In this seminar, I report on a study of the transition between A Level English and University English, examining different manifestations of the discipline in different settings and suggesting implications for the teaching of the subject in schools and universities. I explore the contested nature of the English curriculum and some of the ways in which it enshrines cultural values whilst evading theoretical and conceptual underpinning (for instance in relation to literary theory and critical literacy). I briefly discuss projects relating to the teaching of poetry, literary theory and postcolonialism which emerged from this study of transition.

To watch online, please contact communications@education.ox.ac.uk