Skip to main content

Staff Profile

Professor James Annesley

Acting Dean of Culture and the Creative Arts | Professor of Contemporary American Literature

Background

I am currently Acting Dean of Culture and the Creative Arts, working with colleagues from across the University and a host of regional and national organisations to shape the strategic direction for the University’s cultural partnerships. Linking partners  with our  teaching and research strengths in culture and the creative arts, my work involves supporting and planning sector focussed activity and contributing to the University’s broader place and engagement strategy.


My role as Acting Dean builds on my previous experience as Head of the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics (2013 - 2022), a position that gave me real familiarity with  working with  cultural sector organisations, charities and partner institutions.



Qualifications

DPhil, Contemporary American Literature, University of Sussex.


MA, Twentieth Century Literature, University of Sussex.


MA, English Literature, University of Edinburgh.

Research

I’m currently researching contemporary book culture in Scotland, a project  that looks to understand the contribution Scottish cultural organisations, literary festivals, creative retreats, the cultural industries and the heritage  sector make to contemporary Scottish Literature and asks about the influence and impact these institutions have on both the kinds of writing being produced and the ways in which it is interpreted and valued.


More broadly, my research interests can be summarised as follows:      

  • The influence of organisations, institutions and cultural ecologies on contemporary literary production
  • Contemporary American literature
  • Contemporary Scottish literature
  • Literature and globalization
  • Literature and consumerism


I welcome applications from student looking to undertake  postgraduate research  in the following fields: 

  • Contemporary literary production contexts (including literature organisations, literary festivals and live literature events; writing retreats; the influence of the heritage and tourism sectors)  
  • Contemporary literature and culture 
  • Contemporary Scottish literature 
  • American literature 
  • Contemporary literature and consumer society
  • Globalization and literature

 

Teaching

My teaching usually involves me  working on modules focussed on  American literature, contemporary British literature and literary theory.  

  • In semester 2 of 2022/23, I will be teaching SEL3428, 'Freedom and Imagination: US Literature, 1850 -1900'.

Publications