Foundations of Comparative Literature: For EFL University Students

Abstract

Foundations of Comparative Literature: For EFL University Students introduces responsible comparison across literary texts, languages, cultures, and media. Designed for international EFL university students, it assumes no previous university course in comparative literature and develops specialist concepts through clear academic English, short literary extracts, and carefully bounded claims. Its fifteen chapters progress from close reading and comparative questions to genre and narrative, cultural representation, literature in translation, themes and images, contact and intertextuality, readers and reception, world literature and circulation, canon formation, comparative literary history, power and belonging, adaptation and the arts, and integrated academic argument. Recurring extracts by Tagore and Tsurayuki, other credited historical texts, and clearly labeled teaching examples provide a focused teaching corpus. The textbook distinguishes evidence about an English translation from claims requiring source-language knowledge. Worked examples, chapter roadmaps, guided checks, five Practice and Apply tasks per chapter, review infographics, short quizzes, and complete explained answers support classroom and independent study. A glossary, subject index, sources, and optional reading extend the course. Approximately 35–45 classroom contact hours are suggested. Part of the Literary Studies branch of English Language Studies for EFL University Students. First Edition, Version 1 (2026). Project Director: Prof. Munassir Alhamami, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. Developed with assistance from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and NotebookLM, with final editorial responsibility retained by the Project Director. The complete digital edition is free. Except where otherwise stated, original content is licensed under CC BY 4.0; credited third-party material retains its stated terms. Series website: https://sites.google.com/view/els4efl/home AI-use disclosure: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and NotebookLM assisted with research, drafting, revision, visual development, and production of this textbook. ChatGPT Images generated the artwork used in the covers and illustrated learning visuals, combined with precise typesetting. The 32 roadmaps and infographics summarize the corresponding chapter or book content. The Project Director, Munassir Alhamami, is responsible for the final editorial decisions and released version.