معرفی
Dr. James Watts is a Lecturer in the Department of History (Historical Studies) at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on British imperialism within literary and media cultures from the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. As a public historian, he emphasizes creative research and collaborative practices.
- Research Themes: Intersects British, imperial, and landscape histories
- Key Projects: 'Imperial Enthusiasts' (PhD thesis), 'The Women that made Barton Hill' (2024-2025)
- Public Engagement: Organizer of 2025 decolonization talk 'Decolonising Colonial History: Why Hong Kong History Matters'
Publications highlight imperial memorials (Clive statue, Robert Clive debates), imperial travel narratives, and land reform policies through figures like Flora Shaw/Lugard and Henry Rider Haggard. His recent work explores contested statues as intersections of empire, memory, and cultural history.
Current activities include examining the politics of imperial settlement (1900-1920) and analyzing colonial narratives in media and literature. He employs interdisciplinary methodologies connecting historical analysis with public engagement, focusing on how imperial legacies shape contemporary debates about history and identity.
