VIN&VITEN | Teaching and researching depictions of gender and sexuality in literature

Emelie Jonsson, Associate professor of English Literature at UiT, will talk about her experiences teaching queer literary history, highlighting that literary figures have historically transcended norms of gender and sexuality—a thread of queerness that influences, complicates, and empowers contemporary people living and writing beyond the status quo. 

Minna Niemi, Professor of English Literature at UiT, will discuss literary representations of women in the context of the contemporary refugee crisis in Europe and will draw attention to British writer Ali Smith’s depictions of refugees, which use utopian elements to challenge the mainstream media’s stereotypical portrayals of refugees. By so doing, Smith compels us to re-think our normative perceptions of female refugees and their agency.

The seminar will be held in English, and concludes with discussion and open Q&A.

The event is a part of the Gender Awareness Week at UiT and the “Wednesday at the museum” series, featuring extended evening hours and monthly events.

TIME Wednesday March 11 at 7PM-8.30PM (The museum is open from 10am)
PLACE The Arctic University Museum of Norway, Lars Thøringsveg 10
ENTRANCE Adults NOK 130,- / senior citizens and students NOK 100,- / UiT-students, children and youth under 18 years have free entrance. The ticket provides access to the entire museum from 10 AM to 9 PM on the same day.

Do you visit the museum often? A Museum Pass (NOK 500) gives free admission for one year for you and one guest of your choice (you can bring a new guest for each visit, of you would like). The Museum Pass is valid for one year at the Arctic University Museum of Norway, the Polar Museum, and MS Polstjerna (open during the summer months).