Bertrand Westphal

Bertrand Westphal serves as Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Limoges, France, holding this position continuously since 2001 after previously serving as Maître de conférences (Associate Professor) at the same institution from 1998-2001. His international academic experience includes teaching French at Italian universities (Università degli Studi di Milano and I.U.LM. Milano) from 1987-1998 and visiting professorships at University of North Carolina Charlotte (2013-2014) and Texas Tech University (2005).

Westphal's scholarly profile centers on pioneering the Geocritical approach to literary studies, with research spanning:

• Novel theory and analysis
• Postmodern literary movements
• Geocriticism (spatial theory in literature)
• World literature frameworks
• Temporal studies in narrative

His leadership includes former Vice-Presidency for International Relations of the French Society for General and Comparative Literature (SFGC) and co-founding the European Network for Literary and Comparative Studies (REELC). In 1999, he established the research center Espaces Humains et Interactions Culturelles at Limoges University along with the book series Espaces Humains.

Recognition for his contributions includes:

• Scientific Excellence Prize (2013)
• Extensive international lecturing across European, American, and African universities

Westphal maintains active scholarly engagement through his research center while continuing to develop geocriticism as a significant methodology in contemporary comparative literature studies.