Gina Wisker

Getting Started with Doctoral Supervision is a uniquely inclusive book in its exploration of the diversity of candidates, projects, disciplines, and modes of supervision. It is written for those beginning to supervise postgraduates. This book is based in the three dimensions of supervision: personal, learning and institutional, and considers ways of working with individual candidates throughout their doctoral or masters learning journeys, focusing on motivations, personal engagement, wellbeing and dealing with difficulties. Seeing supervision as a developmental learning dialogue, it considers enabling candidates’ experiences as learners developing new knowledge with supervisory guidance. It also deals with working with the changing demands of the institution on the doctorate and its supervision broadly conceived, including the construction and presentation of the doctoral work in thesis, creative work, or publications, to realistic time, approved appropriate form. Getting Started with Doctoral Supervision will take you on a research and experience based, reflection and action provoking and is a must-read guide for all those coming to supervision for the first time or looking to refresh their practice. The 'Insider Guides to Success in Academia' offers support and practical advice to doctoral students and early-career researchers. Covering the topics that really matter, but which often get overlooked, this indispensable series provides practical and realistic guidance to address many of the needs and challenges of trying to operate, and remain, in academia. These neat pocket guides fill specific and significant gaps in current literature. Each book offers insider perspectives on the often implicit rules of the game -- the things you need to know but usually aren't told by institutional postgraduate support, researcher development units, or supervisors -- and will address a practical topic that is key to career progression. They are essential reading for doctoral students, early-career researchers, supervisors, mentors, or anyone looking to launch or maintain their career in academia.

Getting Started with Doctoral Supervision is a uniquely inclusive book in its exploration of the diversity of candidates, projects, disciplines, and modes of supervision. It is written for those beginning to supervise postgraduates. This book is based in the three dimensions of supervision: personal, learning and institutional, and considers ways of working with individual candidates throughout their doctoral or masters learning journeys, focusing on motivations, personal engagement, wellbeing and dealing with difficulties. Seeing supervision as a developmental learning dialogue, it considers enabling candidates’ experiences as learners developing new knowledge with supervisory guidance. It also deals with working with the changing demands of the institution on the doctorate and its supervision broadly conceived, including the construction and presentation of the doctoral work in thesis, creative work, or publications, to realistic time, approved appropriate form. Getting Started with Doctoral Supervision will take you on a research and experience based, reflection and action provoking and is a must-read guide for all those coming to supervision for the first time or looking to refresh their practice. The 'Insider Guides to Success in Academia' offers support and practical advice to doctoral students and early-career researchers. Covering the topics that really matter, but which often get overlooked, this indispensable series provides practical and realistic guidance to address many of the needs and challenges of trying to operate, and remain, in academia. These neat pocket guides fill specific and significant gaps in current literature. Each book offers insider perspectives on the often implicit rules of the game -- the things you need to know but usually aren't told by institutional postgraduate support, researcher development units, or supervisors -- and will address a practical topic that is key to career progression. They are essential reading for doctoral students, early-career researchers, supervisors, mentors, or anyone looking to launch or maintain their career in academia.

The book defines and discusses Fen Gothic, an example of regional Gothic inflected by geography, relationships of centre and margins, history, ecology and gender and the perspectives offered by related Gothic critical approaches. Fen Gothic is also understood through local myths, locations, and the historical, supernatural and human issues which are a major concern of work from this region.

This book offers new insights on socially and culturally engaged Gothic ghost stories by twentieth century and contemporary female writers; including Shirley Jackson, Angela Carter, Toni Morrison, Ali Smith, Susan Hill, Catherine Lim, Kate Mosse, Daphne du Maurier, Helen Dunmore, Michele Roberts, and Zheng Cho. Through the ghostly body, possessions and visitations, women’s ghost stories expose links between the political and personal, genocides and domestic tyrannies, providing unceasing reminders of violence and violations. Women, like ghosts, have historically lurked in the background, incarcerated in domestic spaces and roles by familial and hereditary norms. They have been disenfranchised legally and politically, sold on dreams of romance and domesticity. Like unquiet spirits that cannot be silenced, women’s ghost stories speak the unspeakable, revealing these contradictions and oppressions. Wisker’s book demonstrates that in terms of women’s ghost stories, there is much to point the spectral finger at and much to speak out about.

