This area of study delves into the rich tradition of English literature in Great Britain, as well as the newer literatures that have emerged in English across the globe. Of particular interest is the role literature has played across a range of cultural contexts throughout history, both in terms of its functions and achievements. Literature is therefore viewed as an integral part of the culture of the modern era, in the widest sense of the phrase – encompassing cultural developments from the Middle Ages to the so-called "postmodern" era. More recent developments in the field, built on the concept of "literary studies as a form of media studies and cultural studies", form the basis for exploring the relationship between literary texts and other types of text and media, thus creating a productive link between literary and cultural studies. The ability to critically analyse and reflect on texts of any kind constitutes the core principle underlying teaching and learning in this area.

American Studies
American Studies at the University of Tübingen aims to understand the United States in all its complexity through the study of its cultures, history and society, as well as its interactions with other nations and peoples. American Studies is interdisciplinary, meaning that students use the tools and approaches from cultural studies, literary studies, sociology, history, political science, media studies, and other disciplines to engage with the American past and present. Crossing disciplinary boundaries allows American Studies to critically examine concepts such as race, gender, class, ethnicity, identity, values, and borders from different perspectives.