Postgraduate Profile

Ms Emma Joel

PhD Candidate, School of Humanities & Social Science

Discipline: English
Faculty/Division: Education and Arts
Email: emma.joel@uon.edu.au

Current Research

PhD Thesis title: Eatdirtzian Geosophy: A study of cognitive geography and narrative

Supervisors:

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the discursive nature of geosophy and its applicability in informing methods of narrative analysis. It does so by exploring the usefulness of a geosophical discourse in addressing issues concerning geographic knowledges and by considering the application of a geosophical discourse in critical literary practices.

By focusing on the geosophic as an approach to literary criticism in an Australian context, the project aims to address current gaps in the field of Australian literary criticism. In doing so, this project aims to provide a method of critical reading as a contribution to the discipline. The findings of this research will contribute significantly to the teaching of critical reading practices, especially when dealing with inter-disciplinary and inter-cultural knowledges in texts.


Qualifications:

  • 2008  Bachelor of Arts Honours (First Class)
    Honours Thesis Title: Representations of Identity Constructed Through Context in Indigenous Australian Narrative by a Non-Indigenous Researcher
  • 2006 Bachelor Teaching (Secondary) / Bachelor of Arts

Awards:

  • 2011 awarded the Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence for sessional staff from the University of Newcastle
  • 2010 SHASS Finalist in the 3 Minute Thesis Competition
  • 2010 FEDUA Runner-Up in 3 Minute Thesis Competition
  • 2008 Awarded a University of Newcastle Research Scholarship (UNRSC)
  • 2007 Awarded DVC Honours Scholarship, Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle

Research Interests

  • Australian literature
  • Postcolonial literature
  • Chick Lit
  • Cultural Studies
  • Geographic knowledges
  • Teaching and Learning

Conference Papers:

SHASS Ourimbah Research Seminar Series, 2011 - title of paper presented: 'Chicklitalicious: reconsidering Australian Chick Lit through an Eatdirtzian reading.'

Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association (PAMLA) - Honolulu, 2010 - title of paper presented: 'A Geosophical Approach to exploring the interface between Geography and the Literary'

SHASS RHD Symposium (November 2010) 'Eatdirtzian Geosophy: Exploring the interface between Geography and Literary Criticism'

Australasian Association of Literature Conference 'Literature and Science', 2010 - title of paper presented: 'Eatdirtzian Geosophy: Exploring the interface between Geography and Literary Criticism'

NewMac Symposium 'Constructing and Reconstructing Authority', February 2010 - title of paper presented: 'Problematising Literacy: A Geosophical Approach'

SHASS RHD Symposium (November 2009) 'Geosophy: An interface between geography and literature?'


Teaching Activities

  • 2012
    • Learning Adviser, Centre for Teaching and Learning, Ourimbah Campus, University of Newcastle
    • Regional Study Skills Adviser, English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, University of Newcastle
  • 2011
    • Guest Lecturer for ENGL3045: Indigenous Australia in Literature: Listenin’ up – lecture topics: Anita Heiss and Koori Chick Lit
    • Course Lecturer - ENGL 1040: Australian Popular Culture, School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Newcastle
    • Marker for EPHUMA144/244: English Literature & Film
  • 2010
    • Guest Lecturer - ENGL 3045: Indigenous Australia in Literature: Listenin' Up - lecture title 'Anita Heiss and Not Meeting Mr Right' 
    • Course Lecturer - ENGL 1040: Australian Popular Culture, School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Newcastle
  • 2008 
    • Casual Tutor, School of Education, University of Newcastle

Committee/Board Positions Held:

  • 2011 and 2012 - RHD Student Representative on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Board
  • 2011 - RHD Student Representative on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Board
  • 2005-2006 - Director (Undergraduate Student Representative position) on the Campus Central Student Union Board of Directors, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus

Membership of Professional Associations: