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EnglishPart of Humanities➞Postgraduate study

Dr Sumei Karen Anne Tan 

PhD

Dr Sumei Karen Anne Tan

Miss Sumei Karen Anne Tan is Postgraduate research student within English at the University of Southampton.

With a BA in English Language, Mass Media and Economics and a BSocSci (Hons) in Mass Communication from the National University of Singapore, I decided to become a teacher and do ‘something worthwhile' with my life. It was during my first year as a teacher after obtaining my PGDE that I decided to return to do a Masters in literature in Singapore. However, after a short stint as a sixth-form college tutor in Singapore, I discovered that I had inherited my family's travel bug. So began my travelling and lecturing -  first in Penang, Malaysia, then Suzhou, China and now in Southampton, where I am finally pursuing my lifelong interest in Gothic literature and films. When not researching, I have taken to exploring the commons, walking along the Itchen River, and learning more about the English countryside and local history.

Research interests

My research looks at at how young people or audiences respond to Gothic texts, tracing the Gothic from its inception in the 18th century to late 20th century. Recently I have been reading Richardson's Clarissa and looking at issues raised by 18th century young readers who left records of their writing through letters and other miscellanies. As my research interests include young readers and the constructions of youth, I have also begun reading philosophical writings on education vis-à-vis influencing and educating young minds. I was recently invited to give a talk on ‘Samuel Richardson and the Young Reader' to SPECS, the Southampton Postgraduate Eighteenth-century Society, a group that hosts talks on interdisciplinary issues. 

Other Activities

I am also helping to expand and enhance our English department's web presence for doctoral candidates and alumni.

I am a class tutor for the university's Modern Languages and Linguistics programme (since June 2013) where besides teaching for the pre-sessional classes, I create materials to supplement and enhance learning for both undergraduates and Masters students.

Dr Sumei Karen Anne Tan
Faculty of Arts and Humanities University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Southampton SO17 1BF United Kingdom
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