English Literature takes out the Jack Prize
The Victoria University of Wellington lecturers and alumnus won the only commendations awarded by the IASSL for the competition. “The clean sweep demonstrates the international recognition and calibre of our English Literature programme,” says Dr Hessell. “It’s a nice feeling to know that research at the University is part of the exciting conversations happening in the reception studies of Scottish literature,” adds Dr McNeill.
Dr Hessell and Mr Clothier were awarded the Jack Prize for their paper 'To Mary in Aotearoa: Burns’s "Thou Ling’ring Star" and Scottish Identity in New Zealand', while Dr McNeill was highly commended for his paper entitled 'Bobby Burns on the Wallaby: Scottish Literature and Antipodean Labour'.
The Jack Prize was established in honour of Professor Ronald Dyce Sadler Jack, and is awarded annually for the best article on a subject related to Reception or Diaspora in Scottish Literatures. Professor Jack’s daughter, Dr Isla Jack says, 'It's brilliant to see from the submissions for the prize this year that research in this field continues to flourish at such a high standard, and Nikki and Stephen are worthy inaugural winners'.