NEW UPDATES:
Leverhulme funds Margaretta Jolly's oral history project, please click here for details.
Visiting Research Fellowship scheme: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/clhlwr/1-7-8.html
MA in Life History Research : Oral History and Life Story Documents now recruiting. For more information visit http://www.sussex.ac.uk/clhlwr/1-3.html
Call for Papers for the 7th Biennial International Conference on Life Writing and Intimate Publics. Please visit the site at: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/clhlwr/lifewritingconference2010. Deadline is 1 September 2009
If you would like to join the Centre for Life History and Life Writing Research email list and receive regular updates about Centre events, please email: M.Jolly@sussex.ac.uk
Introduction
Life history and life writing research uses life story - whether in the form of oral history, personal narrative, autobiography or biography - as a primary source for the study of history and culture. Life stories capture the relation between the individual and society, the local and the national, the past and present and the public and private experience. Research involves grappling with theories of memory, relationship and self representation, and with debates about literacy and orality. Many disciplines contribute to the field, including history, sociology, anthropology, literary philosophy, cultural studies and psychology. Life history and life writing researchers present their work in many forms. As well as academic publications, we contribute to radio and television documentaries, auto/biographical drama, reminiscence work, digital and video presentations and exhibitions. Life history and life writing research is, of necessity, concerned with ethics and power relationships, and with the potential for advocacy and empowerment.
The Centre for Life History and Life Writing Research
The University of Sussex is a leading international centre for life history research, oral history, and life writing research and teaching. University of Sussex researchers have published extensively in the fields of oral history and life writing, and have initiated pioneering training courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A key asset in this high profile is the unique and prestigious Mass-Observation Archive which is an international research resource and the base for an ongoing research project involving autobiographical writing. Established in 1999, the Centre for Life History and Life Writing Research aims:
- to highlight University of Sussex experience and expertise in the field of life history and life writing research, both within the University and beyond;
- to link the theory and methods of oral history with the analysis and practice of life writing
- to provide an institutional forum for Sussex faculty who have a research interest in these fields, encourage synergy from present activities, and provide a democratic forum for further developments;
- to establish institutional links with like-minded research centres in Britain and overseas;
- to seek funding for life history and life writing research projects and events;
- to facilitate University of Sussex recruitment of postgraduate students in the field of life history and life writing research;
- to consolidate, develop and promote the research element of Mass-Observation Archive activities. Click here to visit the Mass Observation website or take a look at some Mass Observation material through Mass Observation Online