Focus in Comparative Literature collecting is first on literary theory materials applicable to all languages and literatures, and materials that do not fall under the purview of Tulane's departments and programs. Secondary attention is given to works in translation (normally excluded by language departments) and works on translation theory.
Works on deconstruction, ancient Semitic texts, Old Norse sagas, late medieval Latin texts, the literature of Renaissance humanism, ancient folk tales, legends and literature, and semiotic studies of Oriental pictographs are but a few examples of materials sought. Emanating from worldwide sources, and not exclusive to a particular department, they are representative of the world's literature and scholarship. Works in translation from all languages, especially those from Europe, the Near East, the Far East, and Africa, are actively sought, though translations from languages without formal representation anywhere in the curriculum may only be considered selectively.
Comparative Literature collecting excludes pop culture (mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance) prose and poetry, children's literature unless part of a collected author's canon, and inspirational or devotional literature.
