Introduction

English Literature is one of Lancaster’s founding disciplines, and we draw on this 60-year history at the same time as we lead in the reimagining of literary studies – in particular, through creative engagements with literature.

We are, though, above all a welcoming community of literary critics and scholars focused on the development and future of our students. Drawing on our outstanding research and many celebrated publications, we teach all periods of literature from classical civilisation and the Middle Ages through to the twenty-first century, as well as many literatures from beyond Britain. Together with our wonderful students, we also explore literature’s intersections with everything from philosophy, religion, politics and place through to film, performance, music, art, video games, fashion, and even science.

In addition, we help our students to actively discover the many ways in which literature not only leads to employment but also speaks powerfully to the most pressing global issues. At the same time, our being so close to the Lake District and the archive-rich Wordsworth Grasmere provides excellent opportunities to study literature on location – as do our many special events held in Lancaster’s historic city centre, not least our annual student-led summer Shakespeare production and annual May Gathering (pictured above).