Centre for Narrative Research

What is CNR?

Centre Objectives

 

• To serve as an international focus for innovative narrative research in the social sciences
• To produce a distinctive strand of publications on narrative in the social sciences, in the form of books and journal articles
• To develop research collaborations, nationally and internationally
• To support and encourage the work of graduate students in associated with the Centre and in the narrative field
• To host conferences, symposia and seminars, both academic and applied

Structure

The Centre is located in the School of Social Sciences, Media and Cultural Studies, http://www.uel.ac.uk/ssmcs/  at UEL’s Docklands Campus. The location allows close links with colleagues across programmes in Social Sciences, Media and Cultural Studies.  The Centre also collaborates with related University projects in the Schools of Psychology, Education and Arts, as well as with many colleagues in the Tavistock Centre

Summary of Existing Research Projects and Future Plans

The codirectors and other members of the Centre have collaborated to produce two edited book on narrative in the social sciences (Doing Narrative Research, eds M.Andrews, C.Squire and M.Tamboukou, Sage, 2008; Lines of Narrative, eds M. Andrews, S. Sclater, C. Squire and A. Treacher, Routledge, 2000; republished as Uses of Narrative, New Jersey: 2004). Centre members are widely published nationally and internationally in the field of social science narratives. They are engaged in a large number of research projects relevant to the Centre, on for instance: narratives of gender and generation, and of forgiveness (Prof. Andrews); narratives of HIV and genre in psychology (Prof. Squire) and life writing through art, autobiography diaries and letter-writing (Dr. Tamboukou).

The Centre runs a series of 'Narrative Methods' training days and symposia, and several Masters level modules in narrative research and analysis. It also organises a series of research seminars and, with the Gender Institute at LSE, a programme of graduate research seminars. Many research students are based in the Centre, as are a number of Visiting Fellows. Currently we are pleased to host as Senior Visiting Fellows Professor Catherine Riessman, Professor Jens Brockmeier and Dr Matti Hyvarinen.

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© 2008