BA English Literature and Politics

Program Overview

The BA English Literature and Politics program at the University of Reading offers an intellectually stimulating and interdisciplinary approach to the study of literature and political systems. This unique program allows students to explore the intersections between literature and politics, providing them with an understanding of how political ideologies, movements, and policies are reflected and shaped through literary works. Set within one of the UK's top universities, the program combines the analytical skills gained from studying literature with the critical thinking necessary to understand political systems, power dynamics, and global issues. Graduates of this program are equipped with a wide range of transferable skills, preparing them for careers in government, politics, publishing, media, law, and many other sectors.

Curriculum: The BA English Literature and Politics program at the University of Reading is designed to provide students with a balanced and comprehensive education in both fields. Students take core modules in English literature, exploring key periods, movements, and genres in British and international literature. They engage with canonical works from authors such as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Orwell, alongside contemporary writers, while also critically analyzing the social, political, and historical contexts in which these texts were produced.On the political side, students study core modules that cover political theory, comparative politics, political institutions, and global political systems. They explore the foundations of political ideas, the structure of different political systems, and the dynamics of power in both national and international contexts. The curriculum is designed to encourage interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to draw connections between literature and politics, exploring how literature influences political thought and how politics shapes literary works.In addition to core modules, students have the opportunity to choose elective modules that allow them to specialize in areas of personal interest. These might include topics like political ideologies, media and politics, global governance, and literary theory, providing students with the flexibility to tailor their degree to their career aspirations or academic interests. The program’s interdisciplinary structure allows students to approach political questions from a literary perspective and vice versa, giving them a deeper understanding of both fields.

Research Focus: The University of Reading is renowned for its strong research culture, and the Department of English Literature and the Department of Politics offer a robust research environment. Research within the English Literature department focuses on a range of topics, including postcolonial studies, modernism, contemporary literature, and the intersections between literature and other cultural forms, such as film and theatre. Faculty members engage in innovative research that examines the political dimensions of literature, including the exploration of how literature critiques, represents, and shapes political ideologies and movements.In the Politics department, the research focus spans various areas of political science, including political theory, international relations, public policy, and comparative politics. Faculty members are actively involved in researching global political issues, social justice, governance, and democracy. This interdisciplinary research environment ensures that students are taught by experts who are actively contributing to the field, allowing them to engage with cutting-edge scholarship and ideas throughout their studies. Students are encouraged to conduct independent research, with support from faculty and access to university research centers, where they can explore their academic interests in greater depth.

Industry Engagement: The University of Reading emphasizes the importance of industry engagement and practical experience, particularly in fields like English Literature and Politics. Through the BA English Literature and Politics program, students are encouraged to participate in internships, placements, and work-based learning opportunities. These experiences allow students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, gaining valuable skills that enhance their employability upon graduation.The University has strong links with a variety of industries and organizations, including political parties, think tanks, media outlets, publishing houses, and public policy organizations. Students may undertake internships in areas such as political research, government communications, media analysis, public relations, and publishing. These placements help students build their professional networks, gain hands-on experience, and develop a deeper understanding of how political theory and literature intersect in practice.Additionally, the University of Reading regularly hosts events, guest lectures, and seminars with industry professionals, politicians, writers, and journalists. These events give students the chance to interact with key figures in both the literary and political worlds, helping them stay informed about current trends and issues. The department’s focus on industry engagement ensures that students are well-prepared for the competitive job market upon graduation.

Global Perspective: The BA English Literature and Politics program at the University of Reading offers students a truly global perspective. Students are encouraged to explore political systems, movements, and conflicts from around the world, as well as examine how literature from different cultures reflects and influences political ideologies. This global outlook is further enhanced by the university’s international faculty, diverse student body, and opportunities for study abroad programs.The program emphasizes global political issues such as international relations, global governance, and human rights, as well as how literature from different regions addresses these topics. Students have the opportunity to engage with literature from a variety of cultures, including postcolonial, African, Asian, and Latin American writers, and explore how these works critique or respond to global political challenges. Additionally, the University of Reading offers study abroad opportunities, allowing students to experience different political systems and cultural contexts firsthand. These experiences broaden students' perspectives and enrich their understanding of both politics and literature in a global context. The university’s international approach prepares graduates for careers in global organizations, international diplomacy, cross-cultural communication, and more.