John McKeane

Dr. John McKeane is Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at the School of Literature and Languages, University of Reading. He serves as Research Division Lead and is actively involved in academic service as Membership Secretary of the Society for French Studies and as an external examiner for King’s College London. His work bridges French literature, literary theory, continental philosophy, and cultural studies.

Research Interests:

• French literary theory, particularly deconstruction and post-structuralism
• Philosophical thought of Maurice Blanchot, Jacques Derrida, Jean-Luc Nancy, Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe, and Sarah Kofman
• Translation studies and literary translation
• Philosophy of education, especially the French baccalaureate
• Cultural studies, including French popular music and plant humanities

His recent scholarly output demonstrates sustained engagement with the intersections of literature, philosophy, and pedagogy. Articles from 2023 to 2025 focus on figures like Nancy, Blanchot, and Cassin, exploring themes such as voice, pedagogy, art, and ancient thought. His translations include major works by Christophe Bident and Jean-Luc Nancy.

Scientific Contributions:

• Author of Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe: (Un)timely Meditations (2015)
• Co-editor of Blanchot romantique (2010) and Sarah Kofman and the Relief of Philosophy (2021)
• Translator of Maurice Blanchot: A Critical Biography (2018)
• Current monograph under contract: Sarah Kofman and Ancient Thought: Learning to Live at Last (OUP)

Advising and Grants: Dr. McKeane supervises PhD students on topics in Maghrebi literature, translation strategies, and dubbing practices. While specific grant details are not mentioned, his extensive publication and editorial work suggest active research funding and scholarly leadership.

Labs and Teams: He contributes to collaborative research through co-edited volumes and conference organization, such as the 2019 event on Sarah Kofman. He also produces public-facing academic content through YouTube lectures on French literature and philosophy.