7 October 2013
National identity looms large in lecture and seminar series
The University of Dundee's Arts & Humanities Research Institute (AHRI) will this week begin a new programme of lectures
and seminars featuring internationally renowned academics showcasing the range of ground-breaking humanities research
taking place across the UK.
History, philosophy, economics, and film studies are among the disciplines to be covered during the AHRI Lecture and
Seminar Series 2012/13, with several events focusing on questions of national identity and Scottish politics in the run up
to next year's independence referendum.
The series will begin on Wednesday, 9th October when Professor John Izod from the University of Stirling leads a
seminar exploring the work of legendary film and theatre director Lindsay Anderson.
A further four lectures and seminars will take place before Christmas, while the second half of the series will commence
in January.
The AHRI is based within the School of Humanities at Dundee, and serves as a forum for research across the School's principal
disciplines of English literature and creative writing, history, philosophy and aesthetics. Academics from Dundee will deliver
the lecture programme, alongside colleagues from institutions across the UK and other countries.
Professor David Finkelstein, Dean of the School of Humanities at Dundee, said, 'This year's programme looks at all aspects of
the arts, demonstrating the breadth, vibrancy and relevance of the Humanities and why they play an essential role in our
cultural, social and economic life.
'This is particularly relevant as Scotland gears up to make the biggest decision in its history. Our speakers will be
addressing issues of identity, wealth and politics that will influence people's voting behaviour.
'This programme is a major part of our commitment to public engagement and interested members of the public are welcome
to join our invited speakers, staff and students to discuss some of the biggest issues arising from contemporary humanities
research. It is vital we share research with the communities that support us, whether they be academics we cooperate with,
schools and colleges we recruit from, or interest groups with which we share common concerns.'
Other events in the first half of the AHRI Lecture Series 2012/13 are:
- 23rd October. Professor Eric Robertson (Royal Holloway, University of London) - 'The Sound of Colour: Poetry, Painting and
Visual Music in the European Avant-Garde (1912-1920)'.
- 6th November. H. E. Mauricio Rodriguez Munera (Colombian Ambassador to the United Kingdom) - 'The Peace Process in Colombia'.
- 20th November. Professor Mike Kenny (Queen Mary University of London) - 'Anglo-Scottish (mis)understandings and the Future of
the Union'
- 11th December. Dr Trish Reid (Kingston University) - 'Staging Scotland: The National Theatre of Scotland and Shifting
Conceptions of Scottish Identity'.
All members of University staff and students, and interested members of the public are warmly invited to attend. More
information is available at www.dundee.ac.uk/humanities/artsandhumanitiesresearchinstitute/.
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902 |
