Sir Hew Strachan to launch World War I lecture series

Northumbria University is marking the centenary of World War I with a series of lectures that will be launched on Wednesday 9th October by Sir Hew Strachan.

Working in partnership with the Tynemouth World War I Commemoration Project, the lecture series will run through to May 2014 and feature high profile speakers who will share new research on a number of World War I related themes.

Sir Hew Strachan, Chichele Professor of the History of War and a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford University, will open the series with ‘The Ideas of War 2014’. Professor Strachan is a world-leading authority on the First World War and, since 2012 he has been a member of the National Committee for the Centenary of the First World War, advising the government regarding centenary events and activities.

The broader programme will also challenge popular perceptions and raise awareness of a war that is not widely understood among the general public.

James McConnel, Head of History at Northumbria University said: “These lectures are a great opportunity for schools and the general public to understand more about World War I through cutting-edge research that has been previously unavailable to a regional audience.

“At Northumbria, we have one of the fastest-growing groups of expert history academics across the country and our links with high profile institutions, such as Oxford University, have helped us to secure some of the country’s leading experts on the subject. The centenary gives us all the opportunity to learn more about this war and our lecture series covers a diverse range of themes meaning that each event will provide the audience with something completely different.”

“These lectures can add real value to pupil and student education programmes, while also providing a new take on the war for any individuals who are simply curious to learn more about this significant historical event.”

The full line-up of experts is:

Wednesday 9th October
Professor Sir Hew Strachan, All Souls College, Oxford University
The ideas of war, 1914

Wednesday 13th November
Emeritus Professor Martin Pugh, Newcastle University
Women and the Great War

Tuesday 3rd DecemberMr John Lewis-Stempel, Historian and author
The experiences of junior officers at the front

Tuesday 21st JanuaryEmeritus Professor John Derry, Newcastle University
Hindenburg and Ludendorff: A brilliant partnership?

Tuesday 18th February
Dr Edward Madigan, Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The better part of valour: British Understandings of courage during WW1

Tuesday 4th March
Professor Gary Sheffield, University of Wolverhampton
Haig Reconsidered

Tuesday 8th April
Professor Andrew Lambert, King’s College London
The Royal Navy during WW1

Thursday 8th May
Professor Joanna Bourke, Birkbeck College London
Armistice and disability

All events will start at 6pm and will take place on Northumbria University’s City campus. For further information and to register, visit www.tynemouthworldwarone.org.

Date posted: October 8, 2013