Discontent As Resistance

THE CULTURAL - POLITICS OF ENGLISH STUDIES

Abstract

This paper attempts to identify and explore the varied ideological implications of English studies by constructing a contextual genealogy of the field as it travels from its inception in the colonial period to its contemporary context. It attempts to respond to questions concerning reading practices, pedagogic agencies, knowledge, production, disciplinary formations and identity politics. It is neither theoretically comprehensive nor chronologically systematic and does not discuss the rise of feminisms and translation studies as these areas demand fuller analysis than this space can afford. It prefers not to marginalize these issues with tokenist responses. The principal interest of this paper is to think through the problematic cultural-politics of the field so as to place it in perspective.