James did a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. He then went on to do an MA in Town and Regional Planning at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban before coming to Leicester.  His dissertation for the MA in Urban History examines post-apartheid street renaming in Durban. It aims to analyse the procedure from the point of view of urban power relations, drawing on Bourdieu’s notion of symbolic power, in other words how different agents struggle to produce and impose their vision of the social world and the divisions within it.  James is hoping to continue his studies at PhD level at the University of Cape Town for which he will research the characteristics and dynamics of civil society in Durban during the apartheid era. 

Why did you choose the MA in Urban History?

Having previously studied Town and Regional Planning, I was interested in issues pertaining to urbanisation in a historical sense – the philosophical discourses and political, economic and social forces that produce and continuously reshape cities. I wished to buttress my knowledge of such issues, as well as more general theoretical and analytical techniques, before continuing to research at a PhD level.

How did you find out about the MA?

I performed an internet search for ‘urban history’ and the CUH was first of the hit list.

What has been the most interesting aspect of the course and why?

The most interesting aspect has probably been the range of critical theoretical approaches that we have been exposed to. I have become far more aware of alternative approaches to understanding past and current events, which question the basis of our knowledge of the social world.

What has been the most fun aspect of the MA?

There has been an extremely lively and involved atmosphere amongst the Masters students – something which I hadn’t experienced during my previous postgraduate studies. The combination of hard work and relaxed sociability was fantastic.

What parts of the MA have you enjoyed the least and why?

There were a few aspects of the coursework that were rather mundane (for example, a statistics course); yet I understand the value of their inclusion in the syllabus.

Are there any aspects of the MA which you would like to change?

I would have appreciated the opportunity to do the Social Theory course as part of the standard Urban History course.

Are there any parts of the course which you feel will be of particular use for your future career choice?

I imagine the research techniques I garnered, such as those involved in textual analysis, will be most useful for a future career as a researcher. Furthermore, the small degree of postcolonial theory I picked up will be of great use in securing employment in the academic field.

What is your most memorable moment at CUH?

It is truly difficult to say. One moment that stands out was the encouragement I received from Simon Gunn during the break of our second seminar of the ‘Concepts in Urban History’ course. As we were walking out of the room, he simply said ‘Good stuff’. It was very rewarding to know that I was on the right track.
Another moment that was potentially life-changing was after I had presented a summary of a paper to a Colonial Cities seminar. Prashant simply asked, ‘Did you find the author’s approach problematic in any sense?’ I was at a complete loss for words. It made me realise how little I had critically engaged with academic work in the past.

Do you have any ‘survival’ tips for future students?

Firstly, make sure you start reading right at the outset. This will help you maintain your work rate throughout the year. Secondly, make an effort to engage with all sources in a highly critical manner, as this seems to earn the most positive feedback from the markers!

What’s the best cake Roey has cooked this year?

I have to admit I was a fan of the flapjacks.