Reading Groups

The Department of English Reading Groups include the Middle English Reading Group and The Old English Reading Group. Reading Group details are listed below.

The Middle English Reading Group (MERG) comes together on a weekly basis to read and enjoy a wide variety of texts in their original language written between the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the arrival of printing in England in 1475.

The aim of the group is to promote an appreciation of this literature as the texts are read in a communal setting allowing for a discussion about difficulties arising from the language or the themes that run through the literature. Texts are chosen by consensus and there is no expectation of preparation. The only requirement to join MERG is a desire to read and appreciate the literature of the Middle English period.

For more information please contact Diana Jefferies.

MERG Members

Below is a list of our members:

PhD student
English Department.

Undergraduate Student
(Advanced Arts)
English Department.

PhD Student
English Department.

Diana Jefferies
Phd Student
English Department.

Senior Lecturer (Retired)
English Department.

Dr Simone Celine Marshall
BA Waikato, BA (Hons) Victoria, MA Waikato, PhD Sydney
SLC Research Manager.

MA, PhD Leeds
Senior Lecturer
English Department.

Gabrielle Singleton
Graduate
English Department.

PhD, MA Hons, MTh Hons, Lond
Senior Lecturer
English Department.

Honours Student 2007
English Department.

Old English Reading Group

The Old English Reading Group (OERG) meets weekly to read aloud and engage with literature written in Old English, the language of the Anglo-Saxons, spoken and written between the sixth and twelfth centuries.

OERG aims, in an informal environment, to foster interest in Old English language and literature, and to increase awareness of the richness of the language itself and the diverse texts which were written in it. It provides students and staff alike with the opportunity to practice and discuss the pronunciation (and translation, if you choose!) of Old English in a collegial and congenial atmosphere. Attendance is flexible (come whenever you please!) and no homework or prior preparation is assumed or necessary.

Members of OERG are also welcome and encouraged to discuss any research issues or ideas, to practice trial versions of upcoming conference papers, and to publicise any exciting or new developments in the field (whether their own or not). A basic, introductory knowledge of Old English is beneficial, although not necessary, but enthusiasm for this period and its language is essential.

For more information please contact Dr Melanie Heyworth

OERG Members

Below is a list of our members:

PhD student
English Department.

Centre for Medieval Studies.

Associate Professor (Retired)
English Department.

Phd Student
English Department.

Retired Senior Lecturer
English Department.

Gabrielle Singleton
Graduate
English Department.

PhD Student
English Department.

Honours Student 2007
English Department.