It publishes critical comparative essays on literature, cultural production, the relationship between aesthetics and political thought, and histories and philosophies of form across the world.

Comparative Literature Studies was first published in 1963 at The University of Maryland at College Park by the founding editors, Alfred Owen Aldridge and Melvin J. Friedman.

In January 2023, beginning with volume 60.1, Thomas O. Beebee became editor emeritus and Nergis Ertürk began her current term as editor-in-chief.

The journal is published under the auspices of the Department of Comparative Literature in the College of the Liberal Arts at the Pennsylvania State University.

The purpose of this competition is to encourage and recognize excellence in scholarship among graduate students and to reward the highest achievement by publication.

The award carries a monetary prize as well, including an honorarium and help with travel expenses to attend the American Comparative Literature Association meeting.