Dr Xiaofan Amy Li, Lecturer in the Department of Comparative Literature, has contributed an essay to the newly published edited volume Minding Borders: Resilient Divisions in Literature, the Body and the Academy (Legenda, 2017).

The essay, entitled ‘When Do Different Literatures Become Comparable? The Vague Borders of Comparability and Incomparability’, explores the state of the discipline of Comparative Literature as a matter of crossing borders, and considers how far discussions, in the philosophy of comparison can revise critical thinking and methods in comparative literature.

The edited book Minding Borders, where the essay is published, traces the troubling and yet generative resilience of borders. It explores how borders define as well as exclude, protect as well as violate, and nurture some identities while negating others. A book launch event was held on the 27 November 2017 at St Anne’s College, Oxford, where Amy joined the discussion with the editors Matthew Reynolds, Adriana X. Jacobs, Ben Morgan, Mohamed-Salah Omri, and Nicola Gardini.

Find more information about the book and discussion event.

Students in the University Chamber Choir had the opportunity to work with one of Britain’s leading composers in rehearsal on Tuesday 28 November, in preparation for singing in the University Carol Service in Canterbury Cathedral.

The choir was privileged to welcome Russell Hepplewhite to Colyer-Fergusson Hall, to work on Russell’s Star of the East. It can be a daunting prospect, performing a composer’s work in their presence, but the Choir rose to the occasion magnificently.

Hailed by the Evening Standard as one of the brightest young talents to have emerged in recent years, Russell’s award-winning work has been commissioned to critical acclaim by English Touring Opera, and his choral works are part of the recent Genesis Choral Library series launched by Banks Music Publications. His next work, ‘Moonfleet,’ is set to open at the Salisbury Playhouse in April.

It was a terrific opportunity for the students to get to grips with contemporary music with the composer offering them insights into the creation of the work and its realisation; huge thanks to Russell for coming down from London especially for the event.

The Student Learning Advisory Service would like to invite all International Students to a traditional New Year’s Dinner on Friday 5 January 2018 (during the winter vacation), 18.00-20.00 on the Canterbury campus. The venue will be confirmed nearer the time.

This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy an evening of traditional British food, to meet up with the other ‘stay on campus students’, to enjoy some music and break the monotony of the winter holiday. The dress code is smart casual, but feel free to dress up if you wish.

This event is FREE, but please book a place online by 7 December at the latest. Tickets will be issued on 8 and 11 December 2-17 on a first-come-first-served basis. You will receive a reminder email to collect your ticket.

If you are around during the holidays, book a place here.

A Christmassy 3.5km fun run through Parkwood and along the Crab and Winkle Way finishing at The Pavilion where you can reward yourself with a free hot chocolate and mince pie.

The run is open to all! Staff, students and alumni, individuals, sports teams and departments are welcome. So grab your friends, get on your best Santa costumes and come and get festive.

Register from 12 noon on 6 December at the Pavilion, warm up from 12.45. 

Cost: suggested £2 donation. Proceeds to CoppaFeel – a breast cancer education charity aiming to prevent late detection of breast cancer and misdiagnosis. The Uni Boob Team will be at the event talking to participants about the importance of boob/peck checking habit from an early age!

Prizes:
• Best dressed individual
• Best dressed Club Team
• Best dressed Staff Team
• Best homemade costume
• Best shop bought costume

To enter please:
• Register at the Sports Centre or Pavilion receptions
• Email sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk
• Book through www.letsplay.simplybook.me

The staff and student Travel Plan Survey 2017 is now open. Complete the survey and enter your University of Kent email address for your chance to win £100 cash card to use at the catering outlets on campus, or one of 100 hot drinks vouchers.

Let us know how we can improve travel to, from and around our campuses. The data from the survey helps shape various reports including the University Travel Plans and the Movement and Transport Strategy which feeds into the Canterbury campus 50 year Masterplan.

This is your opportunity to let the Estates Department know how we can improve travel to, from and around our campuses. Have your say on buses, cycling, parking, the Campus Shuttle and more.

The survey takes between 5-10 minutes to complete. There is also a “finish later” option if you need to return to complete the survey. The survey closes Friday 8 December 2017.

The staff and student Travel Plan Survey 2017 is now open. Complete the survey and enter your University of Kent email address for your chance to win £100 cash card to use at the catering outlets on campus, or one of 100 hot drinks vouchers.

Let us know how we can improve travel to, from and around our campuses. The data from the survey helps shape various reports including the University Travel Plans and the Movement and Transport Strategy which feeds into the Canterbury campus 50 year Masterplan.

This is your opportunity to let the Estates Department know how we can improve travel to, from and around our campuses. Have your say on buses, cycling, parking, the Campus Shuttle and more.

How long does the survey take?
The survey takes between 5-10 minutes to complete. There is also a ‘finish later’ option if you need to return to complete the survey. The survey closes Friday 8 December 2017.