This post is part of our Research Initiation Scheme for 2020-2021.

Jordan Hamilton began his higher education trajectory with a BA Hons degree in English and Spanish at Queen’s University Belfast. Looking ahead to potential postgraduate study, Jordan decided to pursue his interests in Golden Age Spanish literature. Subsequently, he applied to do the MRes in Arts and Humanities. Jordan went on to successfully complete the MRes on a part-time basis under the supervision of Dr Anne Holloway.

In the following interview, Jordan reflects on his research project and methodologies. He also offers advice for undergraduate students who are considering following a similar academic pathway.

The key focus of Jordan’s MRes project was the New Spanish poet and Hieronymite nun Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648-1695). His interest in this figure was sparked during the third year cultural cursillo (mini-module) on ‘Foreign Correspondents’, when he was allocated her love poetry as the theme for his class presentation. It was precisely the preparatory research that Jordan carried out for this presentation, which inspired his interest in Sor Juana’s poem Romance 51. This newfound passion served as the catalyst for his MRes proposal. Initially, his proposal included Sor Juana’s Renaissance love poetry and her self-representation.

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