Centre for Studies in Literature (CSL)
CSL affiliates with the Dickens Project, Santa Cruz
Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:10:00 BST
The Centre for Studies in Literature is proud to announce its formal affiliation with the Dickens Project at the University of California, Santa Cruz, a scholarly consortium devoted to promoting the study and enjoyment of the life, times, and work of the Portsmouth-born Charles Dickens. Although based at UCSC and incorporating the wider University of California network, the Project draws together a range of leading international universities dedicated to the study of nineteenth century culture. The University of Portsmouth thus joins a UK contingent that includes Birkbeck College and the University of Exeter.
In 2010 the University of Portsmouth was represented at the Project’s annual conference and seminar series, the Dickens Universe, by Dr Christopher Pittard. Following a well-received series of undergraduate seminars given by Dr Pittard and Professor John O. Jordan from UCSC, the two specialist nineteenth-century research clusters found much in common, not only in terms of Dickens studies in particular, but also with regard to wider representations of the Victorians. Dr Pittard said "The formal affiliation with the Dickens Project presents a number of exciting opportunities for the study of nineteenth century culture at Portsmouth, both in terms of international research networks and also in the Project’s commitment to the professional development of postgraduate students." Dr Pittard, who attended the 2005 Dickens Universe and the 2006 Dickens Project winter conference as a postgraduate himself, is keen to emphasise the opportunities the Project offers to graduate students and those at an early stage in their research career.
The affiliation agreement will result in an international collaboration in conference organisation and promotion (starting with The Other Dickens in 2012), the wider dissemination of research in Victorian studies conducted in CSL, and participation in the Dickens Universe events in Santa Cruz in August, which will be attended by a member of CSL lecturing staff and a doctoral researcher. In 2011, Portsmouth will be represented by Dr Patricia Pulham and Ms Emily Hunt.