The study of vernacular culture, according to Donoghue, often involves
reading literature that is not well-known.
"[He is] concerned with lesser known writers and authors who have only recently begun to get attention," Donoghue said.
Watson's interest in the personal and social aspects of teaching, according to Donoghue, make him well-suited to continue the legacy of Pearsall, who was well-liked by students.
"Like Derek Pearsall, [Watson] is very much concerned with cultivating the personal side of the profession," Donoghue said.
According to Donoghue, Pearsall organized many conferences and seminars on Medieval literature "to keep the vitality of the profession going within Medieval literature." Pearsall was a popular lecturer-he taught English 10a-and an administrator.
Watson will begin teaching in the Fall of 2001. He will teach a seminar on "Sir Gawain," a story published in the 14th century by an anonymous author. He will also teach a lecture course on Chaucer as well as a number of other seminars.
Visiting professor David Benson had temporarily filled Pearsall's and Larry D. Benson's old role after Pearsall retired last year. David Benson this year was named a Distinguished Professor at the University of Connecticut and will not teach at Harvard.