Does Persian/Arabian-Gulf Comparative Literature Exist? An Exploration of the Practices of Comparatists in the Gulf Council Countries

Abstract

This article explores the practices of literary comparatists in the Gulf Council Countries (GCC’s). A historical survey is showcased to contrast the beginnings of comparative literature in the Arab region, remarkably in Egypt and the Levant with beginnings in the Gulf region in particular. Then, the unique output of the Gulf-based literary and cultural journals and magazines, which are not always run by university professors and academics, is of special interest as well. It also discussed the comparative literature practice in the Gulf universities, with special emphasis on the comparative literature courses, offered mainly by the departments of English and Arabic language and literature on both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Keywords

• persian/arabian gulf
• cultural journalism, comparative literature and literary criticism
• comparative literature and pedagogy