News archive - 2014

The Annual Fund supports five projects across the College of Humanities

Initiatives from the College of Humanities successfully received funding last term including a postgraduate conference, a language exchange project and a student-led magazine.

Scandalous bodies and our relationship with food

Attitudes toward over-indulgence, obesity and body shape were being hotly debated and used for political purposes as early as the 19th century, a new book claims.

New approach to funding required for more effective collaborative research

A working culture and longer-term approach to funding that reflects the changing landscape of heritage science is essential for delivering impactful research, a team representing several of the UK’s foremost cultural and academic institutions has found.

Exeter historian shortlisted for new US military history prize

University of Exeter historian, Professor Richard Overy has been shortlisted for a new American military history prize for his book ‘The Bombing War: Europe, 1939-1945’.

University of Exeter AHRC DTP Open Event

The University of Exeter will be hosting an Open Event to provide those interested in applying for AHRC DTP funding with an opportunity to learn more about studying for a PhD with Exeter.

A new app brings to life tenth century Exeter Book for Devon children

A ground-breaking new app will unlock the secrets of a unique tenth century manuscript for schoolchildren.

Seasonal awareness a traditional way of life

A celebration of the traditional connections between human lives, the seasons and the natural world form the basis of a new book by University of Exeter academic, Professor Nick Groom.

The Paddon Award 2014 - an arts competition for students, staff and alumni

The University of Exeter is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2014 Paddon Award.

The College of Humanities offers 13 paid student internships to support cutting edge research across the College

These exciting new roles aim to involve undergraduate and postgraduate taught students in a selection of the research and scholarship projects that are being carried out across the College.

Valentine's lessons in love

Unrequited love may be a thing of the past this Valentine’s with the help of an English literature expert from the University of Exeter.

Exeter professor's research inspires UNESCO Cultural Route in Turkey

Exeter professor assists UNESCO in developing Turkey’s first 400 mile equestrian riding route.

Humanities students elected as President and Vice President of Education of the Students’ Guild

Theology and Religion student Rachael Gillies and Classics and Ancient History student Ben Street have been elected the Students' Guild’s President and Vice President of Education respectively.

Dr Will Higbee visits internationally renowned Berlin Film Festival

The ten day festival is one of the world’s oldest and most important international film galas. Dr Higbee will document his experiences on the College of Humanities’ blog.

Report shows lack of knowledge about World War One's global impact

A widespread lack of understanding of the global scale and impact of the First World War has been revealed in a new report.

The College of Humanities announces MA Classics and Ancient History scholarship

The College is delighted to announce that it will be offering one full-fee scholarship to provide an opportunity for a Greek student to come to the UK to study on the MA Classics and Ancient History programme.

Influential international rankings place College of Humanities subjects amongst the world’s best

English has been recognised as being amongst the Top 50 in the world in this year’s QS World University Rankings by Subject.

English lecturer takes part in staff exchange with the University of South Florida

Dr Paul Williams, an English lecturer from the University of Exeter, visited the University of South Florida (USF) last week to meet with members of the English department.

Associate Dean of Research visits Calcutta to explore avenues for multi-disciplinary collaboration

Professor Andrew Thorpe, travelled to India to consolidate relationships and develop research links with the University of Calcutta and the Centre for Studies in Social Science, Calcutta.

Award winning historian Antony Beevor to deliver public lecture at Exeter

The award winning writer and historian Antony Beevor will visit the University of Exeter on 26 March 2014 to deliver a public lecture on ‘Global Aspects of the Second World War’. 

Academic adds expertise to new BBC series on Asian migration

The 1950’s was a time when Britain desperately needed workers from its former colonies to regenerate its post-war economy. BBC Radio 4 is broadcasting a new three part series about the tens of thousands of migrants that came to Britain from the Indian subcontinent. 

BBC reveals Dartmoor treasures with support from Exeter archaeologist

A rare and "amazing" burial discovery dating back 4,000 years has been described as the most significant find on Dartmoor: it is the subject of a new BBC2 TV programme on Sunday at 6.30pm.

Humanities academics contribute to BBC WW1 centenary broadcasts

 As part of the BBC’s WW1 centenary programmes key academics from the University of Exeter are contributing to an assortment of high profile broadcasts. 

