WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

HUMANITIESBringing Humanists Together for Collaborative Research

2147 Old Main 4841 Cass Avenue CENTERDetroit, MI 48202 Tel: 313 577.5471 Fax: 313 577.2843 www.research.wayne.edu/hum

AANNUAL RREPORT 2001-20022001-2002

WAYNE STATE UYNIVERSIT The Humanities Center YNE STATE UNIVERSITY ADVISORY BOARD 2001-2002 WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY Charles F. Bantz Provost IRVIN D. REID, PRESIDENT Our Mission Ex Officio CHARLES F. B ANTZ, PROVOST & SENIOR VP FOR Bradd Burningham ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Librarian University Libraries

Margaret Franklin BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2002 Assistant Professor Art & Art History LEON H. ATCHISON, CHAIR DIANE L. DUNASKISS Heidi Gottfried Associate Professor ELIZABETH HARDY Urban, Labor, & Metropolitan Affairs PAUL HILLEGONDS JOHN F. K ELLY, VICE CHAIR Frank Grabowski Ph.D. Student Bringing Humanists Together PAUL MASSARON Philosophy ANNETTA MILLER for Collaborative Research Jerry Herron JACKIE WASHINGTON Professor English

Christopher J. Peters Assistant Professor Law

Ed Smith Associate Professor Theatre

Michael Smith, Archivist Labor History

Susan Vineburg THE HUMANITIES CENTER Associate Professor Philosophy AIMS TO FOSTER INTERDISCIPLINARY AND INTRA-DISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN THE HUMANITITES AND ARTS THROUGH THEMED AND UNTHEMED COMPETI- Lisa Vollendorf Assistant Professor TIONS, SEMINARS, FORUMS, AND RESEARCH DISCUSSIONS AMONG GROUPS OF Romance Languages & Literature FACULTY AND GRADUATE STUDENTS AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY AND Susan Whitelaw THROUGH THE IDEAS OF INVITED VISITING PROFESSORS. THE CENTER SEEKS TO Associate Professor, Associate PROMOTE EXCELLENCE IN HUMANISTIC AND CREATIVE ENDEAVORS THROUGH Dean School of Social Work RIGOROUS PEER REVIEW OF PROPOSALS SUBMITTED BY FACULTY AND STUDENTS Lauren Kata FOR FUNDING THROUGH ITS VARIOUS PROGRAMS, AND TO INVOLVE DEPART- Graduate Student MENTS, PROGRAMS, AND OTHER CENTERS AND INSTITUTES AT THE UNIVERSITY History

IN COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO ADVANCE HUMANISITIC AND ARTISTIC WORK. STEERING COMMITTEE THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, THE CENTER AIMS TO BECOME A SITE OF Dedria Bryfonski INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN THE HUMANITIES AND ARTS WITH A STRONG Gale Publishing COMMITMENT TO INTERDISCIPLINARY OR TRANS-DISCIPLINARY STUDY IN THE Mildred Jeffrey ARTS AND HUMANITIES. Governor Emeritas, Wayne State University

Karin McClow-Orr Michigan Humanities Council

Guy Stern Distinguished Professor of German & Slavic Studies, Wayne State University

Maurice Wheeler Detroit Public Library

2 2001-2002 Annual Report Contents

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 4

RESIDENT SCHOLARS 5-7

INNOVATIVE PROJECTS 8

DETROIT 300 9-11

FALL SYMPOSIUM 2001 12-14

GRADUATE STUDENT TRAVEL AWARDS 15

PHOTOS 18-19

BROWN BAG COLLOQUIUM SERIES 16-17, 20-23

EDWARD M. WISE DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIP 24

2002 FELLOWS CONFERENCE 25-27

WORKING GROUPS IN THE HUMANITIES 28-29

OTHER SPONSORED AND SUPPORTED PROJECTS 30-31

A LOOK AHEAD - NEW PROJECTS 32-33

PROGRAM EXPENDITURES 34

HUMANITIES CENTER STAFF 35 The Humanities Center 2001-2002 Annual Report Produced by Leslie Ash

3 A Message From the Director plicit comments from colleagues, is that the Center is perceived as a very valued member of the humanities and arts family at Wayne State and that its programs are seen as contributing 2001-2002 Overview significantly to a healthy intellectual climate, and providing needed funds to support work of humanities and arts faculty and students. For that perception, I am truly grateful. The Center has also grown in its collaborative experi- ences. In 2001-2002 we collaborated with the DIA, the Windsor Art Gallery, and WSU’s American Studies Program to sponsor the symposium on Beauty and Pleasure; with the Left: Humanities Reuther Library, the Detroit Historical Museum, CULMA, the Center Director, Dr. Walter F. Edwards History Department, and the Auto Heritage Association to sponsor our Detroit 300 conference; with the College of Lib- eral Arts, the Italian Consulate and the Mandean community I am very pleased to report on a vigorous year of activi- to sponsor the visit of an Italian religious scholar to lecture on ties in the Humanities Center; a year of growth, and consolida- our campus; with the English Department and the Africana tion. We grew in terms of the number and popularity of our Studies Department to sponsor the visit of the internationally programs; and we consolidated our role as an academic center renowned author Ishmael Reed; with WSU’s Academy of that provides stimulating intra-disciplinary and interdiscipli- Scholars and several WSU and community organizations to nary experiences for the humanities and arts community on sponsor a conference on “The Meaning of September 11,” fea- campus and in the wider metropolitan area. turing political leaders and local scholars. Our interdisciplinary impact was enhanced by several of I personally enjoyed contributing to the growing impor- our programs, including the activities of the seven tance of a sister organization, the Center for Great Lakes Cul- Working Groups we funded this year. Each of these groups ture, on whose Board of Regional Advisors I serve, and meet- involved faculty and students from diverse departments, pro- ing with fellow Humanities Center directors at conferences in grams, and intellectual orientations, working together on one Minneapolis and Madison. Through these latter meetings I common project. gathered ideas for new programs and shared some of the posi- Our Brown Bag Colloquium lectures have also emerged tive experiences our Center has had. I was encouraged to find as venues in which faculty and students from across sub-disci- that our Center compares very favorably with other centers in plines interact with one another. It was not unusual, for ex- terms of funding for internal faculty and students and the range ample, to have a philosopher, a historian, a literary expert, a of programs offered. legal scholar, and an artist considering a presenter’s topic from The Center continues to benefit from the support of fac- their individual standpoints. In this format, each contributor has ulty and administrators in the colleges of Liberal Arts, Fine, his or her own ideas enriched by the cross-disciplinary conver- Performing and Communication Arts, CULMA, the Law sation. School, the Library System, the College of Education, and Our Fall Symposium on “Notions of Beauty and Plea- the School of Social Work, and from the advice and encour- sure” was also an interdisciplinary success. After art critic Dave agement of the Provost, to whom it reports. These associa- Hickey presented his unique views, our faculty from the Phi- tions and collaborations have helped to integrate us with the losophy, Art History, English, Psychology, and Theatre depart- other humanities and arts units on this campus so that the Center ments examined his ideas from their respective disciplinary is viewed as complementary to and supportive of these enti- standpoints. The result of this interaction was a rich tapestry of ties. The Center continues to attract excellent Advisory Board ideas and opinions surrounding the concepts of beauty and plea- members who work beyond the call of duty to help the Center sure. respond to the needs of our constituents. Our conference on the theme “Fueling the Spirit of De- The experiences of this past year make me feel confi- troit: Humanists and the Humanities in Detroit’s History” to dent that the Center’s work is making a valuable contribution mark the 300th birthday of the City of Detroit was also to the life of this university. We will move forward with new multidisciplinary in focus, with presentations from various fields and enhanced programs in the coming year. Thanks for your including art, drama, literature, history and archiving. Experts continued support and encouragement. drawn from our own faculty as well as neighboring universities and civic institutions participated in this event. Sincerely, These and other programs sponsored by the Center sought Walter F. Edwards, Director to promote our central goal, which is to celebrate, promote, and extend the humanities and arts. My sense, encouraged by ex- 4 2001-2002 Annual Report Resident Schol-

The Humanities Center’s Annual Competition for Resident Scholars in the 2001-2002 year attracted impressive applications. Eight research projects were selected for funding from a broad range of special- ties. Scholars were able to use the space and resources of the Center and were encouraged to collaborate for grant writing, feedback and professional growth.

