and Comparative Literature
Extent:
11.92 linear feet 24 containers
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

The department records include graduate student information cards (1910s-1960s) and Master's essays on microfilm (1960s-1990s), along with two indexes to identify essays found on microfilm.

Biographical / historical:

Although literary study has been part of Columbia's curriculum since its founding as King's College in 1754, the recognition of English as a distinct academic discipline at Columbia began with the appointment of Thomas Randolph Price as Professor of the English Language and Literature in 1882. In 1899 Columbia President Seth Low formed two separate departments: the Department of English Language and Literature, devoted to rhetoric, philology, and composition, and the Department of Comparative Literature, intended to represent newly emergent historical, cultural, and psychological approaches to literary expression. In 1910 these departments were merged as the Department of English and Comparative Literature. The intellectual breadth enshrined by this merger has marked the study of literature at Columbia to the present day.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located onsite.

Materials related to students or containing student information are restricted for 75 years from date of creation.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Department of English and Comparative Literature records; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

Location of this collection:
University Archives Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
uarchives@columbia.edu