Assoc Prof Rose Boswell (HOD and Deputy Dean of Humanities)

Associate Professor Rose Boswell is HOD of the Anthropology Department. She also serves the university as Deputy Dean of the Humanities Faculty.

Prof Boswell has a PhD in anthropology from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam and MA in Anthropology from the University of Cape Town. Her PhD investigated the phenomenon of Le Malaise Creole in Mauritius. The research resulted in a book, published by Berghahn Books, Oxford in 2006. Her current research is focused on identities and heritage management in the southwest Indian Ocean region. She has done fieldwork in Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles and Zanzibar.

In 2010 and on behalf of the Mauritius Truth and Justice Commission, Boswell led a multidisciplinary research team investigating the legacies of racism in Mauritius. As a scholar, Boswell is committed to multisited research and to writing and publishing on a wide range of subjects. These subjects include: dress, sexuality, scent use, poverty and tourism. Her latest book (2011) is entitled 'Representing Heritage in Zanzibar and Madgascar'.

In 2011, she focused on 'continental' research investigating superdiversity and integration in South Africa. She also participated in a multidisciplinary team that produced heritage training documentation for the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). Rose is still keen to deepen her understanding of the southwest Indian Ocean and would welcome participation in collaborative projects in and reflections on the region.  From April - December 2012, she will be on sabbatical leave. 

Rose can be contacted at r.boswell@ru.ac.za.