2001-2001 RESIDENT SCHOLARS

Above: “Jumping Fox with Green Virgin” multiple RICHARD BILAITIS wood sculpture by Karl Appel. Gift of Mr. & Mrs. College of Fine & Norman A. Pappas, 1997. This piece is part of the Performing Arts University Art Collection being catalogued by Richard University Art Collection Right: Donald Haase in his office at the DONALD HAASE RICHARD BILAITIS Humanities Center German & Slavic As an Associate Dean of the College Languages & Literatures of Fine, Performing, and Communication The Fairy Tale in War, Arts, Dr. Bilaitis has for years been di- Exile, and the Holocaust rectly involved in maintaining and im- with particular attention paid to fairy tales proving the University Art Collection. and the Holocaust. Viewing the fairy tale CHRIS LELAND After his retirement in 2000, Dr. Bilaitis as a tool of politicization and as a response English acted as a consultant to President Reid in to trauma, Haase then expanded the re- A Storyteller’s Guide to Style overseeing the collection. As a Resident search to include a greater historical and Scholar, Dr. Bilaitis used his space in the geographical background, examining Humanities Center for himself and his works from Arabian Nights and the assistant Kristin Lambert. Together they Decameron to World War II works such as focused on a computerized catalogue of Dreams by a French Fireside, which was the WSU Art Collection. After review- written in response to wartime conditions. ing the complete inventory, select pieces Haase’s work on the fairy tale aesthetic in were described and illustrated for a text wartime conditions during his residency, soon to be published. For this effort it as well as work in a Humanities Center was necessary to meet with collectors and Working Group contributed to his book potential donors to augment the existing project, The Fairy Tale in War, Exile, and collection of the University. the Holocaust and resulted in an excellent Brown Bag lecture given in April 2002. DONALD HAASE Dr. Haase of the German and Slavic CHRIS LELAND Studies department continued his resi- Dr. Leland, of the English department, dency begun in 2000-2001 to complete used his residency in the Fall of 2001 to research on his project on fairy tales in complete work on his book project, A relation to war situations. Pursuing a Storyteller’s Guide to Style. This work is 5 broad-range study, 2001-2002 Annual Report Resident Scholars

Resident Scholars Roundtables were held once per month. These informal meetings were organized by the Humanities Center as an additional resource for Resident Scholars. Each scholar presented his or her research for feedback from col- leagues. Opportunities for joint research and external grant- seeking were also explored.

2001-2002 RESIDENT Below: Lisa Vollendorf discusses her research with other aimed at overcoming the problem of com- SCHOLARS (CONTINUED) scholars at a Resident Scholars Roundtable. bining basic writing information (punctua- tion, verb tenses, pronoun agreement, etc.) M.L. LIEBLER with more specific issues of creative writ- English The Vision of Words Literacy ing such as dialogue writing, setting a Program for Non-Tradi- scene, and figurative language use. Dr. tional Venues Leland’s book was accepted for publica- tion by F & W Books of Cincinnati, Ohio. JENNIFER SHERIDAN MOSS Classics, Greek & Latin M.L. LIEBLER A Michigan Tax Roll M.L. Liebler of the English Depart- ment began his residency at the Humani- STEVEN STACK ties Center in Fall 2001. His work involves Criminal Justice a community-based literacy arts education The Death Penalty and program entitled The Vision of Words Lit- Homicide: Theoretical and eracy Program for Non-Traditional Venues. Empirical Extensions Through community connections with the YMCA of Detroit and other non-profit or- vestigation of an ancient Graeco-Roman ganizations, Liebler worked to place quali- Egyptian text which records the personal fied Detroit-based artists/teachers in non- finances of an Egyptian businessman. As traditional venues to conduct creative writ- an expert in ancient papyri, Moss was asked ing workshops and literary arts classes with to collaborate on the translation and analy- children and adults. These venues include sis of this record with regard to its implica- youth homes, senior centers, schools, men- tion on ancient tax practices. The text, dat- tal health facilities, and veterans hospitals. ing to the mid-fourth century, will also shed Liebler’s space at the Center enabled him light on economic and political structures to continue building networks within the of that era. Moss collaborated with community to broaden and enrich this Traianos Gagos of the University of Michi- unique program. gan on this project.

JENNIFER SHERIDAN MOSS STEVEN STACK Dr. Moss, Associate Professor of Dr. Stack used his time at the Center Classics, Greek and Latin Department, used to continue his research on the effects of her residency to pursue a very exciting in- public execution on murder rates in the U.S. 6 His project seeks to assess the relative im- 2001-2002 Annual Report Resident Schol-

For the upcoming year, the Humanities Center has up- graded all computer equipment in the offices reserved for Resident Scholars. The new computers are top-of-the line models, both PC and Mac. The Center staff continue to support our Residents. The deadline for application for 2002-2003 residency is July 19,2002.

2001-2001 RESIDENT SCHOLARS (CONTINUED)

Below: Resident Scholar Renata LISA VOLLENDORF Wasserman portance of different types of nationally Romance Languages & publicized punishments (death penalty and Literatures life sentences) on the national incidence of Feminist and Women’s Texts homicide. He found that life sentences for in Spain, 1580-1680 murder were unrelated to homicide rates, but that publicized executions were linked RENATA WASSERMAN with a dip in the murder rate for four days English after the media coverage. This included Financial Fictions states that do not have the death penalty. The implications of this study will require further research, but the preliminary results of this study, the first of its kind, are groundbreaking. RENATA WASSERMAN While in residence at the Center, Dr. LISA VOLLENDORF Wasserman of the English department Dr. Vollendorf is an Assistant Profes- pursued completion of a book-length sor of Spanish. During her residency in the comparative study on realism/naturalism Winter 2002 term, Dr. Vollendorf focused in French, Brazilian and American her research on Women’s Culture in Spain: literature. She examined the representa- 1580-1700. This work led to a produc- tion of political and economic life in tive term: she wrote and submitted two ar- novels. She was especially interested in ticles, presented a paper at an MLA Con- the transformation of former European vention and gave a Brown Bag lecture at colonies into independent nations and the Humanities Center. During her resi- their insertion in a global economy that dency, Dr. Vollendorf also earned a Board distributed wealth and power unequally. of Governors Faculty Recognition Award. This research led to a fascinating Brown Her Brown Bag talk entitled “Good Sex, Bag lecture that looked at these factors Bad Sex: Intimacy and Authority in Spain and at the respresentation of the press, (1580-1680)” was well-attended and entitled “Fitting the News for Print: spurred much interest from attendees. Howells’ A Modern Instance, Lima Barreto’s Memorias do escrivao Isaias Caminha and the Role of the Press.” 7 2001 Annual Report Innovative Projects

The Humanities Center enthusiastically supports innovation in research, including collaborative projects and research on subjects not heavily covered in mainstream academia. This year the Center made four awards in its annual competition for innovation in humanities and arts research.

INNOVATIVE PROJECTS 2001-2002 RECIPIENTS

DORA APEL $5,000 TOTAL AWARDS Assistant Professor, Art & FUND INNOVATION Art History Images of Lynching in the Now in its third year, the Center’s In- United States novative Projects program continues to Award Amount: $2,000 encourage faculty members from a variety of departments to collaborate on projects BARRETT WATTEN in the humanities and the arts. This year Associate Professor, the Center awarded the maximum grant English amount of $2000 each to two projects con- Above: John Corvino, Philosophy, and ducted by Wayne State faculty. was a recipient of Innovative CARLA HARRYMAN Dora Apel of the department of Art Projects funding for his research. Senior Lecturer, English and Art History received funding to lead a New Generation Poetics: project examining how images of lynch- Biblical Interpretation, and the Relevance Innovative Writing in New ing have affected the landscape of America of Experience.” In this project, Dr. Corvino Genres and New Media by historicizing and theorizing the con- worked from the premise that much of Award Amount: $2,000 struction of black cultural identity in rela- America’s opposition to homosexuality is tion to the body of imagery documenting rooted in the belief that the Bible condemns JOHN CORVINO the practice of lynching. homosexuality. Using a philosophical out- Assistant Professor, Carla Harryman and Barrett Watten, look to reexamine the relevant passages of Philosophy both of the English Department, are col- the Bible, Dr. Corvino argues that this view By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know laborating on a project looking at the rapid may have been a misinterpretation of the Them: Homosexuality, Bibli- pace of change in writing styles and genres Bible’s stance toward homosexuality. cal Interpretation, and the in this technology-driven modern world. Also receiving a $500 award was Relevance of Experience The planned events include individual “Song: A Healing Collage,” a collabora- Award Amount: $500 readings, lectures, and symposia to bring tive effort between M. L. Liebler, Senior emerging writers and their new genres to Lecturer in English, and Olivia Washing- M.L. LIEBLER Wayne State. ton, Assistant Professor of Nursing. To- Senior Lecturer, English In addition to these two fully funded gether, these WSU scholars planned a and projects, the Center awarded $500 to John cross-disciplinary performance-based pro- OLIVIA WASHINGTON Corvino, Assistant Professor of Philoso- gram examining the healing effect of the Assistant Professor, Nursing Song: A Healing Collage phy, for his project entitled “By Their Fruits arts, with particular attention to the experi- Award Amount: $500 Ye Shall Know Them: Homosexuality, ences of survivors of breast cancer. 8 2001 Events Detroit 300

“Fueling the Spirit of Detroit: Humanists and the Humani- ties in Detroit’s History,” was a symposium presented by the Humanities Center in conjunction with the Detroit 300 Part- nership on September 14, 2001.

