Rebecca Fisher | University of Warwick (original) (raw)

My doctoral research focused on the Anglo-Saxon theft and blood-staunching charms. My thesis was based on a methodology which reads charms within their manuscript context and considers them as an integral part of a larger organisational structure, examining how the charms relate to surrounding texts in terms of performance and usage. At the heart of the thesis is the aim to deconstruct binary oppositions which are often applied to charms (pagan/Christian, unofficial/official, magic/science, oral/written), culminating in a discussion of what the charms can tell us about how the Anglo-Saxons understood and constructed gender.

This interest in the productive and purposeful transgression of boundaries plays a part in my current roles, in which I support teaching and learning at the University of Warwick. I am passionate about teaching and learning, and has been recognised by an award of Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, and a nomination for a Warwick Award in Teaching Excellence. Inspired and encouraged by Celia Whitchurch’s recent work on ‘third-space professionals’,* I seek out opportunities for teaching and learning innovation that challenge and respond to assumed hierarchies and boundaries by bringing together administrative and academic staff in collaborative teams. For example, I work with IATL colleagues Amy Clarke, Phil Gaydon, and Naomi de la Tour on the transdisciplinary teaching and learning project, The Dark Would, and received funding to develop a programme which recognised, developed and rewarded the skills of administrative staff who are involved in teaching and learning.

I hold two roles at the University: Academic Projects Manager (IATL) and Academic Manager for Global Shakespeare (Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies). I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Warwick International Higher Education Academy.

Academic Project Manager:
I work on various academic projects, including:

- A new MSc in Humanitarian Engineering.

- Convening an undergraduate interdisciplinary module, IL015 Ethical Beings, in the Autumn Semester of 2017/18
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross\_fac/iatl/activities/modules/ugmodules/ethicalbeings

- Leading the Warwick BLASTER (The Best in Liberal Arts and Sciences Teaching Expanded and Reinforced) research team. Alongside 5 partner universities from across Europe, Warwick will examine the current state of undergraduate research and generate guidelines to support undergraduate students and their academic supervisors. Warwick also contributes to the teacher training strand, and will work in particular on a training kit for teachers of liberal arts.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/schoolforcross-facultystudies/liberalarts/erasmus

- 'Developing a student-driven educational model between, beyond and across disciplines'. The project is led by Dr Georgia Kremmyda (part of the Humanitarian Engineering team) and has been funded by HEFCE. Becky's role on this project consists of research and project management.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/eng/research/grouplist/eerg/whec/funding/hefce\_catalyst\_a/

- 'Students as leaders: A Campus of Ideas', in which a student research team are exploring methodologies for student-led projects.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross\_fac/iatl/funding/fundedprojects/strategic/cardinalkilgallon

- Pedagogic research, such as 'Playfulness in Higher Education' and The Dark Would.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross\_fac/iatl/activities/projects/playfulnessinhighereducation
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross\_fac/iatl/activities/projects/thedarkwould

Academic Manager, Global Shakespeare:
I lead on all administrative aspects for Global Shakespeare's Master's and undergraduate programmes. All queries regarding the MA course including admissions, events, website, and requests for further information should be directed to her. Becky would be delighted to discuss your application to the MA or our undergraduate module: please get in touch if you have any questions.

* See Whitchurch, C. (2013). Reconstructing Identities in Higher Education: The Rise of Third Space Professionals. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Other links:
- Global Shakespeare
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross\_fac/iatl/activities/projects/globalshakespeare

Public Engagement consultancy
- Portals to the Past
http://portalstothepast.wordpress.com/

- Triquetra, Illuminating York
https://vimeo.com/78942896

- The Oldest Place: Wolverhampton Enchanted Town
https://vimeo.com/78807706
Supervisors: Dr. Philip Shaw

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