Queen to honour Exeter historian with MBE

Historian Dr Todd Gray has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for his voluntary services to Devon heritage. 

Beth wins Student Mentor of the Year

Bethany Partridge, a Senior Student Ambassador for the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, has won the Student Mentor of the Year Award given by Brightside, a charity that helps young people access career and education opportunities.

A very special suitcase

They may look battered and tired but three very special old suitcases will soon be travelling around schools and communities in Cornwall.

College of Humanities announces collaborative AHRC scholarship with Tate

Applications are invited for a Collaborative Partnership Award to research and study the history of Tate’s involvement with performance and performative art. 

Exeter Archaeologist hits the front page of New Scientist

The research of Professor Bruce Bradley recently featured on the front page of New Scientist magazine. The article investigates how stone tools can help us to trace the evolution of the brain.

The Poet Who Loved the War documentary presented by Exeter academic

Ivor Gurney, soldier-poet and composer, is the subject of a ground breaking new documentary to be televised on Sunday 30 March as part of the BBC’s programming to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Royal recognition for research on Ireland and the First World War

A University of Exeter historian was invited as one of a small group of VIPs to be individually presented to the Queen at a Buckingham Palace reception in advance of the visit of the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins, in April.

Sex and History: Talking sex with objects from the past

A ground-breaking initiative from the University of Exeter, the Sex and History project, is offering schools a new way to tackle difficult topics in sex education.

Drama department signs student exchange agreement with University of Texas at Austin

The College of Humanities and the Drama department were delighted to host Prof. Brant Pope, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas at Austin on 31 March.

Student research internships prove a success across the College of Humanities

The College of Humanities has successfully recruited 14 students to support a wide range of research and scholarship projects. This is the first time the scheme has been run across the College and over 170 students applied for a position. 

Students curate an exhibition at the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

The College of Humanities encourages innovative assessments beyond the traditional essays and exams. In the level 3 Film Studies module ‘British Screens’, students are able to curate their own exhibitions for public display in a museum. 

Modern Languages finalists celebrate with staff and alumnae

On 19 March, over 100 finalists attended a Modern Languages Celebration hosted by staff from the Department and the College of Humanities. Modern Languages alumnae, Amanda Town and Ashleigh Williams, were also in attendance and gave a brief talk discussing how their degree has helped to shape their careers.

Project explores innovative art and performance in San Francisco

On Saturday 12 April 2014, Professor Nick Kaye will deliver a talk at the Yerba Buena Centre for the Arts in San Francisco about his latest project, SiteWorks. The project presents memories, traces and archival remains of past ephemeral art and performance in San Francisco between 1969 and 1985.

Three projects from the College of Humanities gain support from the Annual Fund

Each year, the Annual Fund supports projects across the University that benefit the wider student experience.

Interactive Web APP supports events at Exeter food festival

The University of Exeter is involved in the launch and development of an interactive Web App, Placeify which is being used at this year’s Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink.

Free performance brings Exeter's past to life this Bank Holiday weekend

On Friday May 2nd, performers in Exeter’s Guildhall will bring the city’s theatrical history back to life.

Decolonisation of British and French Empires

Britain’s impending withdrawal from Afghanistan and France’s recent dispatch of troops to the troubled Central African Republic are but the latest indicators of a long-standing pattern.

Landscapes and identities of West Penwith and Helman Tor

A new project exploring the way people think and form ideas about their identity in relation to the landscapes of West Penwith and Helman Tor will be part of a touring photographic exhibition in Cornwall. 

Successful PGR Student Conference showcases wide variety of research across the College

The College of Humanities Postgraduate Research Student Conference 2014 took place from 28 to 29 April in the Queen’s Building, Streatham Campus.

Humanities strengthens top ten position in The Complete University Guide

The University of Exeter is in the top ten of 123 UK universities for 2015 in the influential Complete University Guide, published on 12 May 2014.

Exeter student's film starring The Killing actor selected for Cannes

A short film by a University of Exeter film student has been selected to be showcased as part of Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. 