Left: the audience at the DETROIT 300 Humanities Center Detroit PRESENTERS 300 conference listens to keynote speaker Charles Baxter CHARLES BAXTER Keynote Speaker A Reading by Charles Baxter

CONSTANCE BUDOROW Executive Director of the Automotive National Heritage Association The Automobile National Heritage Area – Reading our Heritage in the UMANITIES ENTER ELPS H C H Cultural Landscape CELEBRATE DETROIT’S TRICENTENNIAL

This event was an invitational confer- students to commemorate the contributions BRIAN DUNNIGAN ence sponsored by the Humanities Center to Detroit’s cultural and humanistic land- Curator at The Clements featuring representatives from Wayne State scape made by major and minor historical Library, The University of University’s College of Liberal Arts and figures, including Augustus Woodward, Michigan College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Albert Kahn, Henry Ford, Edsel Ford, Di- Images of Early Detroit: Affairs (CULMA); and from the Detroit In- ego Rivera and Ossian Sweet. Reading a Cultural History stitute for the Arts (DIA), the Detroit His- The aim of the conference was to torical Museum, the Charles H. Wright make the contributions of these historical Museum of African American History and figures known to the general public so that the Automotive National Heritage Associa- names of Detroit buildings, streets and lo- tion. The event was supported by a grant cations may be related to the intellectual, from the Ford Motor Company. religious, educational, artistic and other The event marked Detroit’s 300th humanistic contributions made by these birthday by bringing together scholars and historical figures. 9 2001 Events Detroit 300

The year 2002 marked the 300th year since Detroit’s found- ing. As part of a year-long program of commemoration by the city, the Humanities Center sponsored a day-long conference to mark this historic occasion and to draw atten- tion to the long and fascinating history of one of America’s oldest cities.

DETROIT 300 PRESENTERS (CONTINUED) CONFERENCE HELD IN FALL 2001

MICHELE RONNICK On September 14, 2001, with the fi- Associate Professor, nancial assistance of Ford Motor Company, Classics, Greek and Lib- the Humanities Center in conjunction with eral Arts, Wayne State American Studies, CULMA, the History University Department, and the DIA hosted an offi- From Rome to Detroit: cial Detroit 300 event. Augustus Woodward Presenters for this event included vis- (1774-1827) and the iting scholars and artists, community lead- Campus Martius ers, and Wayne State faculty with special- ized knowledge of the Detroit community KEVIN BOYLE and its history. Detroit Historian and Above: Charles Baxter delivers a Detroit-centered “A Reading by Charles Baxter” be- Author, Associate Pro- reading to kick off the Detroit 300 conference gan our conference. Charles Baxter is an fessor at University of Massachusetts, Amherst internationally renowned poet and author The Rages of Whiteness: A who has written extensive fiction focusing Murder, Modernity, and on the unique historical and cultural fea- the Making of Civil tures of Detroit. He delivered a keynote Brian Dunnigan, Curator at Clements Rights Liberalism speech to begin the day’s celebrations. Library of University of Michigan and au- A luncheon, sponsored by the Hu- thor spoke on the topic of his new book, BILL HARRIS manities Center, provided an opportunity Frontier Metropolis, in a lecture entitled Playwright, to hear Constance Budorow, Executive “Images of Early Detroit: Reading a Cul- Professor of English, Director of the Automotive Heritage As- tural History.” Wayne State University, sociation, speak about the development of Michele Ronnick, WSU Associate Detroit Sketches, per- the six automotive corridors in metro-De- Professor, Classics, Greek and Liberal Arts, formed by Bill Harris troit and its potential social, political and made an address on the topic of Mr. and Council Cargle economic impact. Augustus Woodward’s Humanistic contri- In addition to these key events, our butions delivering a talk entitled, “From symposium featured the following promi- Rome to Detroit: Augustus Woodward nent speakers: (1774-1827) and the Campus Martius.” 10 2001 Events Detroit 300

The Humanities Center wishes to thank the following for their financial support and other assistance in planning the Detroit 300 conference: Ford Motor Company Detroit Historical Museums and Society Walter P. Reuther Library American Studies Program, WSU History Department, WSU

DETROIT 300 PRESENTERS (CONTINUED)

JERRY HERRON Right: Michele Professor, English and Ronnick of the Director of American Classics, Greek Studies, Wayne State and Latin department at University Detroit 300 Henry, Edsel, Diego and the Last Pedestrians

Above: Charles Hyde, Professor of History, makes a CHARLES HYDE presentation for the Detroit 300 celebration. Professor of History, Wayne State University Southeastern Michigan Kevin Boyle, Detroit Historian and Charles Hyde, WSU History Profes- and the Chrysler Corpo- author, contributed a paper about the civil sor concluded the seminar with his talk on ration: Riding the Roller rights movement in Detroit and specifically the history of the Chrysler Corporation and Coaster Together about Mr. Ossian Sweet’s contribution to its humanistic implications. This lecture the movement in a talk entitled “The Rages was entitled “Southeastern Michigan and of Whiteness: A Murder, Modernity, and the Chrysler Corporation: Riding the Roller the Making of Civil Rights.” The paper was Coaster Together.” read by Louis Jones of the Reuther Library The symposium attracted over 100 in Dr. Boyle’s absence. attendees from Wayne State University and Bill Harris, Wayne State University the general public, as well as the academic English Professor and Playwright staged a community of Greater Detroit. Our thanks performance of his work, Detroit Sketches to all the members of the Detroit 300 part- with a colleague, Council Cargle. nership for allowing us to participate in the Jerry Herron, WSU Director of official Detroit 300 program. The success American Studies, gave a talk on the sub- of this program is a tribute to the indomi- ject of Edsel Ford’s humanistic contribu- table spirit of the American community tions to the city of Detroit, entitled “Henry, who refused to be daunted by the horrific Edsel, Diego and the Last Pedestrians.” experiences of September 11. 11 2001 Fall Symposium Notions of Beauty & Pleasure

Beauty and Pleasure are uniquely human concepts, and as such, intersect with every aspect of the broad Humanities. Our Fall Symposium examined the human perceptions of Beauty and Pleasure from a multidisciplinary viewpoint.

Right: Dave Hickey is passionate about “Notions of Beauty and FALL SYMPOSIUM Pleasure” at the Fall Symposium PRESENTERS

JERRY HERRON Moderator Professor, English Director, American Studies

DAVE HICKEY Keynote Speaker FINDING BEAUTY IN THE MODERN Professor, Art Theory & WORLD Criticism, University of The Humanities Center’s symposium wit. The event was co-sponsored and par- Nevada at Las Vegas on The Notions of Beauty and Pleasure tially funded by the Michigan Humanities was held in the Alumni Lounge, Ferry Mall, Council. on campus on November 30, 2001. The event provided participants with a good THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: KEYNOTE ADDRESS way to intellectually stop and smell the BY ART CRITIC DAVE HICKEY roses at a time when the ugliness of war in The event was keynoted by Dave the wake of the events of September 11 was Hickey, Professor of Art Theory &Criti- forefront in our minds. cism at the University of Nevada, Las Ve- The program spotlighted two concepts gas. Hickey is an internationally known art that are central to the humanities and arts critic and commentator whose books by approaching them from several disci- Stardumb (1999), Air Guitar: Essays on Art plinary viewpoints: literary, philosophical, and Democracy (1997) and The Invisible psychological, historical, artistic and the- Dragon: Four Essays on Beauty (1993) atrical; and from interdisciplinary perspec- have attracted considerable critical atten- tives. tion for their unique, sometimes controver- The Moderator was Jerry Herron, sial, insights and content. Professor of English, and Director of Hickey writes for the New York Times, WSU’s American Studies Program. Jerry Rolling Stone, Art News, Harper’s Maga- is well known for his outstanding work on zine and other publications, and has curated Detroit’s cultural institutions, for his book several exhibitions, including Ultralounge: Afterculture: Detroit and the Humiliation the return of social space (with coctails) at of History (1993), and for his eloquence and Diverse-Works Artspace in Houston, 12 2001 Fall Symposium Notions of Beauty & Pleasure

The format of the symposium was designed to promote active intel- lectual dialogue. Keynote speaker Dave Hickey presented his views on notions of beauty and pleasure, and was followed by WSU fac- ulty from several disciplines who gave their own replies, looking at Hickey’s ideas from different angles.

Below: Robert Yanal delivers his response, “The Beauty of Meaning” FALL SYMPOSIUM PRESENTERS

DAVID MAGIDSON Professor, Theater and ROBERT WILBERT Professor Emeritus, Art & Above: Provost Charles Art History Bantz attended the Meaning and Beauty luncheon with Dave Hickey and other present- ers at the Fall Sympo- sium. ROBERT YANAL Photo by Mary Jane Murawka. CONCEPTS OF BEAUTY DISCUSSED BY Professor, Philosophy WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY FACULTY The Beauty of Meaning Responding to Hickey and offering is a recipient of an NEH Fellowship. their own insights on beauty and pleasure Robert Yanal, Professor of Philoso- were the following six Wayne State faculty. phy, continued the symposium with a pre- David Magidson of the Theatre De- sentation entitled “The Beauty of Mean- partment and Robert Wilbert, Professor ing”. Yanal teaches logic and other analytic Emeritus, Art and Art History, teamed up courses in our Philosophy Department. His on a response entitled “Meaning and most recent book is Paradoxes of Emotion Beauty” during which they invited audience and Fiction. He is currently writing a vol- participation. ume on epistemology and the films of David Magidson is a former dean of Alfred Hichcock. the college of Fine, Performing and Com- Nancy Locke, Associate Professor of munication Arts who now teaches theatre Art and Art History, delivered a response aesthetics, directing and playwriting. He entitled “Gendering Beauty and Pleasure.” has directed over 80 plays for 15 different Locke’s book Manet and the Family Ro- theater companies. Robert Wilbert taught mance was published last year (2001) by painting for 38 years at Wayne State. His Princeton University Press. She teaches own work has appeared in the Detroit In- courses in 19th century European art, theo- stitute of Arts, Metropolitan Museum of ries of modernism, contemporary art, and Arts (NY), the Pennsylvanian Academy of the history of Paris in our Art and Art His- Fine Arts and the Chicago Art Institute. He tory Department. 13 2001 Fall Symposium Beauty & Pleasure

The Fall Symposium challenged its attendees to think about the human values of “beauty” and “pleasure” from many perspectives. It was well attended and provoked thought- ful discussions at the reception which followed.

