SSPEL Newsletter: Research and Scholarly Activities

The Sociology, Anthropology and Politics LTSN (C-SAP) has finally produced the monograph on learning and teaching Social Theory* that I have been working on for months (nearly 2 years in fact). I was one of 3 editors as well as a contributor. The publication arose from a conference held in Birmingham Uni in 2005, which attracted some good papers from an international field. Another Marjon contributor was Dr Paul Sutton of Sociology

The editing process was variable but generally rather 'light touch'. I found myself having to edit the work of some senior and well-respected colleagues as well as that of Paul who then lived 4 or 5 doors away down the corridor. I hope I didn't upset anyone too much by misunderstanding, ignoring controversial bits or by doing violence to their beautifully crafted pieces. Paul was kind enough to edit mine. Light as we were, we did finally reject one paper altogether in the end.

We had all sorts of problems getting to print. A particularly interesting paper by an eminent Russian sociologist did not materialise. One of the editors had a serious illness, and so did one of the contributors. A senior contributor had one of those academic fallings-out with another one. One contributor changed jobs. Another wanted to update their chapter. A fellow editor got the different drafts of one paper mixed up and the wrong one went to print and had to be recalled. The old metaphor of herding cats sprang frequently to mind.

Finally it appeared but with last year's publication date on it!

Overall, I think some of the contributions are excellent and it was good to retain some international inputs.

Dave Harris

* Cope, J, Canaan, J., and Harris D. (eds) (2006) Learning and Teaching Social Theory, C-SAP, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15, 2TT

Melissa Coyle writes...

I was contacted by Dr Sally Akehurst, whom I have met previously at a BASES psychology workshop, to deliver a lecture on my applied consultancy experiences at the University of Aberystwyth. This was presented to all the BSc Sport Science students and staff within the department of Sport and Exercise Science (approximately 150).

The lecture considered the processes that are involved when working as an applied sport psychologist within professional football clubs. Particular emphasis was given to working with the youth team apprentices.

The students were informed of the key considerations into gaining access into the respective championship and league two clubs. Also the first impressions from the coaches, managers, and players were discussed, as well as the barriers that I faced within the world of professional football, and the strategies I used to overcome them.

I also evidenced my work by providing excerpts from interviews with key players I had worked with, and also the mangers thoughts as I left the club and moved down to the sunny southwest.

It was interesting to visit another institution and also meet the staff, some I knew from my undergraduate degree many years ago. They looked after me well and I hope to repay the compliment in the near future with visiting lecturers to Marjon.

NB There is now a hard copy of the Aberystwyth Newsletter giving a review of Melissa's efforts. It is available from me (dharris@marjon.ac.uk) on request