Olga Springer
My name is Olga Springer and I am the chairperson of the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies at DCU. My academic background lies in comparative and English literature; my doctoral dissertation explored ambiguity in Charlotte Brontë’s Villette. I have long been fascinated by the capacity of literary texts to allow us intellectual and emotional access to consciousnesses and experiences other than our own.
More recently, my work has focused on representations of space, gender and sexuality in prose texts from a variety of cultural backgrounds (for example in novels by Haruki Murakami and Margaret Atwood). The concepts of marginality, liminality, and eccentricity in particular inform both my research and teaching. I look forward to delivering the core module “Representations and Constructions of Gender and Sexuality in Literature and the Arts” on the MA programme.
For me as chair, the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies is an exciting academic programme that champions a spirit of inclusivity and openness, with particular focus on the intersectional nature of people’s experiences and of the various fields of study represented. I also want to emphasise the cross-disciplinary nature of the programme, where students are encouraged to engage in socio-political and ethical debates regarding the interaction of artistic, cultural, economic, historical, and social spheres with sexual and gender identities, at personal and at societal levels.
The first intake of students for this one-year MA will be welcomed in September 2025 for the academic year 2025/26. As chair, I am very happy to address any queries or questions prospective applicants may wish to direct to me.