Comparative literature (sometimes abbreviated "Comp. lit.") is an academic field dealing with the literature of two or more different linguistic, cultural or national groups. While most frequently practiced with works of different languages, comparative literature may also be performed on works of the same language if the works originate from different nations or cultures among which that language is spoken. Also included in the range of inquiry are comparisons of different types of art; for example, a relationship of film to literature.

Students and instructors in the field, usually called "comparatists," have traditionally been proficient in several languages and acquainted with the literary traditions, literary criticism, and major literary texts of those languages. Some of the newer sub-fields, however, are more influenced by critical theory and literary theory, stressing theoretical acumen and the ability to consider different types of art concurrently, over high linguistic competence.

Paul Kramer (born September 6, 1933) is an American Republican Party politician. He served four terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he represented the 14th Legislative District from 1992 to 2000.

Kramer earned his undergraduate degree from Rider College, where he majored in a Accounting. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He was employed as Finance Director of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. Kramer served from 1966 to 1976 as the Assistant Comptroller for the City of Trenton, New Jersey, was chair of the Hamilton Township Improvement Authority from 1980 to 1984 and was a member of the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1985 to 1992.

Kramer was elected to the General Assembly in 1991 together with Barbara Wright, in a wave of Republican victories following voter dissatisfaction with Democratic Governor of New Jersey James Florio. The two were re-elected in 1993, 1995 and 1997. Kramer served in the Assembly on the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Labor Committee, and was Assistant Majority Leader starting in 1998. In the 1999 election, Kramer and Wright were narrowly defeated by Democrats Linda R. Greenstein and Gary Guear, with the incumbents losing votes in Hamilton Township, where Democrat Glen Gilmore won the race for mayor. The two losses were among the three seats Republicans lost in the Assembly in the 1999 elections, though they retained their majority. Kramer and Wright ran again in 2001, losing for a second time to Greenstein and Guear.