Humanities triumph at the Students' Guild Teaching Awards

Students, academics and staff gathered on 1 May to celebrate the 2014 Teaching Awards. The College of Humanities is celebrating great success with five winners and five runners-up.

Pop up film screening inside Museum of Cinema

The latest pop up cinema event to hit Exeter involves the takeover of the University of Exeter’s Bill Douglas Cinema Museum by the PUNY GODS! who specialise in showing films in unusual places.

World's most prestigious libraries open their doors to UK academics

Thirty postgraduate students and early career researchers have been offered the opportunity to enhance their research with a fellowship at some of the world’s most prestigious libraries and research institutions. 

Exeter secures funding for Cornwall to participate in a national festival of the humanities

The University of Exeter has been awarded funding to hold a series of events as part of the UK’s first ‘Being Human’ inaugural festival of the humanities, which will run from 15 – 23 November 2014.

BBC Radio 3 selects Exeter academics as new broadcasters

BBC Radio 3 and the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s (AHRC) nationwide search for academic broadcasters to turn ground-breaking ideas into fascinating programmes has been confirmed.

Archaeological excavation in Devon wants volunteers

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work on an archaeological excavation? An opportunity has arisen for budding archaeologists to participate in this year’s excavation at Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot.

Gone with the Wind 75th anniversary talk

The epic film Gone with the Wind marks its 75th anniversary this year. Scarlett O’Hara, the ultimate southern belle and heroine, forms the basis of a re-released book Scarlett’s Women: Gone with the Wind and its Female Fans which explores the film and why it appeals to a wide female fan base. 

Cornish myths inspire new children's book produced by student-led university press

Did You Know There Are Dragons in Cornwall? Is the title of a new children’s book recently published by Penryn Press a brand new publishing house created by students from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

Humanities subject success in The Guardian University Guide 2015

The College of Humanities has enjoyed significant success in the latest Guardian University Guide, with five subjects ranked firmly within the top ten in the UK. 

Centenary celebrations of Brazil versus Exeter City FC

With the World Cup kicking off in Brazil, a special website and programme of events are being created to commemorate the historic match between the hosts and Exeter City Football Club 100 years ago. 

Exeter Modern Languages student reaches finals of Languages Undergraduate of the Year competition

Earlier this year, Modern Languages student Amy Williams made it through to final stage of the Languages Undergraduate of the Year competition, beating off fierce competition from over 600 other hopefuls.

University of Exeter strengthening Humanities links with China

A delegation of 12 academics from the English and Modern Languages departments will be travelling with Professor Nick Kaye to China from 18-26 June 2014.

Students undertake 48 hour film making challenge

The Change Agents Film Practical Skills project gave participants 48 hours to script, shoot and edit a short film. 23 students from across the University came together in early May to gain practical film making experience and skills.  

Facial injuries and surgical advances exhibition

Soldiers in World War One with serious facial injuries are the catalyst for a research project and a new exhibition.

Visit by Professor Wang Jihui widens collaboration between Exeter and Peking University.

The College of Humanities was delighted to welcome a second visit from Peking University (PKU)’s Professor Wang Jihui, Director of PKU’s Masters in Translation and Interpreting.

Imagining the suburbs research event and book launch

The suburbs spread far and wide beyond city boundaries yet are rarely celebrated as places of cultural interest or excitement. 

The Risk Taker’s Survival Guide wins the Ramillas Sheffield Interactive Fund Award

A new interactive documentary developed by Senior Lecturer Dr James Lyons, has won a 3000 euro award from an angel investment company at the recent Sheffield International Documentary Festival.

Dr Ayesha Mukherjee awarded large AHRC Early Career Research grant

Dr Ayesha Mukherjee has been awarded an AHRC Early Career Research grant of £231,144 for a project comparing cultural responses to famines in early modern India and Britain.

WW1 soldier poet and composer Ivor Gurney shines bright at the BBC Proms

Archival research brings to light previously unheard, as well as rarely performed chamber, orchestral and choral works by World War One soldier, poet and composer Ivor Gurney.

From archaeometallurgy in Telangana to flashmobs in Delhi: Exeter-NIAS postgraduate programme continues to thrive.

In April, staff from the College of Humanities and International Office travelled to the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Bangalore to discuss the ongoing development of the Exeter-NIAS split-site postgraduate degree programme.