This book offers new insights on socially and culturally engaged Gothic ghost stories by twentieth century and contemporary female writers; including Shirley Jackson, Angela Carter, Toni Morrison, Ali Smith, Susan Hill, Catherine Lim, Kate Mosse, Daphne du Maurier, Helen Dunmore, Michele Roberts, and Zheng Cho. Through the ghostly body, possessions and visitations, women’s ghost stories expose links between the political and personal, genocides and domestic tyrannies, providing unceasing reminders of violence and violations. Women, like ghosts, have historically lurked in the background, incarcerated in domestic spaces and roles by familial and hereditary norms. They have been disenfranchised legally and politically, sold on dreams of romance and domesticity. Like unquiet spirits that cannot be silenced, women’s ghost stories speak the unspeakable, revealing these contradictions and oppressions. Wisker’s book demonstrates that in terms of women’s ghost stories, there is much to point the spectral finger at and much to speak out about.

This unique and timely book focuses on research conducted into the experiences of students from rural backgrounds in South Africa: foregrounding decolonial perspectives on their negotiation of access and transitions to higher education.This book highlights not only the challenges of coming from a rural background against the historical backdrop of apartheid and ongoing colonialism, but also shows the immense assets that students from rural areas bring into higher education. Through detailed narratives created by student co-researchers, the book charts early experiences in rural communities, negotiations of transitions to university and, in many cases, to urban life and students’ subsequent journeys through higher education spaces and curricula.The book will be of significant interest and value to those engaged in rurality research across diverse settings, those interested in the South African higher education context and higher education more widely. Its innovative, participatory methodology will be invaluable to researchers seeking to conduct collaborative research that draws on decolonising approaches.

This unique and timely book focuses on research conducted into the experiences of students from rural backgrounds in South Africa: foregrounding decolonial perspectives on their negotiation of access and transitions to higher education.This book highlights not only the challenges of coming from a rural background against the historical backdrop of apartheid and ongoing colonialism, but also shows the immense assets that students from rural areas bring into higher education. Through detailed narratives created by student co-researchers, the book charts early experiences in rural communities, negotiations of transitions to university and, in many cases, to urban life and students’ subsequent journeys through higher education spaces and curricula.The book will be of significant interest and value to those engaged in rurality research across diverse settings, those interested in the South African higher education context and higher education more widely. Its innovative, participatory methodology will be invaluable to researchers seeking to conduct collaborative research that draws on decolonising approaches.

This book revives and revitalises the literary Gothic in the hands of contemporary women writers. It makes a scholarly, lively and convincing case that the Gothic makes horror respectable, and establishes contemporary women’s Gothic fictions in and against traditional Gothic. The book provides new, engaging perspectives on established contemporary women Gothic writers, with a particular focus on Angela Carter, Margaret Atwood and Toni Morrison. It explores how the Gothic is malleable in their hands and is used to demythologise oppressions based on difference in gender and ethnicity. The study presents new Gothic work and new nuances, critiques of dangerous complacency and radical questionings of what is safe and conformist in works as diverse as Twilight (Stephenie Meyer) and A Girl Walks Home Alone (Ana Lily Amirpur), as well as by Anne Rice and Poppy Brite. It also introduces and critically explores postcolonial, vampire and neohistorical Gothic and women’s ghost stories.