Below: Keynote speaker Dave Hickey’s audience listens FALL SYMPOSIUM PRESENTERS

GISELA LABOUVIE-VIEF Professor, Psychology The Self and Beauty

BARRETT WATTEN Associate Professor, English Difficult images: trauma and pleasure Gisela Labouvie-Vief, Professor of trauma and pleasure.” Watten teaches Psychology, was the next speaker, deliver- American modernist literature and cultural ing a talk on “The Self and Beauty”. studies in our English Department. His in- Labouvie-Vief is Chair of the Development terest in the avant-garde is reflected in his Psychology Program in the Psychology De- poetry and prose publications including partment, where she directs several doctoral Frame:1970-1990 (collected poems); students. Her many publications include “nonnarrative and the construction of his- “Cognitive-emotional integration in adult- tory” in The Ends of Theory (WSU Press, hood” in History of Geropsychology in Au- 1995), “New meaning and poetic vocabu- tobiography (in Press); “Positive develop- lary” in Poetics Today (1995). He has taken ment in later life” in Handbook of Aging a leading role in his department’s interest and the Humanities (Springer, in Press) and in integrating digital culture with the hu- “Emotions in later life” in Theories of Adult manities. Development and Aging (Springer, 1998). The formal program concluded with She is the recipient of several substantial a response by Dave Hickey to the faculty grants including awards from the NIA and papers, followed by a roundtable discus- the NIMH. sion by the presenters with comments from Barrett Watten, Associate Professor the audience. of English, gave the final response with a contribution entitled “Difficult images: 14 2001-2002 Special Funding Graduate Student Travel

The Humanities Center continues to support Wayne State’s graduate students by budgeting a total of $10,000 in gradu- ate student travel funds. Any graduate student of the Hu- manities and Arts who is presenting a scholarly paper may apply for up to $400 of funding from the Humanities Center. This year eleven students received funding.

GRADUATE STUDENTS RECEIVE SUPPORT “George W. Bush’s Enactment of the ‘New’ Re- GRADUATE STUDENT FOR TRAVEL EXPENSES publican: A Rhetorical Analysis of the ‘Home TRAVEL AWARDS to the Heartland Tour’. ” Later in the year, Victoria Abboud, of the Department of Tatsak-Danyliw also presented her paper, “De- VICTORIA ABBOUD English, received funding to present her paper, bate Watch and the Media in the 2000 Presi- ENGLISH “Words That Feed a Nation: The Effects of dential Debates” at the National Communica- Language on the Discourse Surrounding tion Association meeting in Atlanta. MARK AUNE Septermber 11” at the 8th Annual McGill Sym- Thomas Ebong, Communication, was ENGLISH posium on Languages and Literature at McGill awarded funding to present “Ousmane University, Montreal. Sembene’s Faat Kine (2000): The Reappraisal LISA BEYDOUN Mark Aune of the English Department of African Values and a Legacy for Africa’s SOCIOLOGY was awarded funds to attend the Renaissance Future” at the African Literature Association Studies Conference in Chicago and present his Conference in San Diego. DAVID CICHOCKI paper, “The Shakespeare Miscellany Project: Mark Huston of the Department of Phi- COMMUNICATION Using Technology to Explore Early Modern losophy received funds to travel to the Uni- Literary Culture.” versity of Washington’s Graduate Student Con- JENNY TATSAK-DANYLIW Lisa Beydoun, Sociology, traveled to Sa- ference in Philosophy and present his paper “So COMMUNICATION vannah, Georgia with Humanities Center sup- You Think You Know What Water Is?” port in order to present “Towards a Global Iden- Kaushalya Krishnamoorthy of the Depart- HEATHER SEIPKE tity?: The Influences of Transnational Networks ment of Germanic & Slavic Studies traveled to COMMUNICATION and Citizenship Rights on (Re)Shaping Global the Colorado Springs to attend the annual con- vs. Local Preferences of Lebanese Immigrants ference of the Society for the Interdisciplinary THOMAS EBONG in Sierra Leone” at the 19th Annual Meeting Study of Social Imagery and present her paper, COMMUNICATION of the Association of Third World Countries. “Jewish Exile in India (1933-1945)”. David Cichocki and Jenny Tatsak- Caroline Jumel of Romance Languages MARK HUSTON Danyliw and Heather Seipke of the Department and Literatures was awarded assistance to at- PHILOSOPHY of Fine, Performing, and Communicative Arts, tend the Asociacion de Escritoras Espanolas y all presented papers at the Central States Com- Americanas (AEEA) 6th Annual Conference KAUSHALYA munication Association meeting in Milwaukee. at Georgetown University and give a paper en- KRISHNAMOORTHY Cichocki presented “Why Do Men Do What titled “Cross-Dressing and Crossing Space in GERMANIC & SLAVIC They Do? An Analysis of Relationship Forma- Catalina de Eraso’s The Lieutenant-Nun.” STUDIES tion and Maintenance Practices of Males in

Personal Relationships.” Seipke presented her CAROLINE JUMEL paper, “Men and Women Then and Now: The ROMANCE LANGUAGES AND Formation, Maintenance, and Loss of Relation- LITERATURES ships,” and Tatsak-Danyliw’s paper was entitled 15 2001-2002 Events Brown Bag Colloquium Series

Continuing to build on past success, the Humanities Center once again offered a program of Brown Bag Lectures onTuesdays. Topics covered included the entire spectrum of the Humanities and Arts. Below are abstracts from most of these talks.

BROWN BAG LECTURERS 2001-2002 BROWN BAG SERIES AB- STRACTS Left: Rodney Clark at his Brown Bag LAWRENCE SCAFF talk in October. Dean, College of Liberal September 18 - Dr. Lawrence Scaff Arts & Professor, Political Politics and the Order of Terror Science The “order of terror” —the internment, concentration Politics and the Order of or extermination camp—has been called a new species Terror of absolute power invented and implemented in the twentieth century. This talk explored these phenomena CHRISTOPHER H. JOHNSON of absolute power and the issues connected with Professor, History studying them. The Sibling Archipelago: Brother-Sister Love and September 25 - Dr. Christopher H. Johnson relational orientation toward the law focused on Bourgeois Class The Sibling Archipelago: Brother-Sister Love and advocacy, but this relational orientation is sometimes Formation in Bourgeois Class Formation in Nineteenth-Century France constrained in a crucial move back toward a rule-based Nineteenth-Century This talk examined the emotional underpinnings of the orientation. This move places a significant limitation on France shifting structure of patriarchy from father-dominant to the brother/husband-dominant and the new kinship regime relational view of advocacy. ELLEN BARTON rooted in consanguinous marriage that arose in Europe Professor, Linguistics during the 19th century. It was a system conducive to October 9 - Dr. Rodney Clark The Explicit Construction of growing middle-class solidarity because close marriage Legal Consciousness as Psychological and Physiological Effects of Environmental (cousins, someone “like a brother,” etc.) reconsolidated Advocacy: Developing a Stressors: A Focus on African Americans assets already attained, muted political differences, and Relational Orientation Although scientific examinations of the effect of stress enhanced civic and associational cooperation, all key Toward the Law in the have proliferated, relatively few researchers have elements of bourgeois class formation. Discourse of a Support Group explored the psychological effect of stress among African Americans. Dr. Clark’s presentation briefly outlined two October 2 - Dr. Ellen Barton RODNEY CLARK conceptual models as a guide for future biobehavioral The Explicit Construction of Legal Consciousness as Assistant Professor, research, as well as empirical findings from relevant Advocacy: Developing a Relational Orientation Toward Psychology studies in his laboratory. The first model outlines a the Law in the Discourse of a Support Group Psychological and stress and coping framework for perceived racism, which Using Conley and O’Barr’s (1990) framework of rule vs. Physiological Effects of explicates the relationship of environmental factors to relational orientations toward the law, this paper Environmental Stressors: psychological and physiological functioning in African describes the explicit construction of a relational legal A Focus on African American adults. The second model explores the consciousness developed in the discourse of a support Americans protective and risk factors associated with psychosocial group aimed at parents who have children in the and psychophysiological adjustments in African American special education system of youth. 16 US schools. This discourse systematically constructs a 2001-2002 Events Brown Bag Colloquium Series

This year the Brown Bag talks were offered weekly, rather than fornightly as in the previous year. Even so, the Hu- manities Center had to schedule some speakers on Thurs- days to accomodate the interest shown in the program.

