Dr Katharine Murphy

Multi-disciplinary learning

Name Dr Katharine Murphy
Email K.A.Murphy@exeter.ac.uk
Position Senior Lecturer and Director of Programmes, Hispanic Studies
College College of Humanities

Multi-disciplinary learning in Modern Languages

Katharine is a Senior Lecturer in Hispanic Studies, whose research lies in early 20th Century Spain. In particular, Katharine is interested in the topics of Modernism and Comparative Literature, looking at both Spain and England during this period.

Keen for her Modern Languages students to approach their studies through a multi-disciplinary lens, Katharine draws upon her own research interests to engage and inspire students to explore the broader connections between different genres and disciplines in order to develop their understanding:

“I teach a final year Comparative Literature module, so this is a module which is based on my research and my first book, and I’m interested in that module in…looking across national borders ….We look at similar movements and issues that were happening in English literature and Spanish literature during a similar period… I’m interested not so much in the question of direct influence, but very much…in the question of parallel paths… I’m interested in how philosophical ideas, and [the] history of ideas and literary and artistic movements came together in different countries during a similar period”.

Katharine encourages her students to explore the wider cultural and literary context in order to enhance their understanding of the Spanish language. As Katharine explains; “Languages don’t exist in isolation, and so it’s important when we’re learning languages to also study the culture of that country and have an understanding of cultural and social contexts”. 

Aim 6: Multi-disciplinary learning for global challenges 


Broadening students' understanding through multi-disciplinary learning

"...multi-disciplinary learning can help students to think outside the box".

Benefits of adopting a multi-disciplinary lens

"I think it's really important for students to find a balance when they're studying different disciplines".