News archive - 2015

Dr. Jason Hall contributes to first critical edition of Jezebel’s Daughter by Wilkie Collins

The latest edition of Jezebel’s Daughter will be published by Oxford University Press later this month as part of its Oxford World’s Classics series.

Mr and Mrs Disraeli: A Strange Romance

The union of a wealthy older woman who caused offence in polite society and a political nobody who would become one of the foremost politicians of the Victorian age is the subject of a new book.

Exhibition reveals the impact of WW1 on art and facial reconstructive surgery

A new exhibition exploring how facial injuries suffered by soldiers during the First World War have influenced artists and surgeons will open this weekend.  

Delve into the controversies of the British Empire with new free online course

The opportunity to explore the British Empire through stories of the individuals who contributed to its rise and fall and the themes of money, violence, race, religion, sex, propaganda and power is now available through a free online course.

Devon’s political history exhibition showcases electoral campaigns

The history of politics in Devon is the theme of a new touring exhibition, starting at the University of Exeter. 

New interactive BBC documentary stars Exeter academic

A ground breaking interactive BBC documentary series exploring some of the biggest questions facing mankind about its past, present and future features expert commentary from University of Exeter religion scholar Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou. 

Making the hidden history of Cornish migration count

Stories of emigration from Cornwall in 1851 overseas and to other parts of the UK are the first topic in the new series of research seminars led by the Institute of Cornish Studies (ICS), at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus on Saturday 14 February at 2pm in the Chapel Lecture Theatre.

Unpublished works of Spanish feminist writers uncover Spain’s hidden past

Spain’s most famous children’s author Elena Fortún and companion Matilde Ras, a fellow feminist writer, are the subject of a new anthology which uncovers previously hidden diaries, a series of unpublished literature and evocative letters between the two whilst in exile.

Skeletons uncovered at Ipplepen reveals major Roman cemetery

15 ancient skeletons have been discovered on an archaeological dig in Ipplepen, a major Romano-British settlement in Devon and now the best preserved Roman cemetery.

Study seeks to understand Amazonia's past to ensure its sustainable future

A new international project led by the University of Exeter will investigate the Amazon’s sustainable future by studying the way that ancient societies used and transformed the environment.

Exeter’s Classics and Ancient History Department takes Isca Latina from strength to strength

Over the past year, the University of Exeter’s Classics and Ancient History Department, together with the Classical Association, have overseen the creation of Isca Latina, an academic programme designed and delivered by students to teach Latin in local Primary and Secondary Schools. 

World experts meet to discuss sociolinguistics of East Timor and its Diasporas

Dr Francesco Goglia and Dr Susana Afonso from the Department of Modern Languages will host a workshop on the 20 - 21 February focussing on the complexities of language use within East Timor and its Diasporas. 

Wealth collides with debt in new theatrical production

Questions of power, wealth and politics are explored in a production which focuses on the global responses to and effects of austerity today. 

Tudor orchards and bloody rebellions in Devon

The popularity of Tudor history has reached new heights with the TV adaptation of Wolf Hall.

Classics and Ancient History academics share their research at the Leventis Lectures 2015

Last week, academics and alumni from the University of Exeter met to celebrate the Leventis partnership through two lectures which explored the Impact of Greek Tragedy and Food on later societies

First conference in the South-West to focus on Queer Studies research

‘Marginal Perceptions: Queer Voices in and beyond conventional disciplines’, is an international conference taking place in Penryn on Saturday 7 March that will focus on the latest in Queer Studies research 

New novel uncovers darkness and deceit in a rural setting

A sinister tale of an eccentric American visitor to a small Sussex town searching for stories about his grandfather forms the basis of a new novel, Scorper.

Celts of the world unite at major conference in Cornwall

All things Celtic are coming Cornwall’s way at this year’s annual conference of the Association of Celtic Students of Ireland and Britain. The event will be held at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus on Saturday 21 – 22 March and is open to both members of the public and students.

Legacy of archaeologist Mick Aston to enhance community engagement at Ipplepen

The College of Humanities has received a generous legacy donation from late archaeologist Professor Mick Aston, to benefit its Archaeology department.

