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AFRICAN STUDIES PROGRAM

FRIDAY BULLETIN

SEPTEMBER  7, 2007

Contents

1.       Upcoming Events

2.       Announcements of Interest

3.       Jobs, Fellowships and other Opportunities

4.       Conferences

5.       Noontalks schedule

6.       Seminar schedule

NOTE:  If you have announcements or information appropriate for the Bulletin, please send it to us by 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

1. Upcoming Events

Tuesday Noon Talks

WH 218, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Tuesday Noon Talks will begin on September 18.  The preliminary list is attached at the end of this Bulletin.  We still have available Tuesday dates.  If you have research or conference papers you would like to present, please let us know.

Wednesday Evening Seminar

WH 218, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The next seminar speaker will be October 3.

African Studies Program Fall Reception

The African Studies Program Annual Fall Reception is being planned for Wednesday, September 26 at 5:30 p.m.  It will be held in the University Club President’s Room, IMU.  We hope to see everyone there!!

International Conference

October 11-12

WH 218

The African Studies Program will host a conference on “Islam, Contested Authority, and the Making of Everyday Lives in Africa.”  The conference is being organized by Beth Buggenhagen (Anthropology), Maria Grosz-Ngate (African Studies), John Hanson (History), and Dorothea Schulz (Religious Studies).

2.  Announcements of Interest

African Jewelry and Crafts Sale

Wednesday, September 12

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WH 218

Once again, Dr. Claire Robertson (Ohio State University), will bring her African and African-inspired jewelry and crafts for sale.  Prices are reasonable and all profits go to help projects in Kenya, such as micro-credit for women in Gikomba market, Nairobi; water tanks and latrines for women’s groups at Kathonzweni; and support for Spurgeon School for AIDS orphans in Kibera, Nairobi’s larges slum (enrollment approximately 350). Bring your good will and good taste!  All over Europe “knockoffs” of these items can be found – so go for the originals!  Questions: call or e-mail:  Claire Robertson at Robertson.8@osu.edu or 812-336-3696.

3. Jobs, Fellowships and Other Opportunities

University of Kansas Women’s Studies

The University of Kansas seeks a tenure-track assistant professor in its Women’s Studies Program. Applicants should have a research agenda and teaching interests in global feminism. Academic discipline is open. The University is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to the Program’s emphasis in international and global studies of gender and sexuality, and in related area studies programs in the university. Within the field of global feminism, fields of interest include but are not limited to global feminist theories, international relations, international trade and economic development, feminist visions of development, human trafficking, ethnic cleansing, immigration, terrorism, transnational feminism, the feminization of poverty, health and justice, political and ethnic conflict, human rights, comparative sexualities, comparative legal systems, peace processes, and democracy. Applications are invited from advanced ABDs and recent Ph.D.s in women’s studies and related fields, including untenured assistant professors. The successful candidate should be eligible to work in the US prior to the starting date of the position. KU is prepared to assist the successful candidate in the process of gaining eligibility.

Duties/Responsibilities:  Maintain an active research program in field of expertise; teach four graduate and undergraduate courses per year in the Women’s Studies Program; advise and supervise graduate and undergraduate students in research; and provide service to the Women’s Studies Program, the College, the University, and the profession.

Requirements:  Ph.D. or terminal degree in Women’s or Gender Studies or related discipline including formal graduate training in women’s, gender, or GLBTI studies, expected by start date of appointment. Demonstrable ability to conduct a program of research and potential for obtaining external funding for research focused on gender or women or GLBTI studies in global feminism as evidenced by graduate coursework or fieldwork and by publications and conference presentations in the field or manuscripts under review. Demonstrable ability to teach core graduate and undergraduate courses in women’s studies, including theory and methods, as evidenced by statement of teaching interests, or by a teaching portfolio or other instruments that document teaching effectiveness. At the beginning Assistant Professor level, instruction performed as a graduate teaching assistant may be used.

