Writing Fellow Report by Dr. Catherine Ellis, Ryerson University
I had the great pleasure of joining I-CYS as a Writing Fellow in April 2018.
I am an Associate Professor in the History Department at Ryerson University, Toronto. My research explores political ideas, problem-solving and decision-making in modern Britain. My current project addresses these themes through the growing influence of young people and youth culture on political life from the Second World War to the 1970s.
My association with I-CYS began with participation in the “Mapping the Landscapes of Childhood” conference in 2015. Returning as a Writing Fellow three years later, I was delighted not only to reconnect with some of the people I had met at the conference, but also to meet many new researchers. The fellowship gave me timeand space to reflect on my sabbatical writing, particularly to develop a book chapter on the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18, which occurred in Britain in 1969. I presented some of this work in a talk to students and faculty during my visit and the thoughtful feedback I received has greatly strengthened the whole project. Throughout the week, it was a privilege to engage in discussions with so many people who share my interests in youth, generation and political culture.
A particular highlight of my time in Lethbridge was the annual I-CYS symposium, this year focused on “Youth and Civic Engagement.” The theme not onlyresonated with my own research, but also demonstrated the value of developing and supporting connections between researchers and students at all levels through community-based learning initiatives across southern Alberta. I came away with so many ideas to take back to my own university.
I would like to thank Dr. Kristine Alexander, Director of I-CYS, for the opportunity to be a Writing Fellow, along with Victoria Holec for both logistical support and stimulating conversations. Above all, I am grateful to the whole I-CYS community for their enthusiastic welcome and inspiring engagement with children and youth across time, space and discipline.
Learn how to become a Writing Fellow here: http://www.uleth.ca/research/centres-institutes/institute-child-and-youth-studies/i-cys-writing-fellows