アメリカ文学に見る普遍性と文化理解　日本の大学生の視点による文化的比較 : アメリカ文学のテーマと自文化の関係性

This action research study investigated how 29 students in an English-medium American literature course at a Japanese university engaged with literary texts in terms of cross-cultural comparisons and universal themes. A combination of surveys, class discussions, weekly postlesson reflections, book reports and final presentations revealed that students not only deepened their understanding of American literature but also connected it to Japanese literature, culture and history. Students found personal relevance in themes including individualism, friendship, family relationships, identity and discrimination. The findings suggest that when students are taught historical context, encouraged to compare cultures, and reflect on themes they can personally relate to, they will engage deeply with American literature.