Appointment is expected to begin August 18, 2008 and will be a full-time, tenure track, regular appointment subject to review and reappointment.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of research and teaching interests, a sample of writing, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of reference to:  Professor Ann Cudd, Women’s Studies Program, University of Kansas, 1440 Jayhawk Bldg., Room 213, Lawrence, Kansas 66045.  acudd@ku.edu ; phone 785-864-2311.  Upon receipt of application materials, individuals will be sent instructions for completing required sections of an on-line Faculty Data Work Eligibility Form.

The University of Kansas is an EOE/AA employer.

University of Oregon History Department

AFRICAN HISTORY. The History Department at the University of Oregon invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in African history, beginning September 2008. Ph.D. at the time of appointment is preferred. The department seeks an excellent and innovative scholar with research experience in Africa, proficiency in one or more African languages, and critical expertise in historiographical approaches to African Studies. Candidates will be expected to teach undergraduate surveys in the history of the African continent, as well as specialized undergraduate and graduate courses. Send c.v., a letter describing research and teaching interests, a chapter-length writing sample, and three letters of recommendation, to Prof. Julie Hessler, Chair, African History Search, Department of History, University of Oregon 97403-1288. Applications received by November 1, 2007 will receive priority. The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA, MONROVIA, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA

Vacancy for Senior Positions at the University of Liberia

The University of Liberia, Liberia’s National University, is accepting applications for Four positions as follows:  1. Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs; 2.Vice President for Administration; 3.     Comptroller;  4. Dean of Student Services

The successful candidate for the Provost &Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Administration of the University of Liberia will be a dynamic and person oriented administrator who will seek the welfare of faculty, staff and students of the University at all times and work very closely and harmoniously with the President of the University who will be his/her immediate Supervisor. The Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, Acts for the President in his absence and is responsible for the overall running of the Academic Program of the University. He/she supervises the faculty, Department heads, Deans of the various colleges and ensures that the academic program maintains high quality by through the employment of qualified faculty and the availability of instructional material and supplies.

On the other hand, the Vice President for Administration has and oversight responsibility of supervising all the academic support departments such as: buildings and grounds; maintenance, security and janitorial services. The comptroller will be an experienced accountant, transparent in his/her operations and accountable to the President of the University and to the various departments of the University.

QUALIFICATION (Provost &Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Administration): 

1. Candidate Must be a Liberian; 2. Should Hold a Terminal Degree From An Accredited University;  3. Should Have Worked at a University For at Least 10 Years and Have Attained the Rank of an Associate Professor. Having Served as a Dean Will be an Advantage;  4. Provided Some Service to Liberia  at Home or Abroad;  5.Demonstrated Interest in Teaching, Research and Other Scholarly Work;  6. Have Outstanding Leadership and Administrative Skills; 7. Submit a Two- to Three- page Document on his/her Vision for the University of Liberia;  8. Have an Appreciation of the Culture and Operating Environment of a University in a Post-Conflict Society; 9. Females are Especially Encouraged to Apply.

QUALIFICATIONS (Comptroller)

 The Above Conditions Apply except for   2, 3 &5

  2. Candidate Must Have Earned, At Least   A Masters Degree in Accounting. Being A CPA Will be an Advantage; 3.Must Have Worked For  10 Years in an Accounts Department in a Reputable Organization or University and Must Have Attained the Rank of Chief Accountant; 5.Must have acted as Comptroller in His/Her Organization; 6. The Comptroller will be an Experienced Accountant and Financial Manager. Should Submit a Brief Narrative on His/Her Plan for the Finance Department. Should also Have Working Knowledge on Modern Accounting Software (such as Peachtree etc).

Qualifications (Dean of Student Services)

 Candidate Must have Earned , at Least, A Masters Degree in the Social Sciences, preferably in Student Services Administration, Counseling, Psychology or Conflict Resolution. Having a Ph.D. will be an advantage. Should submit  a brief narrative on His/Her Vision for the Student Services Administration at the University; Have an appreciation for the Culture and Operating Environment of a University in a Post-Conflict Society. 

