Dr. James English

Biography

Jim English is the John Welsh Centennial Professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania and the founder of the Price Lab for Digital Humanities, where he served as Faculty Director from 2015 to 2024. He directed the Penn Humanities Forum from 2011 to 2018, overseeing the relaunch of the Wolf Humanities Center. He has held positions as Chair of the English department and interim Director of Cinema Studies. English received his MA from the University of Chicago and a PhD from Stanford, focusing on modernist and contemporary British fiction. He explores the sociology of literature, particularly the institutional and transnational dynamics within it, and has critically engaged with the mechanics of the literary awards industry. His notable works include "Economy Prestige: Prizes, Awards, Circulation Cultural Value," which was recognized as an Academic Book in 2005 by New York Magazine. He has authored various publications on literature, humor, and culture and has edited influential collections addressing contemporary issues in literary studies. His recent work, including "Beauty Numbers," investigates the history of rating and ranking systems in literature and art. English teaches a diverse range of courses, including globalization and literary awards, and has directed over 25 dissertations, significantly contributing to the field of English and Comparative Literature through his pedagogical efforts and scholarly contributions.

Research Interests

Courses