October 16 - Dr. Tracy Fisher Right: use of the BROWN BAG LECTURERS Politics, Black Women, and Community in London camera lucida was the (CONTINUED) This talk addressed the significance of black women’s subject of debate grass-roots organizing in the post-Thatcher era. Grass- during a talk given by TRACY FISHER Dr. Jeffrey Abt. roots mobilization is critical Assistant Professor, Africana in understanding how people are drawn into local and Studies Politics, Black Women, and global processes of social transformation. Moreover, it is Community in London critical in understanding how people attempt to hospital governors showed the “mad” patients to the transform the conditions of their lives. In this public. Historians and literary critics have characterized GERALD MACLEAN presentation, Dr. Fisher explored how black women’s this practice as primitive perversity. The “show” at Professor, English grass-roots organizations are trying to build a more Bethlem, however, was designed to elicit charity for the Editing Restoration Poetry: mad. Dr. Jackson argued that this unusual show politically aware community, and the political Some Lo-Tech Solutions mobilization of black women’s grass-roots organizations informs much of English Renaissance drama including John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi. within the context of changing state policy and KEN JACKSON conservative discourses on the nation. Assistant Professor, English November 13 - Dr. Zanita Fenton Twin Shows of Madness in October 30 - Dr. Gerald MacLean Silence as a Means of Perpetuating Violence the Duchess of Malfi: Editing Restoration Poetry: Some Lo-Tech Solutions Dr. Fenton discussed domestic violence and demon- Reconsidering the Influence For over two decades, Dr. MacLean has been editing strated the comparability of the apparent differences in of Bethlem (“Bedlam”) the large number of poems that appeared in England forms of violence. “Silence” was used to represent a) the Hospital on Renaissance immediately upon the restoration of monarchy in 1660. literal, b) the conceptual, c) the rhetorical, and d) the Drama On no previous occasion had the commercial press been structural. Integral to this discussion was an examina- both so necessary and so directly instrumental in tion of the conceptual public/private dichotomy to ZANITA FENTON bringing a new government into being. The Return of evaluate its use in shaping perceptions of violence. Associate Professor, Law the King seeks to document how poetry helped shape These conceptualizations contribute to the social Silence as a Means of the counter-revolution of 1660. Computers have construction of race and “otherness,” guide perceptions Perpetuating Violence transformed the nature, range, and practices of editing of legitmate violence, and delimit the ability of those literary texts. For this presentation, Dr. MacLean victimized by violence to receive redress. JEFFREY ABT discussed some of the implications of publishing this Associate Professor, Art & edition in a relatively “lo-tech” on-line environment. November 20 - Dr. Jeffrey Abt Art History Drawing with the Masters: Optical Devices and the Drawing with the Masters: November 6 - Dr. Ken Jackson Origins of Pictorial Realism Optical Devices and the Twin Shows of Madness in the Duchess of Malfi: Contemporary artist David Hockney has recently been Origins of Pictorial Realism Reconsidering the Influence of Bethlem (“Bedlam”) invesigating the use of optical devices in western art Hospital on Renaissance Drama and concluded that western artists’ pursuit of pictorial Bethlem Hospital, London’s notorious psychiatric facility, realism was the result of widespread use of optical aids. became notorious in part because prior to 1676 the His assertion has ignited a debate in the art world. 17 (continued on page 20) 2001-2002 Events The Year in Photos

Below, left to right: Charles Baxter, Ross Pudaloff, and Jerry Herron at the Detroit 300 celebration.

Below Right: Gerald MacLean explains the technical hurdles in editing centuries-old poetry.

Above: Guy St

Above: the audience at Dean Mahoney’s Brown Bag lecture listens as Larry Lombard, Philosophy, makes a point. 18 Left: Donna Haraway delivers the keynote address 2001-2002 Events at the Faculty Fellows Conference The Year in Photos

Above: Ron Brown, an old friend and former Resident of the Center, drops by for a chat.

Stern, Marilyn Zimmerman and Dennis Zumbala at the Detroit 300 reception.

Above: Monica Sklar was an assistant at the Humanities Center until January 2002, when Right: Mark Kruman, she graduated from WSU. History and Louis Jones of the Reuther Library 19 2001-2002 Events Brown Bag Colloquium Series

Right: Marvin Zalman discusses the social implications of racial profiling.

BROWN BAG LECTURERS camera lucida, an especially effective drawing aid, was recent questioning of up to 5,000 people in the USA, most (CONTINUED) rediscovered by Hockney but is not accepted to have been from the Middle East, who might have information about as widespread as Hockney claimed. For the colloquium, Dr. foreign terrorists, constitutes racial profiling. Abt brought a pair of camera lucidas and provided a RICHARD GRUSIN hands-on demonstration after introducing the artistic December 11 - Dr. Anca Vlasapolos Department Chair, English debate over their use. The Voyage of Extinction Screen Space, Collage, and the Dr. Vlasapolos is working on a fictionalized account of how Remediation of Modernism November 27 - Dr. Richard Grusin short-tailed (Steller’s) albatrosses came to near-extinction on Screen Space, Collage, and the Remediation of Modernism the Japanese island of Torishima between 1887 and 1932. MARVIN ZALMAN In Clement Greenberg’s account of modernist painting, Professor, Criminal Justice She read excerpts from her novel-in-progress as well as collage played a crucial role in calling attention to the fact Reflections on Racial discussed its historical background, which involves issues of that “flatness, two-dimensionality, was the only condition Profiling animal “harvesting,” crosscultural encounters, closed versus painting shared with no other art.” As critics of film know open societies, and the very heavily trafficked oceans of the all too well, flatness is also a condition of that medium; nineteenth century. ANCA VLASOPOLOS television, too, shares the condition of flatness and two- Professor, English dimensionality. In recent years, televisual screen space has The Voyage of Extinction January 8 - Dr. Bruce Russell begun to orient itself to flatness in ways that bear The Matrix: Knowledge, Reality, and the Good interesting affinities to the employment of collage in BRUCE RUSSELL The Matrix raises three interesting questions: whether we Professor, Philosophy modernist painting. In this presentation Dr. Grusin explored can know there is a real world that exists independently of The Matrix: Knowledge, the way in which televisual screen space serves to us, about the nature of the real world, and whether Reality, and the Good remediate modernism through techniques both similar to pleasant or satisfying experiences are the only things that and strikingly different from the use of collage in modernist are intrinsically valuable. The Matrix suggests an argument JOAN MAHONEY painting. for skepticism that Dr. Russell presented and criticized. He Dean and Professor, Law discussed the view of reality put forth by one of the main School December 4 - Dr. Marvin Zalman characters in the film, namely that what is real is what we Protecting Civil Liberties in Reflections on Racial Profiling can feel, smell, taste, and see. He also discussed “how life in the United States and Great Dr. Zalman speculated on the reasons the practice of the matrix is not like life in the standard experience Britain: The American Civil “racial profiling” emerged in the public’s consciousness in machine and what of value in real life is missing in the Liberties Union and the the mid-1990s. Notorious police brutality cases helped matrix.” National Council for Civil propel the practice onto the front pages. The rapid move Liberties onto the public agenda may reflect the growing January 15 - Dr. Joan Mahoney disillusionment with the war on drugs and changes in race- Protecting Civil Liberties in the United States and Great consciousness by the larger society and by minority Britain: The American Civil Liberties Union and the National communities. As upper- and middle-class blacks and Latinos Council for Civil Liberties have been subject to racial profiling, their growing ability to Dr. Mahoney’s talk looked at the different ways the United make their complaints heard have has an impact on the States and Britain guaranty civil liberties within their 20 policy question. Dr. Zalman also examined whether the nations and the similarities and differences between the 2001-2002 Events Brown Bag Colloquium Series

Left: Dr. John Corvino’s talk, “Naughty Fantasies,” drew a large audience.

