60 Seconds With... Emeritus Professor Susanne Kord

Tell us a little about your research…

I write about the intersection of literature, film and ethics. That has tended to transcend both disciplinary and cultural lines. For example, I’ve written books on why women are so often deemed ‘inferior’ writers; on ideas of masculinity in Hollywood movies, on the understanding of crime and criminality in Germany and Austria before both World Wars, and on the ethical stance of horror films. The broad philosophical link between morality and art (particularly of often denigrated art forms,  like women’s literature or horror flicks) interests me more than national literature, or specific epochs or authors.

Why is your research important?

I can’t really judge whether it is or isn’t. I write about what fascinates me, do it as well as I can, and leave the judging to readers. 

What inspires you in your work?

Detective work in archives (often on forgotten women). And good books, by both academics and non-academics. Reading something great and thinking ‘I wish I had written this’ , or maybe ‘I wish I could write like this,' often gets me going on a new project.

What has been your most memorable career moment so far?

The start of my career (getting my first job) and the finish line (retiring). In between there have been many mini-memorable moments, particularly involving teaching evaluations and emails from ex-students. I’m proud of having done what I can. I’m not there yet, but I’d like my tombstone to read: ’Tried hard.'

What passions/hobbies do you have outside of work?

Film, theatre, music, swimming, attending my husband’s rock concerts. 

What book is currently on your bedside table?

David Grann’s ’The Wager’ and Robert Harris’s ‘Act of Oblivion’. Both great tales involving historical mayhem and legal fall-out.