Chair Overview

The Chair of World Literature and Civilizations has a rather old and rich history. Initially, it operated in the form of chairs of Russian and foreign literature. In 1957-1962 the V. Zhdanov Russian Pedagogical Institute merged with YSU, the departments were integrated into the corresponding departments of Russian and foreign literature at YSU. From the founding of the Russian Pedagogical Institute after V. Bryusov in 1962 until 2007, the departments operated separately.

The Chair of Foreign Literature, which has been successively headed by distinguished specialists such as Doctor of Philology, Professor S. Soghomonyan, Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor G. Majaryan, Doctor of Philology, Professor L. Samvelyan, Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A. Gasparyan, Candidate of Philology, Professor E. Nuralov, Doctor of Philology, Professor E. Karabegova, has always been a scientific and educational center for world literature and culture. Prominent scholars such as G. Majaryan, Azatouhi Gasparyan, Margarita Aslanyan, Eleonora Ghukasyan, Nina Hayrapetyan, and Elena Karabegova have made significant contributions to the development of world literary studies in Armenia. In 2007, the Chairs of Russian and Foreign Literature merged under the "Chair of Literary Studies," which was later renamed the "Chair of World Literature and Culture" following the integration of the "Geography" specialization. Since 2007, the chair has been headed by Doctor of Philology, Professor Elena Karabegova, Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor Elena Etaryan, Shushanik Tamrazyan, and from 2012 to 2023 by Candidate of Philology, Professor Natalia Khachatryan. As of February 2024, the position is held by L. Safaryan.

The Chair of Russian Literature has been led by distinguished scholars, including Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor K. Ayvazyan, Doctor of Philology, Associate Professor M. Mirza-Avagyan, Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor E. Nuralov, Doctor of Philology, Professor S. Daronyan, Doctor of Philology, Professor S. Gulakyan, Doctor of Philology, Professor M. Amirkhanyan, and Doctor of Philology, Professor E. Aleksanyan.

Prominent scholars and educators such as Sergey Daronyan, Irina Atajanyan, Naira Seyranyan, Eduard Nuralov, Karen Saparov, Natalia Korkhmazyan, and Sonya Davtyan have significantly contributed to the development of Russian literary studies in Armenia.

Since its origin, the chair has been actively engaged in extensive scientific research. The tradition of the "Bryusov Readings" has brought international recognition to the chair, establishing it as one of the most significant centers for modern Bryusov studies. Additionally, the chair has organized "Zhivilegov Readings," "Gogol Readings," and "Griboedov Readings," as well as international conferences on "Current Issues in Literature and Culture" and annual "Literary Studies" conferences for young scholars. The Chair of World Literature and Culture conducts interdisciplinary research in literary history and theory, comparative literature, and Bryusov studies. Depending on their language specialization, students have the opportunity to focus on Russian, French, Italian, German, and Anglo-American literature. Courses are conducted both in the native language and in the target language of study.

The Mission and Objectives

Literature is a form of social consciousness that vividly expresses national thought, history, traditions, and unique worldviews. Knowledge of literary history contributes to a deeper understanding of the diversity and interconnectedness of cultural processes in different countries, as well as the patterns of global cultural development. It allows for comparisons between one’s own culture and foreign cultures, fostering creative potential.

The mission of the Chair of World Literature and Civilizations is to contribute to the cultural formation of future Armenian intellectuals, enrich their spiritual world, and enhance their understanding of the literary and historical-cultural values of other nations. The study of literature and culture, closely linked to related disciplines, also broadens students’ knowledge in fields such as geography, religion, philosophy, natural sciences, and the arts. It is particularly important to note that the courses taught at the department also enhance linguistic proficiency, as literary works are studied in their original language.

Functions and Activities

The Chair trains literary scholars, critics, lecturers, and literary consultants for publishing houses and editorial offices. Today, many of its graduates teach at various institutions, including Brusov State University (BSU). Some alumni work in Armenian and international institutions, literary and cultural journals, and actively participate in academic and cultural life at both national and international levels. The Chair of World Literature and Civilizations offers master's programs in "Intercultural Communication," as well as "English Language and Literature" and "Russian Language and Literature." Since 2013, these programs have been conducted in collaboration with Sorbonne University (Paris IV).

Research Activities

The department’s key research areas include:

Bryusov Studies as a traditional research direction,

The aesthetic norms of modernism and postmodernism and their application in various fields of art,

Issues in Anglo-American, French, German, and Italian literature,

Issues in Spanish and Latin American literature, including manifestations of magical realism in Latin American literature,

Comparative literature studies.

The department annually organizes the international conference "Current Issues in Literature and Culture," which brings together distinguished literary scholars and provides a platform for young researchers. Additionally, an inter-university conference for young scholars is held to encourage interest in literature and culture among students.

As part of the Francophonie Days, the department hosts "Literary Readings" each year. Since 2010, the department has organized the "French Literature Days" in Armenia, featuring lectures and readings dedicated to renowned French writers such as Marguerite Duras, Alain Robbe-Grillet, Jean-Paul Sartre, Jean Genet, Samuel Beckett, and Nathalie Sarraute. Professors from Sorbonne University, as well as faculty members and French-speaking students of the Chair of World Literature and Civilizations, actively participate in these events.