two organizations that have taken on the job of assisting February 5 - Dr. Ron Brown BROWN BAG LECTURERS individuals in protecting those rights: the ACLU (American The Legacy of Slave Resisitance: Revisiting William Styron’s (CONTINUED) Civil Liberties Union) in the United States, and the NCCL The Confessions of Nat Turner (National Council for Civil Liberties) in Great Britain. The purpose of this talk was to revisit the controversy GUY STERN surrounding the 1967 publication of William Styron’s The Distinguished Professor, January 22 - Dr. Guy Stern Confessions of Nat Turner. Dr. Brown contended that the German & Slavic Studies Trials, Formal and Improvisational, in the Dramas of Bertol author intentionally ignored the saliency of racial politics Trials, Formal and Brecht and that the creation of a fictional Nat Turner, void of any Improvisational, in the Dr. Stern expanded on the tape recording of an NPR careful layering of historical information, was done to Dramas of Bertol Brecht broadcast to which he had contributed, entitled “Trials in intentionally ignite new racial fires during the turbulent Literature.” He focused on trial scenes in the drama of 1960s era. SHERYLYN BRILLER Bertol Brecht and argued that Brecht’s consistent affinity Assistant Professor, for trial scenes is due to his conviction that dramatic action February 12 - Dr. Michele Ronnick Anthropology should be “alienated” from the audience. Trial scenes New Developments in Classica Africana Exploring Personhood and “alienate,” because they do not show the immediacy of an Among the members of the American Philological Association Social Justice: Ethical Issues action but rather its recreation in court. The discussion during the latter half of the 19th century were several men for Research in Dementia centered on Brecht and Weill’s Mahogany, Brecht’s Caucasian of African American descent, but little or nothing has been Care Settings Chalk Circle and The Measure Taken. Dr. David J. Magidson, written about them in this regard. Post civil war America Professor of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, was marked by debates over the questions related to the RON BROWN served as respondent. education of freed slaves, particularly about the study of Associate Professor, classics. Greek and Latin shaped the lives of many at this Political Science The Legacy of Slave time, and that dynamic represents an area of study that Resisitance: Revisitng January 29 - Dr. Sherilyn Briller has been up to now overlooked: namely, the impact the William Styron’s The Exploring Personhood and Social Justice: Ethical Issues for Graeco-Roman heritage has had upon the experience of Confessions of Nat Turner Research in Dementia Care Settings people of African descent in America and the western world This presentation discussed a number of issues including in the past 400-500 years. MICHELE RONNICK how the current models of US dementia care developed, Associate Professor, Classics, what special issues arise in obtaining informed consent for February 19 - Dr. John Corvino Greek & Latin this type of research, what risks people with dementia and Naughty Fantasies New Developments in staff working in these settings may be introduced to Is it wrong to eroticize activities that are themselves Classica Africana beyond those encountered in daily living ,and what wrong? Dr. Corvino’s talk considered the issue of “naughty safeguards can be used for evidence of risk and protection fantasies,” that is, fantasies about wrongful actions such as JOHN CORVINO of privacy. Dr. Briller concluded by recommending further rape, humiliation, and abuse. He attempted to clarify and Assistant Professor, research conducted in these settings but with a caution to defend one of the central arguments against such fantasies, Philosophy researchers to carefully consider ethical issues that arise which holds that eroticizing wrongful actions is wrong in Naughty Fantasies when dealing with this vulnerable population. itself, apart from any consequentialist concerns. 21 2001 -2002 Events Brown Bag Colloquium Series

Left: Dr. Bruce Russell discusses BROWN BAG LECTURERS some fascinating (CONTINUED) philosophical con- cepts in the movie SAHEED A. ADEJUMOBI Assistant Professor, Africana Studies Citizenship and Social Reform in the African Diaspora: Problems and Prospects

KAREN TONSO Assistant Professor, February 21 - Dr. Saheed A. Adejumobi March 5 - Dr. Donald Haase Education Citizenship and Social Reform in the African Diaspora: The Fairy Tale in Extremis: War, Exile, and Literary Tale Playing With Pros: An Problems and Prospects in Germany Alternative to the ‘Wasteland By focusing on twentieth-century politics of social Dr. Haase’s presentation examined the relationship of of Teenage Life’ reform in the “Black Atlantic,” this presentation war and exile to the production, framing, and thematics evaluated the historical and philosophical limits of the of the literary fairy tale in Germany. First, he idea of liberation while offering a reevaluation of those considered the literary-historical connection between DONALD HAASE fundamental modern notions of freedom and revolution. storytelling and extreme situations, where storytelling Department Chair, It analyzed the relationship between Africa’s New World is depicted as a response to threatening situations and Associate Professor, German Diaspora and the future direction of the African social disorder. He then compared the historical and & Slavic Studies political contexts that inform selected German tales and The Fairy Tale in Extremis: continent through the perspective of twentieth-century their framing strategies in the eighteenth and War, Exile, and Literary Tale decolonization politics. in Germany nineteenth centuries, and how these works compare to February 26 - Dr. Karen Tonso the use of fairy tales in the twentieth century as

DAPHNE NTIRI Playing With Pros: An Alternative to the ‘Wasteland of strategies for surviving the trauma of war, exile, and Associate Professor, Teenage Life’ the Holocaust. Interdisciplinary Studies Dr. Tonso discussed her research into how the Ragtime Street Advertising as a Festival provided young at-risk teens a diversion from March 19 - Dr. Daphne Ntiri Change Agent in the the sort of acting-out behavior witnessed recently in Street Advertising as a Change Agent in the Promotion Promotion of Literacy in events such as the Columbine shooting. Participating in of Literacy in Urban Centers in Benin Urban Centers in Benin the Festival provided students with strategies for Dr. Ntiri discussed her research which aims to answer developing and maintaining support to counter the following questions regarding street advertising in alienation found in schools, and for gaining recognition Cotonou, Benin: With the low national literacy rates in for talents and interests. Seen as an alternative to “the French, who is the targeted audience of street advertis- wasteland of teenage life,” the Festival offers insights ing? Given the prevalence of “reading panels” that are 22 into school structures needing reform. text-loaded, is it the intention of the government to 2001-2002 Events Brown Bag Colloquium Series

BROWN BAG LECTURERS reach only the educated elite? Are “reading panels” a Below: Linda Moore, Dean of the deliberate effort to improve reading levels? To what College of Fine, Performing & Commu- (CONTINUED) extent can dissemination of information and production nication Arts, delivers the final Brown and transmission of knowledge among the masses be Bag talk of the 2001-2002 series. RENATA WASSERMAN aided by technology? Can Benin’s reading panels be Professor, English conceived of as a cultural process of consciousness- Fitting the News for Print: Howells’ A Modern raising and liberation of the masses? Instance, Lime Barreto’s Memorias do escribao March 26 - Dr. Renata Wasserman Isaias Caminha and Fitting the News for Print: Howells’ A Modern Instance, the Role of the Press Lime Barreto’s Memorias do escribao Isaias Caminha and the Role of the Press MIKE SMITH Novels of the turn of the last century frequently take records can help us gather information on difficult Archivist, Labor History, on the subject of the rise and fall of fortunes, the gain questions about sexuality and intimacy. What issues did Walter P. Reuther Library and loss of status. The press, though often peripheral to women deem appropriate for public conversation? What Monopoly and Public the plot of these novels is nevertheless seen as a information did inquisitors want from defendants? How Necessity: Franchises and strong factor in the phenomena at their center. The two was sexuality viewed in convents? A thematic examina- Urban Development in novels in question center on the life of newspapers, and tion of women’s fiction, non-fiction, and Inquisition cases Nineteenth-Century Detroit give a good sense of the role it was thought to play in will suggest a road map for reconstructing the the social and economic lives of individuals. otherwise elusive history of views toward intimacy and LISA VOLLENDORF touch. Dr. Vollendorf also argued that women of all Professor, Romance April 2 - Mike Smith different backgrounds used motherhood and the body Languages & Literatures Monopoly and Public Necessity: Franchises and Urban as sources of authority. Good Sex, Bad Sex: Intimacy Development in Nineteenth-Century Detroit and Authority in Spain Smith discussed his case study into the early years of April 16 - Dr. Linda Moore (1580-1680) public transit in Detroit, 1863-1900. He investigated The Rhetorical Strategies of Countess Markiewicz in the Irish the relationship between the municipal government and Independence Movement LINDA MOORE the several street railway companies operating in This presentation was a discussion of work-in-progress Dean, College of Fine, Detroit, the nature and extent of the franchises granted involving Countess Markievicz’s evolution as a national Performing & to transit companies, and the city government’s role as heroine. How did Countess Markievicz, whose political Communication Arts, citizen advocate and regulatory urban state. actions were discounted by many as “overtheatrical,” Professor, Communication amass such a large following that she was elected as The Rhetorical Strategies of April 9 - Dr. Lisa Vollendorf the first woman to the British Parliament? Countess Markiewicz in the Irish Independence Good Sex, Bad Sex: Intimacy and Authority in Spain How did she acquire credibility enough to be given a Movement (1580-1680) key role in the Easter uprising that eventually led to A thematic overview of women’s texts from this period her arrest and imprisonment? 23 suggests that fiction, (auto)biography, and Inquisition 2001 -2002 Annual Report Edward M. Wise Dissertation Fellowship

In an effort to foster exemplary doctoral dissertation work among humanists at Wayne State, the Humanities Center offers an annual competition for PhD candidates. In previous years the Center had awarded two dissertation fellowships, each worth $6,000. For 2001-2002, the fellowship offered $12,000 plus tuition reimburse- ment and was renamed in honor of Edward M. Wise. However, so many outstand- ing applications were received that the Center made two additional awards.

