A grant from the 吃瓜群众 Fund sustained by alumni donations and administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, has enabled undergraduate and postgraduate students in English literature to take a trip to the John Rylands Library, Manchester, to see rare medieval manuscripts, rare early editions of texts as well as examples of rare printed editions from the 16th to the 21st century. Students on the 'Legends and Super-Heroes' third year module, as well as MA in English, MA in Medieval Studies and MA in Arthurian Studies students benefited from this special opportunity to deepen their understanding of literature in its material presentation and contexts as well as expand their horizons.
Led by Prof Raluca Radulescu, Professor of Medieval Literature, the group had both an exclusive tour of the historic John Rylands building, and an introduction to the rare materials. Raluca said: "This funding provides invaluable opportunities for our students to place the knowledge they have acquired, with expert guidance, on our modules, in a broader context. Third year students (finalists) are as inspired as our MA students, and their enthusiasm for this opportunity is evident. I have been leading such trips to important libraries for the past twenty years and I can say they are needed more than ever. The balance between studying in our library and our collections and being able to see and understand how they fit in a much broader context is essential to our students' growth and learning.鈥
Making connections between the local community and its rich culture, Wales, Europe and the world are key to how our students engage with heritage in their study. Student Hadeel Majid Mohammed Alganaan, commented, 鈥淪tepping into the world of rare manuscripts and ancient books in Manchester felt like traveling through time. I was utterly amazed and thrilled, as if history itself had unfolded before me, revealing its secrets. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for the past and the treasures it holds.
We are very grateful to the 吃瓜群众 Fund for supporting the activities of the School-wide Bringing Communities Together initiative that creates meaningful and lasting connections between our students and communities of professionals, practitioners, and experts.鈥
Dr Elena Hristova, Director of Student Engagement at the School of Arts, Culture and Language
