Where many History of Emotions studies have focused on norms and discourses, this event asks how we can explore how thoughts and feelings could be articulated, expressed and repressed through what is understood as individual subjectivities. This approach is crucial if we are to understand why people act in certain ways and thus how historical change occurs. In short, it focuses on exploring subjective experience and emotional practices: the way in which emotions are performed and produced by a historically-situated body. The engagement comprises of a two-day masterclass, which links up Early Career Researchers (ECRs) with leaders in the field, and a one-day international symposium. At the core of masterclass, which comprises a series of workshops led by mentors, is a focus on close engagement with participants’ work. The aim of the masterclass and international symposium is to facilitate discussion of creative methodologies, as well as a development of cross-period perspectives on emotions and subjectivities.
The international symposium on Friday 18 January will be held in the Terrace Room, Bramber House at the University of Sussex, and will include keynotes by Thomas Dixon, Ute Frevert, Tim Hitchcock, Claire Langhamer, William Reddy, Lyndal Roper, Rhodri Hayward, Sasha Handley and Penny Summerfield.
Subjectivity, Self-Narratives and the History of Emotions 