2002 AWARDEES associated with those texts; study of the literary works influenced by concepts of EDWARD M WISE FELLOW Anglo-Saxonism written during the nine- JULIE TOWELL teenth century; and analysis of prevailing PhD Candidate, English nineteenth-century ideologies. The disser- “Rise and Progress” of tation provides an examination of the ef- Anglo-Saxonism and fect of “Anglo-Saxonism” upon nine- English National Identity teenth-century cultural, social, and politi- Award Amount: $12,000 cal discourses operating in Great Britain, and the effect of these discourses on “Anglo-Saxonism.” Because of the high quality of disser- ADDITIONAL AWARDEES tations submitted for this award, the Hu- MARK HUSTON manities Center made two additional PhD Candidate, awards of $1000 each to PhD candidates Philosophy Mark Huston of Philosophy, and Craig Intuitions and Concepts Smith of English. Smith’s dissertation is Award Amount: $1000 Above: Edward M. Wise entitled, “Eustace Tilley’s Closet: Gay and Lesbian Writers at The New Yorker 1925- CRAIG SMITH $14,000 FELLOWSHIP AWARDS MADE 1992.” Huston was awarded for his disser- PhD Candidate, English The Humanities Center’s first Ed- tation entitled “Intuitions and Concepts.” Eustace Tilley’s Closet: Gay and Lesbian Writers at ward M. Wise Dissertation Fellowship of The candidates presented their disser- The New Yorker 1925- $12,000 was awarded in the Fall of 2001 tations at the annual Fellows Conference 1992 to Julie Towell, PhD candidate in English, in March 2002. Award Amount: $1000 for her dissertation “The ‘Rise and Progress’ of Anglo-Saxonism and English ABOUT THE AWARD National Identity.” Her dissertation advi- The Edward M. Wise Dissertation sor is Elizabeth Sklar, Associate Profes- Fellowship for Doctoral Students in the sor of English. Humanities and Arts is named for the late Towell’s work entailed the identifi- Edward M. Wise, Wayne State University cation of the Anglo-Saxon literary works Professor of Law and Humanities Center chosen for publication during the nine- Fellow in 1997-1998 and 2000-2001 and teenth century; appraisal of the views ex- a Humanities Center Resident Scholar in pressed in commentary about the Old En- 1999-2000. Dr. Wise passed away in Oc- glish texts; scrutiny of the scholarly works tober 2000. 24 2002 Fellows Conference Plants, Animals & Insects in Human Culture

Plants, Animals, and Insects are the living creatures with whom we share the earth. Their place in human cultures has been varied through history, but their presence is constant. From art and literature to legal precedent and psychology, these crea- tures are integral to understanding our place in the world.

FACULTY FELLOWS CONFERENCE PRESENTERS

Left: Keynote HEIDI GOTTFRIED speaker Donna Associate Professor, Haraway, acclaimed scholar, author, and C.U.L.M.A. Professor of the Moderator History of Con- sciousness, at home GEORGE E. DAMBACH with her canine Vice President, Research companions. Welcome

DONNA HARAWAY 2002 FELLOWS CONFERENCE DRAWS OVER 100 nology, gender, and race. In 2000 Haraway The Humanities Center hosted its an- received the J.D. Bernal Prize for outstand- Professor, History of nual Fellows Conference on March 8, 2002 ing contributions to the field of science. Consciousness, University of California at Santa Cruz in the McGregor Conference Center. This Her presentation entitled “From Cyborgs Keynote Address year’s theme was “Plants, Animals, and In- to Companion Species: Kinship in sects in Human Culture.” Technoscience” drew an audience of over WILLIAM HARRIS The conference was opened by the 125 students, faculty, staff members, and Professor, English Vice President for Research, George E. members of the public. Haraway’s Hip-Hop Adaptations of Dambach, who welcomed the audience to multidisciplinary approach to research, and Brer Rabbit Tales the annual event and noted that Peter Wil- her recent work on “companion species” liams, Associate Professor of Art and Art (dog breeding in particular) in the modern, ANCA VLASOPOLOS (IN History, who was scheduled to participate technology-driven human world, provided ABSENTIA) in the conference, was in New York because a perfect note on which to begin the day- Professor, English some paintings he had created with Hu- long event. Ring of Fire: Opening manities Center funding had been selected Following Haraway’s presentation, Japan to Western-Style for display at the prestigious Whitney Bi- the Humanities Center’s Faculty Fellows Species Extinction ennial exhibition in New York City which presented on their funded projects. Gerald opened on March 7. MacLean of the English department dis- The keynote delivery for the confer- cussed the perception of exoticism in Re- ence was made by Professor Donna naissance European accounts of the Near Haraway of the University of California at East. His presentation, “The Sultan’s Santa Cruz. Haraway is a renowned au- Beasts: English Encounters with Ottoman thor of books and articles on science, tech- Fauna, 1580-1720” examined both written texts and drawings of animals that were 25 2002 Fellows Conference Plants, Animals & Insects in Human Culture

Below: Christopher Collins performed his FACULTY FELLOWS compositions at the Fellows Conference CONFERENCE PRESENTERS Place Artwork Here panions, based on his compositions which (CONTINUED) combined Irish Celtic structure and story with elements from jazz. This fascinating BRADD BURNINGHAM Administrator, University Li- and unique presentation entitled “Animals, brary System, Purdy Library Beasts, and Banshees in Celtic Folklore: Moderator Expressions of an Irish-American Com- poser” was enjoyed by a captivated audi- CHRISTOPHER COLLINS ence, with Collins explaining the storyline Professor, Music Animals, Beasts, and and history of each piece before perform- Banshees in Celtic Folklore: ing it. expressions of an Irish- American Composer

DONNA LANDRY unfamiliar, exciting, and frightening to the Professor, English traveling English. The Making of the English Hunting Seat William Harris, also of the English department, gave an engaging recitation DONNA HARAWAY of his own compositions, which he entitled, Professor, History of Con- “Hip-Hop Adaptations of Brer Rabbit sciousness, University of Cali- Tales.” This creative presentation consisted Above: Faculty Fellow Anca fornia at Santa Cruz of Harris’ reworkings of the Brer Rabbit Vlasapolos Response to Faculty Papers Tales of the Old South into modern, hip- hop format. Anca Vlasapolos, also of the English Donna Landry, Professor of English department, was represented by Craig spoke next on the topic of “The Making Smith, PhD candidate in English. He pre- of the English Hunting Seat” and its place sented Dr. Vlasapolos’ work entitled, “Ring in English literature. After Dr. Landry’s of Fire: Opening Japan to Western-Style presentation, Donna Haraway provided a Species Extinction” in which she examines brilliant summary and analysis of the pre- the increased rate of species extinction in sentations, and invited comments from the Japan in this century. audience. The Faculty Fellows Confer- After a break for lunch, conference ence was immediately followed by the attendees were treated to a performance by Edward Wise Dissertation Fellows Con- Christopher Collins and his musical com- ference. 26 2002 Fellows Conference Plants, Animals & Insects in Human Culture

EDWARD M. WISE DISSERTATION FELLOWS PRESENTERS

SANDRA BURKLEO Associate Professor, History Moderator

JULIE TOWELL PhD Candidate, English Above: Edward M. Wise Fellow Julie Towell Edward M. Wise Fellow presented her dissertation research on “The ‘Rise The ‘Rise and Progress’ of and Progress’ of Anglo-Saxonism and English Anglo-Saxonism and National Identity” English National Identity

EDWARD M. WISE FELLOWS Towell was followed by awardee CRAIG SMITH CONFERENCE HELD MARCH 8, 2002 Craig Smith, also a PhD candidate in En- PhD Candidate, English glish. Smith summarized his dissertation Awardee Following the 2002 Faculty Fellows entitled “Eustace Tilley’s Closet: Gay and Eustace Tilley’s Closet: Gay Conference, the awardees in this year’s Lesbian Writers at the New Yorker 1925- and Lesbian Writers at the Edward M. Wise Dissertation Fellowship 1992.” New Yorker 1925-1992 presented their work. Finally, Mark Huston, the third Moderated by Sandra Burkleo, Asso- awardee and PhD candidate in Philosophy, MARK HUSTON ciate Professor of History, this conference discussed his dissertation, “Intuitions and PhD Candidate, was the first in honor of Edward M. Wise, Concepts.” Philosophy for whom the fellowship is named. Dr. A brief question and answer session Awardee Burkleo began the conference with a trib- followed each presentation. Intuitions and Concepts ute to her husband, the late Edward Wise. This year’s Humanities Center Fel- Julie Towell, a PhD candidate in En- lows Conference had an overall attendance glish and the first Edward M. Wise Disser- of about 250 people throughout the day. tation Fellow, gave the first presentation on The conference was followed by a recep- her dissertation, “The ‘Rise and Progress’ tion, which gave the audience an opportu- of Anglo-Saxonism and English National nity to talk with the presenters in a one-on- Identity.” one fashion.

