The Institute for World Literature (IWL) is a four-week summer program that brings together graduate students and scholars from around the world to study how literature is read, translated, and circulated across languages and cultures. Based at Harvard University, the IWL meets at a different host institution each year. Through seminars, small-group colloquia, and lectures, participants explore new approaches to comparative and world literature and share their own research.
The 17th session of the IWL is hosted by Hangzhou Normal University in China. It will take place at Hangzhou Normal University from June 28 through July 22, 2027. We have assembled a great team, including Nina Beguš (University of California, Berkeley), Guangchen Chen (Emory University), Michael Ka-chi Cheuk (Hong Kong Metropolitan University), Suradech Chotiudompant (Chulalongkorn University), Debjani Ganguly (University of Virginia), Paul Giles (Australian Catholic University), Shuangyi Li (University of Bristol), Rong Ou (Hangzhou Normal University), Haun Saussy (University of Chicago), Zrinka Stahuljak (University of California, Los Angeles), Galin Tihanov (Queen Mary University of London), and Delia Ungureanu (University of Bucharest). This session's special guest writer will be announced soon.
How to Apply
Process Timeline
Applications will be reviewed by the GCLR IWL admissions committee on a rolling basis beginning on November 15, 2026 running through January 16, 2027.
Please begin the process by sending a personal statement, writing sample, and CV to the GCLR Faculty Director, Professor Juan Pablo Lupi, by January 16, 2027.
Materials Requirements
The personal statement should not exceed 300 words and needs to contain a clear rationale for how you might benefit from attending HIWL, which seminars seem particularly useful to you, and who among the teachers attracted your attention. Click the button below to view the 2027 program overview and seminar schedule. The writing sample, which can be part of a past seminar paper or thesis, should not exceed 5000 words and needs to touch on world literature in one way or another. Applicants will be notified by the GCLR of its decision in late-January and then will apply directly to the HIWL, if accepted. Please check the HIWL website directly for information about their application process.
Useful Links
Institute Format
Program Overview
Seminars
Colloquia
Application