New discovery: Queen Anne's coronation medal was designed by Isaac Newton

To mark Queen Anne’s coronation, a ‘highly political medal’ was issued, initially thought to be designed by Sir Godfrey Kneller turns out to be the work of Isaac Newton, who was Master of the Mint when Anne was crowned in 1702.

Strengthening of collaborations between Exeter and Peking University in study of Russian literature and culture

Recent exchange visits by academics continue to forge exciting existing relationships between Exeter and China in the area of Russian studies.

Easter baptism with BBC's Songs of Praise and Exeter theologian

As part of the Easter special on BBC ONE’s religious television programme Songs of Praise, a University of Exeter theologian will be exploring the practice of early Christian baptism and its symbolism of death and resurrection.

Humanities students selected to attend British Conference of Undergraduate Research

Four students from the College of Humanities have been invited to attend the upcoming annual British Conference of Undergraduate Research later this month.  

Magic, Malta and a Muslim during the Inquisition in 1605

Making a living by practising magic can have dramatic consequences, especially if you are a Muslim slave with mainly Christian clients at the time of the Inquisition in early 17th century Malta.

Exeter History professor launches World War II book for a new generation

Professor Richard Overy launches his latest work, The Oxford Illustrated History of World War Two

Queen of Crime's hidden talents revealed

Solving mysteries is the work of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple made famous by the creative hand of Agatha Christie; but few are aware of another of the author’s attributes – her astute business sense.

Spanish Ambassador attends Hispanic conference in Exeter

The University hosted a prestigious visit from the Spanish Ambassador, as part of the 60th anniversary events surrounding the formation of the Association of Hispanists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Complex cognition shaped the Stone Age hand axe

New research has shown that the ability to make a Stone Age hand axe depends on complex cognitive control and memory.

Sculpture is shimmering vision on Streatham Campus

A kaleidoscopic sculpture providing optical illusions is now located outside The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum on University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.

Drama department hosts performance of Beauty and the Beast by Quangzhou Gaojia Opera Company in collaboration with Shanghai Theatre Academy.

A production of Beauty and the Beast, combining Gaojia opera with puppetry, is being performed tomorrow at the University of Exeter.

All Humanities subjects placed in top ten of the Complete University Guide 2016

Disciplines from the College of Humanities have reinforced their positions amongst the best in the UK.

Exeter subjects ranked amongst very best in the world

Exeter has strengthened its position as being ranked amongst the world’s best universities, according to an influential international league table.

New online resource to explore fashion in Thomas Hardy's writing

A new online facility has been developed by the University of Exeter and Dorset County Museum to catalogue references to clothing in Thomas Hardy’s writing and the time in which he lived.

Historian contributes to new TV programme on Churchill

A University of Exeter historian is part of a brand new TV programme about Sir Winston Churchill on the Discovery Channel. 

Success for the College of Humanities at Students' Guild Teaching Awards

The College of Humanities achieved great success at the Students' Guild Teaching Awards, with four winners and four runners-up, more than any other College in the University.

New collection celebrates Cornish poet Jack Clemo

Jack Clemo, a writer whose work focused on the dramatic landscape of the china clay mining region near St Austell in Cornwall, is being celebrated in a new volume of poetry.

Suitcases travel around Cornish landmarks

An exciting project that will unearth the stories, traditions and histories connected with landmarks throughout Cornwall has been launched this month.

English student wins prestigious American Ambassador's Award

A national competition for the best undergraduate essay on any aspect of the American experience has been won by a University of Exeter, Humanities student.

New camera technology reveals body's hidden secrets

A dramatic way of seeing magnified parts of the human body is now possible through cutting edge filming technology. The BREATH project uses extreme slow motion and close up filming techniques to explore the ageing human body as a new landscape.

Exeter historian explores Churchill’s landslide election defeat in new BBC documentary

University of Exeter historian, Professor Richard Toye will feature in a new documentary on BBC Two about Sir Winston Churchill. 

Sharing Memories of cinema-going in the 1940s, 50s and 60s

An opportunity to share memories of going to the cinema in the UK during the 1940s, 1950s and 60s is being provided on 13th June at the University of Exeter’s Bill Douglas Cinema Museum between 2pm and 5pm.

Exeter historian contributes to BBC Armada documentary

The final episode of a three-part BBC 2 TV drama-documentary series Armada: 12 years to save England - Endgame will feature a University of Exeter medical historian on Sunday 7 June at 9pm. 