This is a comprehensive guide to planning and producing high-quality dissertations, written assignments and project reports at undergraduate level. It supports students of all disciplines through each stage of the research process, from drafting questions and reviewing the literature through to collecting data and presenting their work. It provides practical guidance on common problems, including writer’s block and managing deadlines, and contextualises this with examples of real students’ experience of research. This text will be invaluable to undergraduate students undertaking academic research in all subject areas.New to this Edition:- Features new and updated content on the internet and critical thinking, and analytical skills in relation to developing and following through with a research agenda

This comprehensive handbook will guide readers through the process of publishing their research. It helps readers to establish successful writing practices and habits which will enable them to write well, complete their work to a high standard and have their work published. Drawing on her experience as a writer, editor and supervisor, Gina Wisker covers the practicalities of writing and provides tried-and-tested techniques for managing time, overcoming writer’s block and developing a confident academic voice.This book is ideal for postgraduates, academics, researchers and professionals wishing to write effectively and share their work with others through academic publication.

This engaging book outlines effective strategies for supervising students on a wide variety of research projects, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level. It covers each stage of the research journey and provides guidance on working with students to define research topics, select appropriate methodologies, write up theses and prepare for the viva. It also supports supervisors in establishing and maintaining good supervisory practices, and shows how supervisors can help students to help themselves.This will be essential reading for supervisors of undergraduate or postgraduate research projects, dissertations and theses. It is also an ideal resource for student researchers looking to get the most out of their relationship with their supervisor.New to this Edition:- New content on cross-cultural supervision, online distance supervision and sustaining research communities and networks

Margaret Atwood is an internationally renowned, highly versatile author whose work creatively explores what it means to be human through genres ranging from feminist fable to science fiction and Gothic romance.In this timely new study, Gina Wisker reassesses Atwood's entire fictional output to date, providing both original analysis and a lively overview of the criticism surrounding her work. Margaret Atwood: An Introduction to Critical Views of Her Fiction:- Covers all of Atwood's novels as well as her short stories.- Surveys the critical reception of her fiction and the fascinating debates developed by key Atwood critics.- Explores the main approaches to reading Atwood's work and examines issues such as her interventions in genre writing and ecology, as well as her feminism, post-feminism and narrative usage, both conventional and experimental.Concise and approachable, this is an ideal volume for anyone studying the fiction of this major contemporary writer.

Margaret Atwood is an internationally renowned, highly versatile author whose work creatively explores what it means to be human through genres ranging from feminist fable to science fiction and Gothic romance.In this timely new study, Gina Wisker reassesses Atwood's entire fictional output to date, providing both original analysis and a lively overview of the criticism surrounding her work. Margaret Atwood: An Introduction to Critical Views of Her Fiction:- Covers all of Atwood's novels as well as her short stories.- Surveys the critical reception of her fiction and the fascinating debates developed by key Atwood critics.- Explores the main approaches to reading Atwood's work and examines issues such as her interventions in genre writing and ecology, as well as her feminism, post-feminism and narrative usage, both conventional and experimental.Concise and approachable, this is an ideal volume for anyone studying the fiction of this major contemporary writer.

This is an up-to-date readers guide to Atwood's contemporary classic covering contexts, themes and criticism. Margaret Atwood's popular dystopian novel "A Handmaid's Tale", engages the reader with a broad range of issues relating to power, gender and religious politics. This guide provides an overview of the key critical debates and interpretations of the novel and encourages you to engage with key questions and readings in your reading of the text. It includes discussion of key themes and concepts including: representation of women's roles, gender, sexuality and power; language, style and form; dystopias and genre fictions; and, power, control and religious fundamentalism. Combining helpful guidance on reading Atwood's text with overviews of significant stylistic and thematic issues and an introduction to criticism, this is an ideal companion to reading and studying "A Handmaid's Tale". "Continuum Reader's Guides" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to key texts in literature and philosophy. Each book explores the themes, context, criticism and influence of key works, providing a practical introduction to close reading, guiding students towards a thorough understanding of the text. They provide an essential, up-to-date resource, ideal for undergraduate students.

