English Literature research

Overview

Research in English Literature at the University of Hertfordshire is flourishing, and the research group has expanded since the last national Research Assessment Exercise in 2008.

The success of the group can be measured not only by our diverse publications and by recent external funding success, but also by the wide range of activities that continue to be central to our research ethos.

What we do

• Rediscover ‘lost’ authors and texts
• Reshape literary reputations
• Cross disciplinary boundaries
• Redefine the literary canon
• Offer a focus for the study of popular culture

Research clusters

We have built up particular clusters of research strength:

• Early Modern Literature focuses on relationships between literature and intellectual discourse (particularly science and religion) in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
• 19th Century Literature explores British and American literary cultures in the 'long' 19th century, with particular emphasis on writing in its cultural contexts, and on theatre.
• Contemporary Literature and Culture focuses on 20th and 21st century fiction and film, notably science fiction, working-class writing, indigenous writing, and vampire fiction.  

These clusters offer individuals informal research support but are not ring-fenced.

Staff often contribute to more than one cluster in a way which enhances the liveliness of the research culture and the opportunities for dialogue.  

Shared themes that cut across period divisions include:

• place and environment
• literary legacies
• Gothic
• textual adaptation  

Working with us

Staff within the group welcome opportunities for collaboration with individuals or groups such as:

• researchers from other institutions
• local literary societies
• historical sites
• community partners
• enthusiastic research students