Guardian ranking means Exeter now top 10 in all UK league tables

The University of Exeter has been ranked as one of the top 10 UK universities in the influential Guardian University Guide 2016.

Drama alumna Samantha Baines triumphs at female comedy awards

Drama alumna Samantha Baines wins 'Best Newcomer' at What the Frock! Awards 2015

RAW returns with fresh talent from Drama students and graduates

The RAW Emerging Arts Platform will showcase some of the most exciting performances in the UK from Drama students and graduates, at the Exeter Northcott Theatre, from 11 to 13 June 2015. 

University to host a series of events for national humanities festival

The University of Exeter is hosting a series of events for Being Human 2015, the UK’s only national festival of the humanities.

A literary treasure trove awaits fellowship researchers

Two researchers from the University of Exeter will have special access to collections at some of the world’s most prestigious libraries and research institutions later this year. 

Spanish Embassy's Education Advisor, Dr Gonzalo Capellan, to support second Modern Languages colloquium.

The Spanish Embassy’s Education Office, the Cervantes Institute and DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) will again be supporting the Modern Languages colloquium, held this year at the University of Exeter on 26 June.

History of Labour Party explored in new book

The current battle for the leadership of the Labour Party is in full swing with televised show downs between the candidates hitting the airwaves.

Letters from famous writers to 'Tarka the Otter' author given to University

A fascinating collection of personal letters from a host of British literature luminaries to Henry Williamson, the author of Tarka the Otter have been donated to the University of Exeter.

How to handle a Greek tragedy

A new book that shows actors and directors how to handle scripts from Greek tragedies has been produced as a practical guide.

Milton and the South West

John Milton, the 17th century poet best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost has numerous links with the West Country that have remained unexplored.

Chronic pain relief explored by Exeter academic in BBC documentary

A University of Exeter academic will be exploring ground-breaking research into relieving chronic pain in a BBC Radio 4 documentary on 15 July at 9pm.

Ancient storage jar discovered under Roman Road

An archaeological dig in a rural Devon village is yielding more ancient secrets.

Exeter expertise helps shape a second BBC Radio 4 series on Asian migration

University of Exeter academic, Dr Florian Stadtler, has contributed further expertise to the BBC Radio 4 series Three Pounds in My Pocket.

Exeter alumnus appointed as Director of Tate Britain

Exeter alumnus Alex Farquharson has been appointed as the new Director of Tate Britain.

Object Stories: Making Films with the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum Collections

Just launched on YouTube, the Object Stories Project involved the creation of short films, in which academics discuss how they use artefacts from the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum for their research.

Do Beards Matter: Exploring health and humanity in the history of facial hair

Wellcome Trust funded project launched ahead of World Beard Day

Spotlight on Red Cross humanitarian ethos on its 50th anniversary

The Fundamental Principles which are central to the global humanitarian ethos of the International Red Cross Red Crescent movement will be analysed at a conference organised jointly by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the University of Exeter.

Passion for the Devonshire coast reignited with new project

The University of Exeter and Bath Spa University have joined forces to revive public interest in the natural history of the Devonshire coast. 

Penryn Campus Humanities lecturer wins international short story prize

English and Creative Writing lecturer Rob Magnuson Smith has been awarded the 2015 Australian Book Review (ABR) Jolley Prize for his short story “The Elector of Nossnearly.”

College of Humanities consolidates its UK-leading position in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016

Exeter has maintained its outstanding position at 7th in the prestigious The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide as well as being proclaimed Sports University of the Year.

Exeter academic selected as the 350th ‘Points of Light’ winner for the Care Homes Reading Project

English lecturer at the University of Exeter, Dr Johanna Harris, has been selected as the 350thPoints of Light’ winner by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Faerie Land exhibition to transform University of Exeter Forum

A groundbreaking exhibition inspired by the prominent English Renaissance poet Michael Drayton will open to the public in the Forum on 7 October 2015

Humanities students receive College Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence

Undergraduate students receive an academic award from Professor Andrew Thorpe

From Doorstep to Texas, University theatre project gains global recognition

A local theatre project based in Torbay has gained international recognition, thanks to one of its founders from the University of Exeter.

