Caitlin Davies, MRes American Studies
"With the help of my supportive supervision team, I have received regular feedback, pastoral support, and encouragement to grow as a writer."
What drew you to an MRes in American Studies?
"I began my studies at the University of Leicester, completing a BA in English and American Studies.
I have always enjoyed the interdisciplinary nature of American Studies, and the wide range of subject matter I have been able to explore in various modules.
During my undergraduate studies, I was fortunate enough to complete an exchange year at James Madison University, Virginia, where I first encountered the field of Comics Studies. I decided to continue my studies at the University of Nottingham, drawn in by the prospect of studying within a department with a global worldview and strong focus on research."
What is your thesis about?
"My thesis explores the portrayal of gender and sexuality in contemporary graphic narratives, specifically memoirs.
I demonstrate that my chosen texts reflect a recent shift in American attitudes towards gender and sexuality, through the theoretical lenses of Life Writing, Comics Studies, Gender Theory and Queer Theory.
With the help of my supportive supervision team, I have received regular feedback, pastoral support, and encouragement to grow as a writer."
Tell us about your optional modules…
"This year much of my time has been dedicated to my research project, but I have also taken the modules ‘Mastering the Arts’ and ‘MRes Research Skills’. These have enabled me to develop my interdisciplinary research skills and explore my research topic outside of the space of supervision meetings.
Despite the pandemic, there have been a number of fascinating online lectures and events that I have been able to attend virtually."
Have you taken part in any extracurricular opportunities?
"I have also represented my course at the Cultures, Languages and Area Studies’ (CLAS) Learning Community Forum, where issues impacting the student experience are discussed and fed back to the school.
In addition to this, I have aided fellow students Carys Hughes and Lily Pickard in establishing ‘Panoptic Journal’, as the Assistant Editor."
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