Ben Davies
@bendavies.bsky.social
Contemporary Literature, Novels, Theory, Time, Readers, Reading, Sociology of Literature. New book - Reading Novels During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Currently working on reading practices, times, and spaces.
Reposted by Ben Davies
MPs have launched an inquiry into why fewer children are reading for pleasure – and what schools are doing to get pupils into books
‘Generational shift’ in reading for pleasure sparks inquiry
MPs will investigate why fewer children are reading at home and highlight good in practice in schools that is getting pupils into books
www.tes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM
MPs have launched an inquiry into why fewer children are reading for pleasure – and what schools are doing to get pupils into books
Reposted by Ben Davies
'The Scottish Greens have lodged an amendment to the Scottish Government's Tertiary Education and Training Bill – set to be debated this week – which they believe will help to "boost the wages of ordinary workers".' 1/2
Plans lodged for crack down on 'obscene' pay of university principals
Propsals have been lodged to crack down on the 'obscene' pay inequality across Scotland's universities and colleges
www.thenational.scot
November 24, 2025 at 8:59 AM
'The Scottish Greens have lodged an amendment to the Scottish Government's Tertiary Education and Training Bill – set to be debated this week – which they believe will help to "boost the wages of ordinary workers".' 1/2
Reposted by Ben Davies
✨ Booking is now open for the 2026 London Rare Books School! ✨
EARLY BIRD OFFER
21 November - 23 January: Use code LRBS10 to receive 10% off the booking fee at the checkout
@sas-news.bsky.social
ies.sas.ac.uk/study-traini...
EARLY BIRD OFFER
21 November - 23 January: Use code LRBS10 to receive 10% off the booking fee at the checkout
@sas-news.bsky.social
ies.sas.ac.uk/study-traini...
London Rare Books School
The London Rare Books School (LRBS) at the Institute of English Studies, University of London runs a series of intensive courses on a variety of book-related subjects
ies.sas.ac.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:21 AM
✨ Booking is now open for the 2026 London Rare Books School! ✨
EARLY BIRD OFFER
21 November - 23 January: Use code LRBS10 to receive 10% off the booking fee at the checkout
@sas-news.bsky.social
ies.sas.ac.uk/study-traini...
EARLY BIRD OFFER
21 November - 23 January: Use code LRBS10 to receive 10% off the booking fee at the checkout
@sas-news.bsky.social
ies.sas.ac.uk/study-traini...
Reposted by Ben Davies
To “my students and to anyone who might listen, I say: Don’t surrender to AI your ability to read, write and think when others once risked their lives and died for the freedom to do so.”
www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
I Set A Trap To Catch My Students Cheating With AI. The Results Were Shocking.
"Students are not just undermining their ability to learn, but to someday lead."
www.huffpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:22 AM
To “my students and to anyone who might listen, I say: Don’t surrender to AI your ability to read, write and think when others once risked their lives and died for the freedom to do so.”
www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
Reposted by Ben Davies
How have books shaped the way we think? In January Anna Somfai will teach an online short course on books about science and philosophy in the Middle Ages. Book now 👇 #MedievalSky @ies-sas.bsky.social @warburginstitute.bsky.social @sas-news.bsky.social palaeography.uk/study/short-...
Medieval Philosophical and Scientific Manuscripts – an online short course taught by Anna Somfai
This course will run online from 14:00-17:00: Monday 26 January – Thursday 29 January 2026. The course explores medieval Western philosophical and scientific manuscripts produced over the spa…
palaeography.uk
November 21, 2025 at 10:39 AM
How have books shaped the way we think? In January Anna Somfai will teach an online short course on books about science and philosophy in the Middle Ages. Book now 👇 #MedievalSky @ies-sas.bsky.social @warburginstitute.bsky.social @sas-news.bsky.social palaeography.uk/study/short-...
Reposted by Ben Davies
'The initiative raises profound questions about the future of science education in the age of AI, including whether there should be a greater role for the humanities and social sciences.'
