It is a well-known if not uncontested fact that since the late 60's comparative literature has become largely synonymous with theory. Nevertheless, the history and theory of this relationship has yet to be written. Beyond providing a "home" for theory (albeit an uncanny one), does comparative literature benefit from this migration, and does theory benefit from its association in the United States with comparative literary studies? What is the relationship between the spatial demands of comparative literature as a "border-crossing" discipline and the need to theorize?

The session will consider all papers dealing with theory in its relation to comparative literature. E.g. Wellek and the French School; Deconstruction and the Yale School; the romantic origins of comparative literature; the relationship between comparative literature and philosophy; the "return to history"; etc.

Please send submissions by 9/15 to Paul Gordon, Comparative Literature, CB331, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309; or e-mail to: paul.gordon@colorado.edu