Applications Will be Accepted Through September 20, 2007.Interested Candidates Should Submit A Letter of Application, A Current Resume; Official Transcript from the University Where Candidate Received the Doctorate (Or Masters Degree, in the Case of the Comptroller and Dean of Student Services),The Names, Addresses (including email, where available),and Telephone Numbers of Three References.

Completed Application Packets Should be Addressed to: (Applicants from Outside Liberia are asked to use Federal Express; DHL; or any other reputable courier service)

 J. Oliver Duncan Ph.D., Chair of the Search Committee; C/o The President’s Office; University of Liberia; Contact number: 06518301

4.  Conferences

University of Texas at Austin

March 28-30, 2008

“Wars and Conflicts in Africa”

CALL FOR PAPERS

The University of Texas at Austin will hold a conference focusing on the theme of wars and conflicts in Africa, March 28-30 2007. 

For conference information, thematic issues, etc. visit the website:

www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/2008/callforpapers.html

Conference participants will be drawn from various countries. Graduate students are encouraged to attend and present papers. Because war cuts across so many disciplines, participants are welcome from the humanities, sciences and the social sciences. The conference will provide time for scholars from various disciplines and geographical locations to interact, exchange ideas, and receive feedback. Submitted papers will be assigned to particular panels according to similarities in theme, topic, discipline, or geographical location. Additionally, selected papers will be published  in book form.

The deadline for submitting paper proposals is November 1, 2007. Proposals should include a 250-word abstract and title, as well as the author’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and institutional affiliation.  Please submit all abstracts to:  Roy Doron (africaconf2008@gmail.com  A mandatory registration fee of $50 must be paid immediately when an abstract is accepted.

Note: it is expected that all participants will provide their own funding to the conference. The University of Texas does not provide participants with any form of funding support, travel expenses, or boarding expenses.

AFRICAN STUDIES NOONTALKS

FALL 2007

Woodburn Hall 218, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

               Titles will be added as they become available.

September 18           Elizabeth Perrill, Art History

Contemporary Zulu Ceramics: Kusempondo zankomo

kuze kube Ukucwebezela (From the early hours until

the shining)

September 25           Michael Reece, HPER

                                             “Research on HIV-Related Mental Health in Kenya:

                                               Conceptual and Methodological Considerations”

October 2                     Kate Schroeder, Library

October 9                     Gracia Clark, Anthropology

                                             “Traders Talk: A Collaborative Workshop”

October 16                  Takyiwaa Manuh, African Studies, University of Ghana

                                             “Human Rights in Africa”

October 23                 

October 30                  Jessica Hurd, African Art History

                                             “The Power is in the Pot:” Exploring Themes

 Addressed in Dogon Artist Amahinguere Dolo’s

 Recent  Installation, “Les Ceramiques”

November 6                Ruth Stone, Folklore/Ethnomusicology, and Verlon Stone,

Liberia Collections

November 13             Okomfo “Ama” Boakyewa, Anthropology

November 20             THANKSGIVING WEEK

November 27

December 4               Angela Stone-MacDonald, Education

December 11

“TEACHING ABOUT AFRICA”

FALL SEMINAR SCHEDULE

Wednesday 5:30-7:30pm, Woodburn 218

September 5     James Delehanty (Univ. of Wisconsin): “Mapping Contemporary Africa.”

October 3          John Aden (Wabash College): “Roots and Branches: Historical Overview to 1870.”

October 16        (Tuesday)  Takyiwaa Manuh (University of Ghana): “Human Rights in Africa”

                              Note: This seminar will be presented in the Tuesday Noontalk series

                                             12:00 p.m., WH 221)

October 31        Tracy Luedke (Northeastern Illinois University): “Health and Society.”

November 7      Stephen Ndegwa (World Bank): “Development Issues.”

November 14   Karen T. Hansen (Northwestern U.): “Urban Life.”

December 6      Paul Zeleza (Univ. of Illinois-Chicago): “Education.”