An important read. With a sharing link for 3 non-subscribers. on.ft.com/4rd7II4
An important read. With a sharing link for 3 non-subscribers. on.ft.com/4rd7II4
For scientists, the right questions are often the hardest
The most difficult problems can nurture the most talented researchers
on.ft.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:33 AM
'The initiative raises profound questions about the future of science education in the age of AI, including whether there should be a greater role for the humanities and social sciences.'
An important read. With a sharing link for 3 non-subscribers. on.ft.com/4rd7II4
An important read. With a sharing link for 3 non-subscribers. on.ft.com/4rd7II4
Reposted by Ben Davies
'Fewer than half are even fully aware that universities conduct research.'
Real indictment of universities' strategies and comms this. An own goal that could and should be rectified. Engaging broad publics with research is not rocket science. And if it were, universities have rocket scientists. 3/3
Real indictment of universities' strategies and comms this. An own goal that could and should be rectified. Engaging broad publics with research is not rocket science. And if it were, universities have rocket scientists. 3/3
November 17, 2025 at 8:04 AM
'Fewer than half are even fully aware that universities conduct research.'
Real indictment of universities' strategies and comms this. An own goal that could and should be rectified. Engaging broad publics with research is not rocket science. And if it were, universities have rocket scientists. 3/3
Real indictment of universities' strategies and comms this. An own goal that could and should be rectified. Engaging broad publics with research is not rocket science. And if it were, universities have rocket scientists. 3/3
Reposted by Ben Davies
Please support and share this petition to help save American Studies teaching at The University of Nottingham. Staff are facing redundancy. The expertise that would be lost would be monumental. Please sign.
c.org/26qjPmffNy
c.org/26qjPmffNy
This campaign needs you now
SAVE AMERICAN STUDIES TEACHING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
c.org
November 11, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Please support and share this petition to help save American Studies teaching at The University of Nottingham. Staff are facing redundancy. The expertise that would be lost would be monumental. Please sign.
c.org/26qjPmffNy
c.org/26qjPmffNy
Reposted by Ben Davies
In conjunction with @bacls.bsky.social, we are looking for some proposals for panels at BAAS and MSA! Read more here:
Call for C21/BACLS Panel Proposals
BACLS members are warmly invited to submit proposals for panels for the upcoming British Association for American Studies (BAAS) and British Association of Modernist Studies (BAMS) conferences in coll...
c21.openlibhums.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:55 AM
In conjunction with @bacls.bsky.social, we are looking for some proposals for panels at BAAS and MSA! Read more here:
Very happy to have received a physical copy of @heyitsdenisew.bsky.social fantastic new book. @edinburghup.bsky.social @bacls.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Very happy to have received a physical copy of @heyitsdenisew.bsky.social fantastic new book. @edinburghup.bsky.social @bacls.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Davies
We've refreshed out author guidelines for submissions to our journal, including new guidance for anyone looking to submit an interview. We'd love to hear from you!
c21.openlibhums.org/site/authorg...
c21.openlibhums.org/site/authorg...
Author Guidelines
c21.openlibhums.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:31 PM
We've refreshed out author guidelines for submissions to our journal, including new guidance for anyone looking to submit an interview. We'd love to hear from you!
c21.openlibhums.org/site/authorg...
c21.openlibhums.org/site/authorg...
Reposted by Ben Davies
‘Study after study shows that students want to develop these critical thinking skills, are not lazy, and large numbers of them would be in favor of banning ChatGPT and similar tools in universities’, says @olivia.science www.ru.nl/en/research/...
‘Opposing the inevitability of AI at universities is possible and necessary’ | Radboud University
Since the widespread release of ChatGPT in December of 2022, AI has taken over much of the world by storm – including academia. Most of this happened with very little pushback, despite a myriad of iss...
www.ru.nl
November 1, 2025 at 10:26 PM
‘Study after study shows that students want to develop these critical thinking skills, are not lazy, and large numbers of them would be in favor of banning ChatGPT and similar tools in universities’, says @olivia.science www.ru.nl/en/research/...
Reposted by Ben Davies
A spooky listen, full of higher ed ghosts ‘n’ ghouls.. but also rich with fresh ideas & possibility for the humanities. Thanks to @mattseybold.bsky.social for having me on & @cnewf.bsky.social for his vision!
