Professor Derek Connon

National Teaching Fellow 2014 After graduating from the University of Liverpool with a BA in French, Professor Derek Connon began research for a PhD on the theatrical works of Diderot. This topic appealed not only because of his interests in the field of French literature, but because of the fact that Derek had always acted, and it was during this period that he began directing student productions in French. He completed his PhD in 1984, but in 1982 had already started a three-year lectureship at Queens University Belfast. This was followed by posts at the Universities of Exeter and St Andrews. This variety of experience gave Derek a broad outlook on university teaching, which served him well when he took up his current post at Swansea in 1989. At Swansea Derek has taught on a number of modules devoted to French literature and culture; teaching texts from the 17th to the 20th centuries in all literary genres, but with particular emphasis on his specialism of drama. He has also contributed lectures on cinema, music and art. Like all modern language specialists, Derek has taught classes on the French language, with a particular interest in translation, and has contributed to the development of translation studies in the department. As well as being a member of the Universitys Learning and Teaching, and Regulations, Quality and Standards Committees, and chairing the Undergraduate Student Cases Committee, Derek was fortunate to be a member of the committee tasked with revising the University's academic infrastructure; a move intended to promote equality of treatment between students and aid the sharing of good practice. As a result of the subsequent changes, Derek moved from being Dean of Arts and Humanities, to become the first Dean of Undergraduate Students, which is a role he finds hugely rewarding. After serving for a number of years as editor for French, Derek is now General Editor of the Modern Language Review, and is also a trustee of the Modern Humanities Research Association. In addition to his academic interests, Derek is a keen musician, which sometimes finds its way into his teaching and research.