Dr. Karen Leeder

Professor

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Biography

Karen Leeder is the Schwarz-Taylor Chair of German Language Literature at the University of Oxford and a Fellow at Queen's College. She began her academic career researching underground poetry and the art music scene that existed in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Her research interests include modern German culture, particularly focusing on post-1945 contemporary periods. She has published widely on various topics including GDR literature, poetry, women’s writing, and translation. Leeder is recognized as a prize-winning translator of contemporary German literature, having worked with prominent authors like Evelyn Schlag and Durs Grünbein. She has received numerous grants from institutions such as the British Academy and the Arts and Humanities Research Council. In addition to her research, she has taught poetry-writing and translation, contributing to various international literary festivals. Leeder has authored several significant works on German poetry and culture and continues to explore innovative intersections between creative and academic practices in her field.

Research Interests

Experience

Schwarz-Taylor Chair of German Language Literature

2016-09-01 — Present

University of Oxford • Oxford, United Kingdom

Leading academic in German language literature, overseeing research, teaching, and promotion of contemporary German culture.

Awards

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Griffin Poetry Prize

2025-01-01
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Schlegel-Tieck Prize

2021-01-01

Requirements for University of Oxford

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:24
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Politics, International Relations, Economics, History, Law, Philosophy or Sociology
Application Checklist
  • Three academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (1,000 words)
  • Two academic essays (2,000 words each)
Specialization Notes

Department of Politics and International Relations - Higher Level English requirement.