The 100th episode of American Vandal. Launching the 12th season. Live at UPenn English Faculty Lounge with @cnewf.bsky.social, @whitneytrettien.bsky.social, & an incredible assembly of faculty, students, visiting scholars, & friends of the pod.
Criticism & The Chatbot Bubble (Vandal Live at UPenn English)
with Christopher Newfield & Whitney Trettien
theamericanvandal.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:29 PM
A spooky listen, full of higher ed ghosts ‘n’ ghouls.. but also rich with fresh ideas & possibility for the humanities. Thanks to @mattseybold.bsky.social for having me on & @cnewf.bsky.social for his vision!
Deadline reminder for @univeng.bsky.social funding scheme: 5pm on 10th November 2025.
Pleased to announce @univeng.bsky.social small funding scheme now open to members. UE will fund up to 20 projects up to £250 each to support research/pedagogy/continuing professional development activities in Lit, Lang, Creative Writing. See details here: universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreat...
University English Funding
universityenglish.ac.uk
October 31, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Deadline reminder for @univeng.bsky.social funding scheme: 5pm on 10th November 2025.
Reposted by Ben Davies
Apply now for the SAS Public Humanities Fellowship!
Applications are invited from those working at the forefront of shaping the future of Public Humanities, deepening its reach, and expanding its impact.
Apply by 21 November: www.sas.ac.uk/research-eng...
Applications are invited from those working at the forefront of shaping the future of Public Humanities, deepening its reach, and expanding its impact.
Apply by 21 November: www.sas.ac.uk/research-eng...
Public Humanities Fellowship
Our Public Humanities Fellowship stimulates new ideas and conversations around public humanities.
www.sas.ac.uk
October 29, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Apply now for the SAS Public Humanities Fellowship!
Applications are invited from those working at the forefront of shaping the future of Public Humanities, deepening its reach, and expanding its impact.
Apply by 21 November: www.sas.ac.uk/research-eng...
Applications are invited from those working at the forefront of shaping the future of Public Humanities, deepening its reach, and expanding its impact.
Apply by 21 November: www.sas.ac.uk/research-eng...
Reposted by Ben Davies
When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Experimental evidence of the effects of large language models versus web search on depth of learning
Abstract. The effects of using large language models (LLMs) versus traditional web search on depth of learning are explored. A theory is proposed that when
academic.oup.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:14 PM
When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Reposted by Ben Davies
go, student newspaper of Notre Dame and Saint Mary
"employ in-class essays, oral exams+ rigorous discussions — that are far more difficult to use AI tools to complete. a close reading of the text should constitute the bulk in any introductory humanities class."
www.ndsmcobserver.com/article/2025...
"employ in-class essays, oral exams+ rigorous discussions — that are far more difficult to use AI tools to complete. a close reading of the text should constitute the bulk in any introductory humanities class."
www.ndsmcobserver.com/article/2025...
Editorial: AI-proof the Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum is an essential part of a Catholic education that must be saved from AI.
www.ndsmcobserver.com
October 19, 2025 at 3:55 PM
go, student newspaper of Notre Dame and Saint Mary
"employ in-class essays, oral exams+ rigorous discussions — that are far more difficult to use AI tools to complete. a close reading of the text should constitute the bulk in any introductory humanities class."
www.ndsmcobserver.com/article/2025...
"employ in-class essays, oral exams+ rigorous discussions — that are far more difficult to use AI tools to complete. a close reading of the text should constitute the bulk in any introductory humanities class."
www.ndsmcobserver.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Ben Davies
We are delighted to host a major international symposium occasioned by the publication of 'Literature and Learning: A History of English Studies in Britain' by Stefan Collini
⏰Thurs 30 Oct 2025, 2-7pm
📍Senate House, London
The event is free to attend
BOOK NOW ⤵️
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
⏰Thurs 30 Oct 2025, 2-7pm
📍Senate House, London
The event is free to attend
BOOK NOW ⤵️
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
The History of English Studies in Britain: a Symposium
ies.sas.ac.uk
October 15, 2025 at 1:38 PM
We are delighted to host a major international symposium occasioned by the publication of 'Literature and Learning: A History of English Studies in Britain' by Stefan Collini
⏰Thurs 30 Oct 2025, 2-7pm
📍Senate House, London
The event is free to attend
BOOK NOW ⤵️
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
⏰Thurs 30 Oct 2025, 2-7pm
📍Senate House, London
The event is free to attend
BOOK NOW ⤵️
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
Reposted by Ben Davies
Award-winning novelist Elif Shafak will deliver the National Humanities Lecture 2026!
