The Research Committee on Literary Theory is the literary theory section of the Association internationale de littérature comparée / International Comparative Literature Association (AILC/ICLA). It was formally established during the meeting of the Executive Council of the AILC/ICLA in Paris on 24 August 1985. It aims to develop theoretical studies relevant to the study of literature from an international point of view. In accordance with the Statutes of the AILC/ICLA, it attempts to realize this objective through international cooperation.

The Committee consists of no more than twenty, and no fewer than six members, including its two officers, the President and the Secretary. Other functionaries include Former and Honorary Presidents and Former Secretaries. Members are elected for three years with a possibility of re-election for another three years. Candidates for membership are nominated and selected by current members.

Each year, the Committee holds a workshop on an emergent topic in literary theory, hosted by one of the current members at his or her academic institution. Proceedings are regularly published as special issues of international scholarly journals or as edited collections of essays. News about membership activities are posted in the blog section of the Committee website.