Interview with Stephen M. Hart, March 24, 1992

Interview Summary

Stephen M. Hart is an associate professor of Spanish at the University of Kentucky. Hart was born in London, England in 1959. He mentions his wife, Danielle, their three children, and other family members. Hart attended Cambridge University, England from 1977 to 1985, and earned his undergraduate degrees in Spanish and French and his Ph.D. in Medieval and Modern Languages with an emphasis in Spanish. He mentions holding several jobs while in college. He discusses the differences between the American and British school system, stating that more Americans attend college. Hart lectured at the University of London, Queen Mary and Westfield College from 1984 to 1991. When Hart learned this site was being shut down and relocated, he applied for an available position at the University of Kentucky, where he had been a visiting professor. He began working at UK in 1991. Hart discusses his daily routine, including his teaching load and time spent with students. He talks about his preference for research, and discusses the qualities he feels teachers need. He mentions his work in Literary Theory, Feminist Literary Theory, and Women's Writing. Hart notes that most people are surprised when they learn this, since he is a man. He discusses the difficulties of his position, and talks about his work environment. He talks about his salary and benefits. Hart finds his work fulfilling in terms of "bringing together his teaching with his research." Hart recently received a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) award to study Nahuatl, a native Aztecan language, in Puebla, Mexico, and states that he has been invited to Peru to lecture.

Interview Keyword

Nature of academic work Spanish (Language) French (Language) Language Academics University professors Poetry Discrimination. Family history Families.

Interview LC Subject

Hart, Stephen M. Hart, Stephen M.--Interviews Spanish language University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of London Cambridge University College teachers. College teaching. Universities and colleges--Faculty. London (England) Research Universities and colleges--Finance

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.