The theoretical and somewhat controversial topic of the seminar, which deliberately mixes literary, critical, and philosophical materials, does not seem to have deterred applicants. More than sixty applications were received. The twelve applicants who were admitted were selected by a board consisting of Assistant Professors Marshall, Warminski, and myself. Criteria for admission were primarily based on (1) declared interest in literary theory, backed up by some publication, also and especially when the applicant's approach did not coincide with that of the seminar director and allowed for discussion and controversy; (2) some familiarity with the assigned reading material or with material of a comparable nature, especially where foreign languages are involved; (3) quality of independent project submitted by the applicant, as well as general strength of his dossier (authority of letters of recommendation, especially when they contain more than perfunctory praise, etc.). Criterion (2) proved to be an effective screening device for applicants who had little or no knowledge of foreign languages; in a seminar announced as Comparative Literature, some such knowledge seemed to be a more than legitimate requirement, especially since several of the assigned texts (Baudelaire, Hegel, Goethe, etc.), though they could be read in English, require familiarity with French or German.