Crossing Cultures, Crossing Time
Convenors: Helen Ennis
This theme encourages scholarship that is oriented towards patterns of transaction and translation between cultures around the globe. It has the world as its focus and encourages comparative, transnational, intercultural and translational modes of research in the humanities and the social sciences. While analysis of particular national, cultural, ethnic and religious imaginaries remains critical, comparative research that transcends conventional national and area studies frames of reference and that reaches across times will prompt fresh insights.
Cross-cultural research is especially timely in this era of global politico-cultural conflict and unprecedented levels of cultural contact and exchange; but its relevance to studies of ancient and pre-modern worlds is equally significant. Cultural interchange is not a new phenomenon. Its study in past and present, nevertheless, benefits from analysis informed by contemporary transdisciplinary fields such as postcolonial, globalization and diaspora studies.
Borders that traditionally divide disciplinary approaches will be crossed through theme activities designed to explore methodologies best suited to examine shifting expressions and meanings of culture across time. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will have a place, as will new modes of collecting, storing and analysing data, from prehistoric flints to pod-casts.
All activities undertaken through this theme will be linked to the university’s teaching activities and provide advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students opportunities to enrich their courses of study. Master classes, workshops, and visiting scholars programs will connect research and teaching and provide training opportunities for early-career researchers. In addition public outreach in the form of exhibitions, lectures by faculty and visiting fellows, as well as conferences will forge a dynamic connection to the wider campus and community.