This is an up-to-date readers guide to Atwood's contemporary classic covering contexts, themes and criticism. Margaret Atwood's popular dystopian novel "A Handmaid's Tale", engages the reader with a broad range of issues relating to power, gender and religious politics. This guide provides an overview of the key critical debates and interpretations of the novel and encourages you to engage with key questions and readings in your reading of the text. It includes discussion of key themes and concepts including: representation of women's roles, gender, sexuality and power; language, style and form; dystopias and genre fictions; and, power, control and religious fundamentalism. Combining helpful guidance on reading Atwood's text with overviews of significant stylistic and thematic issues and an introduction to criticism, this is an ideal companion to reading and studying "A Handmaid's Tale". "Continuum Reader's Guides" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to key texts in literature and philosophy. Each book explores the themes, context, criticism and influence of key works, providing a practical introduction to close reading, guiding students towards a thorough understanding of the text. They provide an essential, up-to-date resource, ideal for undergraduate students.

This lively and rigorous book provides guidance on planning and conducting postgraduate research. Divided into four parts, each of which looks at a different stage of the process, it covers everything from choosing a research area and selecting appropriate methodologies to analysing data and learning from feedback. Chapters contain both active and reflective tasks to help readers develop the skills needed to produce a high-quality dissertation or thesis and offer supportive advice on establishing successful working relationships with supervisors and peers. Clear and accessible in its approach, this book is an indispensable introduction to successful research for postgraduates of all disciplines.

Working One-to-One with Students is written for Higher Education academics, adjuncts, teaching assistants and research students who are looking for guidance inside and outside the classroom. This book is a jargon-free, practical guide to improving one-to-one teaching, covering a wide range of teaching contexts, including mentoring students and staff, supervising dissertations and how to approach informal meetings outside of lectures. Written in an engaging, accessible style and grounded in experience, this book offers a combination of practical advice backed by relevant learning theory. Featuring a wealth of case studies and useful resources, the book covers areas including: Supporting students Encouraging independent learning Mentoring coaching and personal tutoring Developing peer groups and buddying programs Dealing with diversity, difficult students and ethical dilemmas supervising the undergraduate dissertationSupervising postgraduates in the arts, social sciences and sciences.This book is a short, snappy, practical guide that covers this key element of a lecturer’s work. In the spirit of the series (KEY GUIDES FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING in HIGHER EDUCATION) this book covers relevant theory that effectively informs practice.

Working One-to-One with Students is written for Higher Education academics, adjuncts, teaching assistants and research students who are looking for guidance inside and outside the classroom. This book is a jargon-free, practical guide to improving one-to-one teaching, covering a wide range of teaching contexts, including mentoring students and staff, supervising dissertations and how to approach informal meetings outside of lectures. Written in an engaging, accessible style and grounded in experience, this book offers a combination of practical advice backed by relevant learning theory. Featuring a wealth of case studies and useful resources, the book covers areas including: Supporting students Encouraging independent learning Mentoring coaching and personal tutoring Developing peer groups and buddying programs Dealing with diversity, difficult students and ethical dilemmas supervising the undergraduate dissertationSupervising postgraduates in the arts, social sciences and sciences.This book is a short, snappy, practical guide that covers this key element of a lecturer’s work. In the spirit of the series (KEY GUIDES FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING in HIGHER EDUCATION) this book covers relevant theory that effectively informs practice.

Key Concepts in Postcolonial Literature provides an overview of the main themes, issues and critical perspectives that have had the greatest effect on postcolonial literatures. Discussing historical, cultural and contextual background, it contains selected work of some of the major writers from this period.

A student guide to this popular literary genre. Contains tips and further reading for successful study at undergraduate level. A series of introductory books, the Genre Series offers students, writers and academics a window into some of the most popular topics, styles and periods in literature. Designed to be user-friendly, each volume shares the same structure, including: A broad definition of the genre and its essential elements A timeline of historical developments Critical concerns to bear in mind while reading Detailed readings of several key texts In-depth analysis of major themes and issues Signposts for further study A summary of the most important criticism in the field A glossary of terms An annotated, critical reading list. Authors covered in this volume include William Peter Blatty, Ira Levine, Bram Stoker, Shirley Jackson, Angela Carter, Mary Shelley, Stephen King, Anne Rice and Washington Irving.