‘Amazonian savannah’ supported ancient civilizations before rainforest took over

Large parts of the Amazon basin may have supported farming communities and looked more like open savannah than rainforest, prior to the arrival of Europeans in South America, scientists have found.

Festivals, symposia and political documentaries: the Annual Fund supports innovative projects across Humanities

Each year, the Annual Fund supports projects across the University that benefit the wider student experience. At the end of term, three projects originating from the College of Humanities were awarded funding.

Rediscovered World War One novel turned into play

A lost novel by a popular World War One soldier poet has been discovered in a garage and turned into a play which is soon to be performed at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.

Ipplepen Archaeological dig in the driving seat

A Roman road discovered on an archaeological dig has repairs to the road surface, showing that pot holes in Devon's roads are nothing new.

Mapping legal crossroads of Empire summer exhibition

The Commonwealth Games is not the only one attracting a global audience, with the opening of an exhibition highlighting what was formerly the highest court of appeal for most colonies of the British Empire.

The fantasy world of Ray Harryhausen comes to Devon

Ray Harryhausen is a legendary figure in the history of animation through the models that he created for films such as Jason and the Argonauts, One Million Years B.C, and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad.

First World War postcards from 2014 to 1914

Hundreds of postcards have been written to those affected by the outbreak of the First World War from people today, as a form of memorial and recognition.

First World War announcement given historic perspective

As part of the World War One centenary and its outbreak on 4 August 1914, University of Exeter historian Dr Catriona Pennell will be looking back at how Britain entered the war on BBC Radio 4’s World Tonight for a special hour long edition from the Imperial War Museum.

Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou to address the World Humanist Congress 2014

The World Humanist Congress, held every three years, is a unique event bringing together humanists from all over the world. This year’s event will be held in Oxford between Friday 8th and Sunday 10th August 2014.

College of Humanities students amongst the happiest in the UK

Students from the College of Humanities are amongst the happiest in the country, according to the latest results from the National Student Survey (NSS) 2014.

Hidden Florence revealed through new history tour App

An opportunity to experience an unseen side of Florence is now possible via a new smartphone App which brings the past to life through the eyes of an ordinary 15th century Florentine.

Honorary Fellow John Somers presented with American Higher Education Award

Honorary fellow and former Drama member of staff John Somers has received a prestigious Award for Leadership in Community-based Theatre and Civic Engagement from the US-based Association for Theatre in Higher Education.

Successful trip to China results in a wide range of potential future collaborations

In June a delegation from Humanities, the largest ever from one single college, travelled to China to visit the Universities of Peking and Fudan to explore new ways of collaborating together in the future.

Alumna wins translation prize

The powerful story of an Iranian girl held in prison was turned into a prize winning translation by alumna Lesley Lawn.

Exeter academics elected to the Academia Europaea

Exeter academics in both the Arts and Sciences have been honoured with election to the prestigious Academia Europaea.

University of Exeter recognised for advancing gender equality in the arts

Five universities and 17 individual departments have today been recognised for their progress in advancing gender equality in arts, humanities and social science careers in higher education. 

Film student secures Library of Congress fellowship

A PhD Film student has won a prestigious fellowship to enhance their research at the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. 

Collaborative Magic in Malta research project receives AHRC grant funding

The Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) awards £233,831 to IAIS and History academics exploring magic in early 17th century Malta

Lord of the Flies 60th anniversary marks handover of Golding archive to University

Lord of the Flies, the classic novel by William Golding, marks the 60th anniversary of its publication on 17 September.

Humanities disciplines bolster success in Times and Sunday Times League Table

All Humanities subjects taught at the University of Exeter are now ranked in the top 10, of the Times and Sunday Times University 2015 League Table 

Eureka moments between the sciences and the arts

Exeter academics have secured two of seven research awards to explore the cutting edge relationships between the sciences and the arts and humanities.

RAW talent from Exeter’s Drama graduates

The RAW Emerging Arts Platform will showcase some of the most exciting drama graduate performances in the UK, at the Exeter Northcott Theatre, from 2 to 4 October 2014.

