English Teaching

A combination of retirements and moves away to other universities led to the need to appoint a new CTO in English in 2005. English and many of the other subjects featured on these web pages are core subjects, historically and actually. It is very difficult to imagine a college that didn't offer these subjects (English, Law, Economics and Music) being successful and the relationship between the subjects in a college is organic: the loss of any one of these would have a significant negative impact on those remaining.

English at Robinson is thriving: students come here because they are passionate about literature. This passion shows itself not only in their rigorous approach to their academic work – our students consistently perform extremely well in the University Tripos examinations – but also in the various extra-curricular activities in which they are engaged, from dramatic production (Robinson boasts the best college auditorium in the university, as well as the only outdoor theatre) to poetry recitals.

We are committed to nurturing the academic development of our students – which is a far broader, far more important thing than mere examination tutoring. In addition to the university-wide lectures in English that are open to everyone from all colleges, our students are taught several times per week in groups of up to four people (with much work conducted in pairs, and all dissertation and portfolio work, one-to-one). In this close ‘supervision’ system it is possible for teachers to be highly responsive to the particular needs of the individual. Students are encouraged not only in what they learn, but in how to learn. Detailed feedback on weekly essays helps students to write (and think) with greater clarity; the opportunity for discussion allows them to develop their ideas and to take intellectual risks in an environment where they feel comfortable and supported.

Dr Michael D. Hurley completed his PhD in English at Pembroke College, Cambridge, before taking up his Fellowship, and the role of Director of Studies, in English at Robinson in 2005. His research ranges across nineteenth and twentieth century literature, with an especial interest in poetry. He has published widely in this period, but also much outside it (on Dante's "Commedia", for instance), as well as on interdisciplinary interests in linguistics and philosophical aesthetics. He is currently working on a book on Victorian Verse-Styles. In 2007, Dr Hurley was awarded an Early Career Fellowship at the Centre for Research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CRASSH); in 2008 he is spending part of his sabbatical as a visiting scholar at Harvard. Dr Hurley plays an active role in the academic life of the college, not only as a College Lecturer and Director of Studies, but also in organising poetry recitals and in the inauguration of an interdisciplinary seminar, which stages stimulating fortnightly debates on poetry and poetics.

The College has funds in place for the present postholder for a limited period of time and is seeking additional donations in order to support the post of Director of Studies and Fellow in English in the long-term.

To make a gift to support College Teaching, download the donation form. Thank you!