Book now for this prestigious lecture, which celebrates the vital role of the humanities in public life.
3 February 2026 | 6-8pm | Senate House & Online. Register here: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
Book now for this prestigious lecture, which celebrates the vital role of the humanities in public life.
3 February 2026 | 6-8pm | Senate House & Online. Register here: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
The National Humanities Lecture 2026
www.sas.ac.uk
October 15, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Award-winning novelist Elif Shafak will deliver the National Humanities Lecture 2026!
Book now for this prestigious lecture, which celebrates the vital role of the humanities in public life.
3 February 2026 | 6-8pm | Senate House & Online. Register here: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
Book now for this prestigious lecture, which celebrates the vital role of the humanities in public life.
3 February 2026 | 6-8pm | Senate House & Online. Register here: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
Reposted by Ben Davies
'Despite AI’s widespread use, 62% of the students said it has had a negative impact on their skills and development at school, while one in four of the students agreed that AI “makes it too easy for me to find the answers without doing the work myself”.' 1/2
Pupils fear AI is eroding their ability to study, research finds
One in four students say AI ‘makes it too easy’ for them to find answers
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 6:20 AM
'Despite AI’s widespread use, 62% of the students said it has had a negative impact on their skills and development at school, while one in four of the students agreed that AI “makes it too easy for me to find the answers without doing the work myself”.' 1/2
Reposted by Ben Davies
My latest: "Numerous studies show that majors in the humanities—typically, in departments of English, history, philosophy, religious studies, classics and languages—lead students to employment and life satisfaction outcomes as positive as those for majors traditionally championed as 'practical.'”
Counterpoint | Minnesota humanities graduates thrive in meaningful careers
"The stereotype of the underemployed history major is simply not true," professor Andrea Kaston Tange writes.
www.startribune.com
October 12, 2025 at 11:14 PM
My latest: "Numerous studies show that majors in the humanities—typically, in departments of English, history, philosophy, religious studies, classics and languages—lead students to employment and life satisfaction outcomes as positive as those for majors traditionally championed as 'practical.'”
Reposted by Ben Davies
We can't wait to celebrate the #NationalYearofReading!
🫵Tell us how you're going to celebrate - we'd love to share your story in our magazine English 4-11, published with our friends and partners @uklitassociation.bsky.social and @natefeed.bsky.social: bit.ly/4-11YearOfRe...
🫵Tell us how you're going to celebrate - we'd love to share your story in our magazine English 4-11, published with our friends and partners @uklitassociation.bsky.social and @natefeed.bsky.social: bit.ly/4-11YearOfRe...
Microsoft Forms
bit.ly
October 10, 2025 at 10:34 AM
We can't wait to celebrate the #NationalYearofReading!
🫵Tell us how you're going to celebrate - we'd love to share your story in our magazine English 4-11, published with our friends and partners @uklitassociation.bsky.social and @natefeed.bsky.social: bit.ly/4-11YearOfRe...
🫵Tell us how you're going to celebrate - we'd love to share your story in our magazine English 4-11, published with our friends and partners @uklitassociation.bsky.social and @natefeed.bsky.social: bit.ly/4-11YearOfRe...
And how research in English both changes our historical awareness and improves contemporary practices
October 8, 2025 at 10:48 AM
#EnglishCreates How researchers at Aston (www.aston.ac.uk/bss/social-s...) help with criminal investigations:
October 8, 2025 at 10:47 AM
No reason for reposting this today, either...
#EnglishCreates impact across the UK every day.
Learn how this Aberystwyth's project on Expressions of Care helped to benefit communities
See more examples of English impact at universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreat...
Learn how this Aberystwyth's project on Expressions of Care helped to benefit communities
See more examples of English impact at universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreat...
October 8, 2025 at 10:46 AM
No reason for reposting this today, either...