Dr Karen Lipsedge is an Associate Professor in English Literature and Senior Learning and teaching Advisor (EDI) at Kingston University, London. She teaches on English Literature undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a main focus on 18th-century literature and culture, Black and Asian British literature and culture, and academic writing skills. As a Senior Teaching and Learning Adviser for Access, Participation and Inclusion, she leads two University projects: the Writing and Oral Skills (WOS) Project, which helps students to enhance academic writing and speaking skills, and the Kingston University Reading Group (KURG) Project. The KURG uses shared reading and discussion to help students, staff and members of the local community to discuss topics such as race, culture, diversity and inclusivity.

In this session Karen will discuss her work around using literature as a vehicle for exploring, experiencing, empathising and discussing race, culture and identity. She will present the context of her work, the need for open and insightful discussions around race, culture and identity and to facilitate opportunities for those meaningful and courageous conversations. She will then offer the chance to engage with a reading group type experience offering literature and a space for individuals to share their response, meaning and experience within the context of exploring race, culture and identity