School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies

Further information

Our philosophy

English Literature at Portsmouth is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach to literary study. Therefore we encourage our students to examine the relations between literature and other creative forms (film, visual arts) or disciplines (history, cultural studies, philosophy, psychoanalysis).

This also means that the programme aims to provide a detailed understanding of literary texts while also exploring the socio-cultural contexts and historic conditions of literary production. Texts are selected from a wide range of periods from the Renaissance to the present day, and include 'popular' genres, other literatures in English and non-English literature in translation.

Questions of representation and cultural 'meanings' are central to the study of literature, and you are encouraged to develop a critical sensibility of the way in which different kinds of texts shape our experience of the world and our identity, and are in turn shaped by their cultural context of production.

You will be introduced to a range of critical and theoretical approaches necessary for the academic study of literature. As a result, you will have the opportunity to engage in stimulating and often challenging debates that arise from the dialogue between different theories and approaches.

The course aims to foster your skills in combining careful close readings and critical responses to both literary texts and literary & critical theory, with a focus on academic study which will broaden your knowledge of English literature, enhance your skills in critical thinking, and develop your abilities to express ideas effectively and persuasively in academic writing.

About the English literature section

The English Literature section is part of the School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies (SSHLS) and is based on Milldam Campus. In order to provide you with an interdisciplinary and well-rounded programme, our section works closely with other Schools in the University, principally the School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS) and the School of Creative Arts, Film and Media (SCAFM).

The English Literature team are a dedicated, dynamic and research-active group of highly qualified academics. Every team member has selected areas of teaching expertise, a range of research specialisms and designated administrative responsibilities. Full details of all our staff are available on the Staff pages.

The course has been designed and is regularly revised to offer you an up-to-date, intellectually stimulating and academically sound programme of study which will open a range of educational opportunities to its students.

Our home image

Our home image alludes to Nina Katchadourian's Sorted Books project.