Exeter archaeologist ensures thousands of Roman coins in Devon are recorded

A hoard of 22,000 Roman coins has been unearthed on land near Seaton in Devon.

The College of Humanities maintains its strong position in THE World University rankings

Following the success of last year’s results, the College of Humanities has improved on its overall score this year and maintained its strong global position of 65th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

University of Exeter Historians contribute to conference on the First World War

On Saturday 11 October three of the University of Exeter’s leading historians will be speaking at the Devon History Society’s annual conference, examining some of the continuing questions about the First World War.

Rural traditions book shortlisted for folk award

An acclaimed book about English rural traditions has been shortlisted for a national folklore award.

India-Exeter partnership goes from strength to strength

The College of Humanities recently welcomed a number of Professors from Bangalore's National Institute of Advanced Studies.

Military historian shortlisted twice for major international awards

One of the world’s largest history prizes, has shortlisted ‘The Bombing War: Europe 1939-1945’ by University of Exeter historian, Professor Richard Overy. 

WW1 soldier's diary revealed through tweets

The diary of a Cornish soldier from the Great War is being serialised through daily tweets during the centenary year of World War One.

BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival showcases Exeter academics

Two Humanities academics from the University of Exeter will be recorded in front of an audience at BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking Festival of Ideas at the Sage, Gateshead. 

Creatively exploring mental health

A workshop to increase awareness of alternative approaches to treating mental illness and fostering wellbeing is being held at St Stephen’s Church, High Street Exeter on Friday 7 November. 

What it means to be human: a festival of ideas in Cornwall

The Cornish landscapes and sea provide inspiration for a festival using the arts to explore the way people live and relate to in their local environments and communities. 

Exeter Humanities student receives High Commendation from the international Undergraduate Awards

Final year Flexible Combined Honours student Cherrie Kwok has been awarded a High Commendation from The Undergraduate Awards 2014 for her essay “The Knowledge of Good and Evil: The Relationship Between Genesis and J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye.” 

Alumna appointed as Young Poet Laureate for London

At age 21, Aisling Fahey (English 2014) has been appointed as Young Poet Laureate for London. She graduated from Exeter in July. 

Four Mobile Apps developed by College of Humanities researchers

Academic researchers from the College of Humanities have developed four distinct mobile app projects, reinforcing the College’s reputation as a leading centre for digital engagement, creative economy and knowledge exchange.

Exhibition reveals how Victorian artists reawakened the Gothic in the South West

From the spires of Truro Cathedral, to the rose window of Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), the South West boasts some of the finest medieval-style architecture in Britain – yet these landmarks were built in the 19th century.

University of Exeter AHRC DTP Open Event

Later this month, the University of Exeter will host the AHRC DTP Open Event, appealing to those interested in applying for PhD funding through the AHRC South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership.

Nationwide search for new intellectual broadcasters

Early career researchers with a passion for communicating their research are being given the opportunity to create new programmes for BBC Radio 3

Exeter scores high with Leverhulme Trust awards

Humanities and Social Sciences academics have been extremely successful in a recent announcement from the Leverhulme Trust, securing four Major Research Fellowships. 

Humanities research rated world-leading and internationally excellent in latest national assessment

Over 75% of Humanities research at the University of Exeter has been rated as world-leading and internationally excellent in the first assessment of the research quality of UK universities since 2008, the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).

Exeter archaeologist contributes to new Roman Britain TV programme

A new TV programme telling the story of what life was like for Romans and Britons 2000 years ago involves a unique journey across Britain by helicopter with commentary from a University of Exeter archaeologist. 

The terrifying rise of the Gothic

To mark the 250th anniversary of the earliest Gothic novel, first published on Christmas Eve 1764 as a seasonal ghost story, a new edition of The Castle of Otranto introduced by a University of Exeter academic is now available.

Number one bestseller for Exeter archaeologist

A University of Exeter archaeologist’s book, about perishable material culture is the number one bestseller for 2014 Routledge titles across their Archaeology and Museum Studies fields. 

New book reveals a hidden Britain

Where is Cornwall on the map of Britain? It may be down in the bottom corner if you’re talking road maps or OS sheets, but that’s not the only way of thinking about the position of the county, according to a new book by a University of Exeter academic.