English Literatures and Cultures

This area of study delves into the rich tradition of English literature in Great Britain, as well as the newer literatures that have emerged in English across the globe. Of particular interest is the role literature has played across a range of cultural contexts throughout history, both in terms of its functions and achievements. Literature is therefore viewed as an integral part of the culture of the modern era, in the widest sense of the phrase – encompassing cultural developments from the Middle Ages to the so-called ‘postmodern’ era. More recent developments in the field, built on the concept of ‘literary studies as a form of media studies and cultural studies’, form the basis for exploring the relationship between literary texts and other types of text and media, thus creating a productive link between literary and cultural studies. The ability to critically analyse and reflect on texts of any kind constitutes the core principle underlying teaching and learning in this area.
Academic staff working in this area include:

Prof. Dr. Matthias Bauer (16.‐18. Jahrhundert)

Prof. Dr. Christoph Reinfandt (19.‐21. Jahrhundert)

Prof. Dr. Ingrid Hotz‐Davies (Gender Studies)

Prof. Dr. Dr. Russell West-Pavlov (English-Anglophone Literatures and Cultures)