Irodalomtudomány

Irodalomtudomány, often translated as literary studies or literary science, is an academic discipline dedicated to the study of literature. It encompasses a wide range of methodologies and theoretical approaches used to analyze, interpret, and understand literary texts. The field investigates the history of literature, its various genres, authors, movements, and the social and cultural contexts in which they are produced and received.

Core areas within irodalomtudomány include literary theory, which explores the fundamental principles and frameworks for understanding literature, and literary history, which traces the development of literary works and traditions over time. Comparative literature, another significant branch, examines literature across different languages, cultures, and national boundaries. Textual analysis and criticism are also central, focusing on close reading and interpretation of individual works.

The discipline draws upon insights from various other fields, such as philosophy, history, sociology, psychology, and linguistics, to provide a comprehensive understanding of literature's role and function in human society. Irodalomtudomány aims not only to appreciate literature but also to contribute to a deeper understanding of human experience, culture, and the power of language.