This course is an introduction to the study of the contemporary novel in English. We will explore the value of reading novels both for their own sake and for what they might tell us about the history, culture, and politics of the contemporary English language. We will read around three novels from the twenty-first century, along with relevant essays, keywords, and short stories. Authors read may include Zadie Smith, Bernadine Evaristo, Angie Cruz, Tommy Orange, Julie Buntin, Akwaeke Emezi, and Ocean Vuong.