Exeter PHD Students awarded Library of Congress fellowship

Two University of Exeter postgraduates have won the opportunity to enhance their research at the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress in Washington DC, USA.

Exeter launches humanities festival with a touch of magic

The University of Exeter will launch a national humanities festival with a touch of magic this year as experts and academics come together to discuss our modern view of the mystical.

Over 100 PhD studentships available for 2016 entry

The University of Exeter is looking to build on its success in the Times Higher Education world university rankings and Research Excellence Framework, by offering over 100 funded PhD studentships for 2016 entry.

Humanities student receives High Commendation accolade from the international Undergraduate Awards

BA English graduate Anna Varadi has been awarded a High Commendation for the forthcoming Undergraduate Awards in Dublin, Ireland later this month.

Ninth edition of Times Complete History of the World edited by Prof. Richard Overy

The Ninth edition of the Times Complete History of the World is launched this month, with Prof. Richard Overy as the general editor.

Festival of Social Science: A fascinating insight into social science and its influence on our lives

Exeter academics will be demonstrating how our research is investigating the key issues in modern day life at a series of events.

Spotlight on Black British Theatre

A University of Exeter academic has conceived a documentary on the history of black British theatre and screen, presented by Sir Lenny Henry.

 

Early farmers exploited beehive products at least 8,500 years ago

Humans have been exploiting bees as far back as the Stone Age, according to new collaborative research involving the University of Exeter that is published in Nature today.

Plight of Syrian exiles showcased in film

A powerful and heart-warming film about a group of Syrian refugee women is being shown at the University of Exeter.

A new countryside legacy from Roman Britain

New research from the University of Exeter has found that the Roman influence on our landscape extends beyond the legacy of our urban infrastructure to also shape the countryside and our rural surroundings.

Salute to Shakespeare: interpretations of Shakespeare in Chinese opera and traditional Chinese puppetry.

This week the College was delighted to host a visit of staff and students from Shanghai Theatre Academy. 

Kenyon College President visits Exeter to mark 40th anniversary of programme.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the University of Exeter’s oldest partnership, Kenyon College President, Professor Sean Decatur, visited the University from 2-3 November. 

Tale of Siberian wilderness solitude filmed

A documentary showcasing the life of a Siberian cut off from society has been captured in a poignant film made with the involvement of a University of Exeter PHD student.

Successful trip to China results in a wide range of collaborations across Humanities and the University

Professor Emma Cayley, Dr Corinna Wagner, Dr Zhiguang Yin and Mr Richard Foord, travelled to China with the aim of deepening international cooperation.

Renaissance witchcraft expert joins In Our Time panel

A University of Exeter professor will be joining Melvyn Bragg and a panel of fellow experts to discuss the Salem Witchcraft Trials on Radio 4 this week.

Humanities graduate announced runner-up for Undergraduate Essay Competition

Harry McCarthy has been awarded the runner-up prize for the 2015 R. Gapper Undergraduate Essay Competition, run by The Society for French Studies. 

Innovative course receives commendation from Royal Historical Society

An online course run by leading historians at the University of Exeter has received a commendation from the Royal Historical Society (RHS) for excellence in the field of public history.

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.

Exeter academic appointed to lead the Arts and Humanities Research Council

Professor Andrew Thompson, Director of the Centre for Global & Imperial History at the University of Exeter, has been appointed as interim Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Professor Sally Faulkner to give her inaugural lecture, ‘Middlebrow Cinema: Between Literature and Film in 20th-Century Spain’, on Wednesday 9 December.

Professor Sally Faulkner, Department of Modern Languages, will be giving her inaugural lecture on Wednesday 9 December.

Victorians exposed to fine art through Christmas cards

Designers of Christmas cards used fine art on their products to divert attention away from concerns that the festival was becoming too commercialised.

The body, according to the 18th Century

People in the 18th century were expected to look neat, elegant and have a natural shape, according to a University of Exeter academic.

Climate change course run by the University of Exeter inspires new artworks

A free online course run by the University of Exeter which explains the science behind climate change has inspired an artist to produce paintings which depict the risks posed by the changing environment.

Academics celebrate social media success

University of Exeter academics are celebrating the success of their use of social media to help the public connect the past with the present.