|
The setting up of the Centre for Australian Language and Literature Studies at the University of New England has given formal recognition to the research and publishing activities which have been going on within the English Department at New England over many years. For instance, much of the impetus for the foundation of the Association for the Study of Australian Literature came from within this Department. Ken Stewart and Julian Croft were foundation members of A S A L and they edited its journal 'Notes and Furphies' for ten years. Both are now life members, and Shirley Walker, who served on the executive for many years, was President of A S A L for a time. Ken Stewart is now Vice President. Many other past and present members of the Department have contributed to the columns of 'Notes and Furphies'. The research and publishing record of the members of the centre has also been so considerable as not to require emphasis here, while the number of post-graduate students in Australian Literature and Language who have successfully passed through the English Department can be seen from the listing which is included in this handbook. ... The establishment of the Centre for Australian Language and Literature Studies both celebrates this energetic level of achievement in the past and provides us with a new impetus for the future. The formation of the Centre will provide a focus for all activities connected with the study of Australian language and literature in New England; will promote writing, research and publication in this field, and will facilitate visits by scholars from within Australian and abroad. A particular interest of the Centre will be the promotion of the literature of the area which comprises the amalgamated and expanded University of New England. |
|