Postgraduate Research Forums of Epiphany Term

The postgraduate research forums of Epiphany Term were well attended, and as always, the presentations generated exciting discussions.

Fuel of the Past and Teaching Phonics

The first research forum of Epiphany Term was held in January. A great success, it featured Indra Werthmann (Department of Archaeology) and Man ‘Abby’ Liu (Department of Education).

Indra presented on the material (and delicious) discoveries of Anglo-Saxon food consumption and how food was not only important as a source of energy, but also had cultural implications as an integral part of social activities. Abby told us about the use of phonics in teaching English as a second language, drawing on her wealth of experience as an English teacher in rural China.

Diasporic Rilke

February’s research forum saw Megumi Chou (Department of English) present on German poet Rainer Maria Rilke and the sense of homelessness in his literature. Megumi’s talk sparked an inspiring debate about diasporas and belonging in the twentieth-century nation-state.

Sarah Lovell (Department of English) was also scheduled to speak at this forum about Friedrich Nietzsche and how his works can be disentangled from the later appropriation by extreme-right movements. Unfortunately, Sarah fell ill and could not present but we hope to reschedule her talk for Easter Term.

Kosovan Networks and Mythic Jihadism

The third and final research forum of term was held in March with Chris Diming (Department of Anthropology) and Owen Stenner-Matthews (School of Government and International Affairs) speaking.

Chris showcased his deep knowledge of political networks in Pristina, reflecting a year’s fieldwork in the capital of Kosovo. Owen presented his research into jihadist discourse, questioning what is myth and what is fact in the ‘globalist’ agenda of jihadist groups in the Middle East.

What Research Forums Are

The postgraduate research forums take place once a month during term time, offering an exciting opportunity for postgraduate students in St Chad’s College to present their current research. The research forums also enable presenters to engage with a non-specialist audience and receive feedback on their work.

Usually, topics of different disciplines are juxtaposed to create an interdisciplinary space for collegiate academic debate, which often brings in unforeseen parallels between related fields of study. Research forums typically feature two 20-minute presentations, each followed by ten minutes for questions. All members of College are welcome to hear their fellow collegians talk and ask questions. Refreshments are usually provided.

In Easter Term, we look forward to two research forums (12 May and 2 June). We will also have an event where Master’s students can present their dissertation topics (6 June). Additionally, we will have an event where a number of undergraduate finalists will present their research (13 June).