Adrian exuded an artist's aura when he arrived at the interview reminding
me of the writers whom I have met before. It is this kind of independence
of mind and intellectual creativity that make Arts students stand out
for me, I reckon.
Adrian majored in English Studies and Comparative Literature for his
Bachelor's Degree before proceeding to a M.Phil programme at the Department
of Comparative Literature. His research interest is mainly in the nineteenth-century
literature. According to him, studying Comparative Literature would
expose students to a wide spectrum of literary work. And Comparative
Literature tends to consider and read literature referring to five main
aspects:
- Visual Culture and Film Studies;
- Gender and Feminism;
- New Media and Global Studies;
- Literature and Theory Studies; and
- Postcolonial Hong Kong / China Studies.
You would have to explore and learn a lot about 'literature' in various
forms and genres, such as novels, poems, paintings, films and other
forms of Art. As a student of Comparative Literature you are required
to study analytically the texts in a comparative approach so that you
are going to discuss things in a far more interesting and illuminating
way.
Comparative Literature, Adrian said, encouraged students to develop
independent thinking and creativity in a unique way. For example, in
analyzing a text, such as that by Charles Dickens, he would not only
on his imagination alone, although imaginative power is absolutely essential
in doing anything. .He also had to make use of philosophical writing
and psychoanalysis, along with the relevant historical background to
read Dickens, in hopes of getting to some more powerful points in his
reading.
After graduating from the M.Phil programme, Adrian would like to pursue
further studies before launching a career as a writer, as a literary
critic, or a commentator or anything else that would interest him.
While BA students are allowed to choose to major in Comparative Literature,
students from other degree programmes are also welcome to do courses
offered by the Department of Comparative Literature, provided that they
are given permission from their faculty or department. And Adrian thinks
they should seize the chance if they are interested in art and literature.
The Department of Comparative Literature is offering programmes also
for postgraduate studies as well.
Adrian's advice to students is work hard, read as many books and watch
as many movies as possible, and get to know and probe into the mind
of the world's great artists and thinkers. Most important of all, keep
on thinking!
