An Open University: Public lecturing in the Romantic period. This project aims to investigate and account for an under-researched and radically underestimated aspect of our intellectual and literary culture, the public lecture, focusing specifically on public lecturing in the Romantic period and on the lecture institutions that sprang up in the early nineteenth century. It will examine, amongst other things, the role public lectures played in the (self-) education of women and the development o ....An Open University: Public lecturing in the Romantic period. This project aims to investigate and account for an under-researched and radically underestimated aspect of our intellectual and literary culture, the public lecture, focusing specifically on public lecturing in the Romantic period and on the lecture institutions that sprang up in the early nineteenth century. It will examine, amongst other things, the role public lectures played in the (self-) education of women and the development of 'English' as a discipline. The first ever comprehensive study of an extensive pedagogical practice that was also a popular diversion. This project will position public lecturing in the history of education and the knowledge economy of the early nineteenth century.Read moreRead less
Saving the world the first time: global climate theory and desiccation 1765-1960. Advocates of the world's first global climate theory asserted that deforestation caused desertification. Understanding how this theory, called desiccation theory, launched and guided the world-wide environmental movement helps us to better understand the benefits and problems associated with our present-day climate theory-global warming.
The global history of organic farming. The first global history of the organic farming movement explains how organic farming changed land-use, government policy and consumer habits. Understanding how this scientific and cultural movement arose, where it succeeded and where it failed, helps to better formulate policy that promotes sustainable agriculture, human health and climate.
The modern Athenians: Francis Jeffrey's Edinburgh Review (1802-1829) in the 'knowledge economy' of the early nineteenth century. This study of the multi-disciplinary nature and influence of the Edinburgh Review under Francis Jeffrey and its contribution to the organisation and dissemination of knowledge in the early nineteenth-century utilises developments in web design and technology to create a comprehensive website dedicated to Edinburgh Review.
The emotional register of liberal culture in the long nineteenth century. This project aims to advance our understanding of liberal culture, a concept central to the humanities and to modern social and political discourse. It will address the problem of liberalism's perceived rationalism by investigating the role of emotion as a core characteristic of liberal culture during its formation and subsequent development over the course of the long nineteenth century. The project will focus on periodic ....The emotional register of liberal culture in the long nineteenth century. This project aims to advance our understanding of liberal culture, a concept central to the humanities and to modern social and political discourse. It will address the problem of liberalism's perceived rationalism by investigating the role of emotion as a core characteristic of liberal culture during its formation and subsequent development over the course of the long nineteenth century. The project will focus on periodicals as a vital medium for the cultivation and dissemination of progressive liberal ideas and values, as well as for the expression and discussion of the emotions. The project will benefit scholars in political, literary, and cultural studies and contribute to current debates in Australia about liberal culture and its sustainability.Read moreRead less
A history of the Anglo-German relationship. This project will offer a new interpretation of the Anglo-German relationship in the modern era. It will examine interdependence and conflict between Britain and Germany in an in-depth case study, challenging the established pattern of two parallel national historiographies. This will lead to the first comprehensive new Anglo-German history since the 1980s.