Dr Jesse Barker

Biography

I hold an MA in Hispanic studies from Tulane University and a doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia. I worked as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Albany SUNY 2011-2012, before joining the Hispanic Studies department in January 2013.

Internal Memberships

• Undergraduate Programme Coordinator Spanish and Latin American Studies

Research Overview

20th-21st century Spanish literature, film and culture. Individualism and collectivity, affect and psychological attachment theories, ecological conflict.

Current Research

I am currently developing two long-term research projects that stem from my interest in individualism and intersubjectivity. One studies the influence of Buddhism in modern society from a celebrity studies approach, focusing on the key roles charisma and celebrity play in modern adaptations of Buddhism. The other project looks at how resource conflict is presented in recent Spanish films, from an ecological perspective.

Past Research

My first book monograph, Crossroads Visions, analysed the questioning of Western individualism in 21st century Spanish film and fiction--relating this questioning to current political, economic and ecological crises, as well as contemporary reshaping of gender and ethnic identities.

Teaching Responsibilities

• Spanish Language 7
• Spain: Texts and Contexts
• Youth in the Fiction and Films of the Spanish Dictatorship
• Imagined Cities: Spanish Urban Culture in Fiction and Film
  
• Playful Fictions: Cervantes, Borges, Cortázar
  
• Iberian Crossroads: Contemporary Spanish Film