27 2001-2002 Sponsored Programs Working Groups “Although it is difficult In the 2001-2002 year, the Humanities Center awarded organizing a new group, I believe that a good foundation grant funds to seven interdisciplinary Working Groups. has been built for continued These groups met regularly to discuss particular topics of work in the philosophy of interest to their members, with the aim of furthering their mathematics ... I would like to see the group continue next individual and collaborative research. year. Our project has the potential to be of considerable interest in the philosophy of END OF LIFE WORKING GROUPS mathematics community.” The End of Life working group met - Susan Vineberg, Philosophy IN THE HUMANITIES monthly throughout the academic year. End of Life Among its accomplishments were the de- Donald Gelfand* velopment of a collaborative research Lynda Baker project; development and submission of cal objects across theories. These working Sheryln Briller Elizabeth Chapleski abstracts for paper presentation at the an- group sessions were well attended by fac- George Cooney nual meeting of the Gerontological Soci- ulty and students from Wayne State and Ardith Doorenbos ety of America; a comprehensive review other local universities, and led to the ini- D. Doremo of the literature on spirituality and end-of- tiation of a symposium on this topic for the Sonia Duffy life; completion of one article on the de- American Philosophical Association meet- John Finn velopment of the working group for sub- ing. Allen Goodman William C. Lange mission to the American Journal of Hos- Peter Lichtenberg pice and Palliative Care; evaluation of the THE PRODUCTION AND RECEPTION OF J. Mendez interdisciplinary course in end-of-life stud- FOLKTALES AND FAIRY TALES IN VISUAL Gerald Oglan ies offered in 2001 and planning for an of- CULTURE Jeanne Parzuchowski fering in Fall 2002. Using visual and critical texts purchased Sharon Popp In addition, this working group was suc- with the Working Group grant, this group Richard Raspa Stephanie Schim cessful in arranging for Dr. Christine undertook a survey of the fairy tale in film, Kendra Schwartz Puchalski of George Washington Univer- video and television. This working group, Mark Speece sity to attend their May 14 meeting to dis- now in its third year, moved from textual Rob Zalenski cuss issues related to End of Life. representation to visual in its examination of the folk and fairy tale in modern cul- Philosophy of PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS ture. The group met regularly to view and Mathematics The Philosophy of Mathematics working discuss works ranging from feature-length Susan Vineberg* group was organized in Fall 2001. They classics to more modern popular adaptions Sean Stidd used their funding support to bring two such as Faerie Tale Theatre and Disney Madeline Muntersborn oustandating philosophers of mathematics productions. Says leader Donald Haase, “It to Wayne State to participate in the collabo- became evident from our discussions that Fairy Tales in ration: Stewart Shapiro of Ohio State Uni- many of the texts we acquired and dis- Visual Culture versity and St. Andrews, and Steven cussed would be utilized in our teaching Donald Haase* Wagner of University of Illinois, Urbana- and research.” Victoria Abboud Champaign. In addition, Bob Titiev of the Julie Arrigo WSU Department of Philosophy gave a pa- JUSTICE STUDIES Ann Duggan per on Church’s Thesis and Sean Stidd, also Over the course of the year, this working Janet Langlois of the Department of Philosophy, presented group met six times. Members discussed Debra Peterson Anca Vlasopolos a paper on the identification of mathemati- published political philosophy works 28 *Working Group Leaders 2001-2002 Annual Report Working Groups

The Center’s support of Working Groups is fostering col- laborative research in the Humanities and Arts and bear- ing the fruits of intellectual exchanges among WSU faculty and experts from other institutions. such as Antonin Scalia’s A Matter of Inter- justice but whose stories have not been pretation. The group also discussed their own adequately understood or recorded. By individual works in progress for constructive conducting a series of interviews, with feedback. These discussions were important accompanying analyses and historical WORKING GROUPS to accomplishing the group goal of redefin- context, the group hopes to make available IN THE HUMANITIES ing its interests in terms of the culture and for a wide audience material crucial to an Justice Studies language of justice. This goal was identified understanding of the cultural and political Richard Marback* as most important as a way of infusing new riches that have made Detroit a site of Phil Abbott interdisciplinary concerns into discussions struggle and special commitment for African Sheldon Alexander and to make the group more productive. The Americans and leftist labor formations. In John Corvino group began negotiations with legal scholars 2001-2002 the planning of the interviews Karen Feathers Susan Fino from the University of Michigan and the Uni- was completed. Three of hours of interviews Brad Roth versity of Toledo to come to the Wayne State with Quill Pettway, a leftist activist for over Bruce Russell campus. thirty years, have been recorded and are in Sandra VanBurkleo the process of transcription and editing. Chris Wilkey DIGITAL CULTURE Marv Zalman Members of the Digital Culture working GENDER AND WORKPLACE group represented Wayne State at the This group was established in the summer of Digital Culture University of Maryland Conference on 2000 to support individual and collaborative Richard Grusin* interdisciplinary research and grant Charles Stivale Critical Cyberculture Studies: Mapping an Ronald Day Evolving Discipline. Working group members development focused on the study of gender Barrett Watten made several presentations at this conference. and workplace issues. The group aims to Ronald Day of the department of Library provide a space where scholars and Detroit Voices Science gave a talk entitled “What is practitioners can interact informally, hosts Todd Duncan* Cyberculture? Digital Culture and Critical research presentations, forums, and Beth Bates Information Theory.” Richard Grusin, a conferences, and fosters interdisciplinary Kathryne Lindberg Professor in the Department of English, research partnerships, as well as develop presented “Science, Technology, and connections with scholars at other institutions Gender and Cyberculture: Reflections on an Emerging both in the U.S. and internationally. To date Workplace Discipline,” while Barrett Watten, also of the the group sponsored Brown Bag lectures, Laura Reese* English Department, gave a talk called developed a CULMA working paper series, Heidi Gottfried “Smashing Code, Constructing Paradox: sponsored a symposium on gender and Loraleigh Keashly workplace policy forthcoming in the journal Elizabth Faue Avante-Garde Agency on the Internet.” Eileen Trzcinski Charles Stivale, of Romance Languages and Policy Studies Review, prepared an edited book Literatures, provided commentary. under contract and established a space within the Reuther Library to allow for meetings, DETROIT VOICES: RACE AND LABOR ACTIVISTS, collaborative research, and the development 1930 TO PRESENT of closer ties between the Center and the The work of this group focused on activists Reuther Archives. *Working Group Leaders who remain engaged in the fight for social 29 2001-2002 Annual Report Other Supported Activies

Throughout the year, unscheduled events and programs out- side the Center’s normal schedule often provide opportuni- ties for further support of worthy projects in the Humanities and Arts. During 2001-2002, the Center provided addi- tional support to these activities through financing, provid- ing space for events, and time and labor.

Left: Abandon CO-SPONSORED Automobile by M. L. Liebler and EVENTS AND Melba Boyd PROGRAMS 2002-2003

Workin’ Words in Hip-Hop: The Rebirth of African Right: Ron American English Aronson received Research an honorary degree in South Travel for Ron Africa. Aronson and CO-SPONSORED & SUPPORTED PROGRAMS 2001-2002 Anca Vlasapolos Marcyliena Morgan, Associate Profes- the visit of Edmondo Lupieri, Professor of His- Visiting Scholars sor of African-American Studies at Harvard tory of Christianity at the University of Udine, Aparajita Nanda University, visited to present her talk, Italy. and Edmondo “Workin’ Words in Hip-Hop: The Rebirth of Former Humanities Center Fellow Anca Lupieri African American English Research.” The Vlasapolos received financial assistance from Humanities Center joined with the Linguis- the Center in order to make a trip to Japan to Pullman Porters & tics Program to sponsor this event and the re- study dolphins as part of her ongoing research Motor City Poetry ception following. into endangered and extinct species in Japan. The Humanities Center helped to pro- The Center helped to sponsor a trip to mote and host a book signing for M.L. Liebler South Africa for Ron Aronson, who was and Melba Boyd for their recently published awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree book Abandon Automobile (WSU Press 2001) by the University of Natal in Durban, South and Beth Bates’ book, Pullman Porters and Africa in the Spring of 2002. the Rise of Protest Politics in Black America, Aparajita Nanda, a visiting professor 1925-1945 (University of North Carolina from the University of Jadavpur, Calcutta, In- Press, 2001). dia, made a visit to Wayne State for an un- In cooperation with the Italian Consu- scheduled Brown Bag lecture on the literary late of Detroit and the local Mandean com- similarities between post-colonial Muslim and munity, and the Humanities Center sponsored post-slavery African-American literatures, 30 2001-2002 Annual Report Other Supported Activities

National experts came to Wayne State, our experts went to other countries; conferences and seminars were planned and supported. The Humanities Center cooperated with many other programs within the University and in greater De- troit.

Below: Renowned author Ishmael Reed visited the WSU in Below: Edmondo Lupieri speaks on the topic “Ad- March, holding office hours at the Humanities Center to ventures of Italian Monks in the Near and Far give writing advice to students. CO-SPONSORED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 2002-2003

Ishmael Reed critiques student writing and offers advice at the Humanities Center

A Celebration of Italian Film and Farewell to Dr. Nanda’s talk was co-sponsored by the English 2, was sponsored in part by the Humani- Giancarlo Alberini, Department, the Africana Studies Department, ties Center. In addition, Director Walter Italian Consulate and the Humanities Center. Edwards teamed up with Richard Grusin General to Detroit Acclaimed author Ishmael Reed was to lead a discussion of the short film, “I, on campus for a week in March 2002, and Too, Sing America.” the Humanities Center sponsored a day