MSU Tuesday Bulletin, 09/30/08

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Tuesday Bulletin for September 30th, 2008
Topics covered in this issue: Events | Announcements | Other Announcements | Conferences | Jobs
Events

AFRICOM and the Cumulative Militarization of Africa Thursday, October 2, 2008

African Studies Center Brown Bag talk with David Wiley, Director, African Studies Center, and Faculty (Sociology Dept., MSU), 12:00 noon, Room 303 International Center.

Strengthening Civil Society through Dialogue on Faith and Community: A U.S. - Mali Exchange Program Wednesday, October 8, 2008

International Studies and Programs Public Reception, 4:30-6:00 p.m., LookOut! Gallery at Snyder Hall. (See MSU announcements below for more details).

Reflections on Africa and African Studies 1965-2008 Thursday, October 9, 2008

African Studies Center Brown Bag talk with Bill Derman, Faculty (Dept. of Anthropology, MSU), 12:00 noon, Room 303 International Center.

And the Land Belongs to Those Who Work It:' Reflections on the Dilemmas Facing South Africa's Land Reform Programs Friday, October 10, 2008

CASID/WID Friday Forum with Bill Derman, Faculty (Dept. of Anthropology, MSU), 12:00 noon, Spartan Room C, International Food Court.

MSU's Elephantiasis and River Blindness Control Programs in Africa: Stories of Success Thursday, October 16, 2008

African Studies Center Brown Bag talk with Charles Mackenzie, Faculty (Pathobiology, MSU), 12:00 noon, Room 303 International Center.

Announcements

Mali in Michigan

Art, Religion, & Politics in the 21st Century - U.S. Mali Exchange Program (October 3-17, 2008) MSU and the University of Bamako are partnering in an exchange program focusing on issues of Islam, faith, community, and democracy. The program will provide an opportunity for a delegation of Malian clerics and heads of Islamic schools, university faculty with scholarly interests in religion, and community leaders to learn about Islam and the lives of Muslims in the U.S. as well as enhance their knowledge of civil society.

A Public reception will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at the LookOut! Gallery in Snyder Hall. This program is led by the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) and Center for Advanced Study of International Development (CASID).

For more information e-mail: http://www.rcah.msu.edu or call (517) 355-0210; or http://www.casid.msu.edu or call (517) 353-5925.

Information Meetings for 2009 Study Abroad Programs in Africa SOUTH AFRICA

"Conservation and Biodiversity in South African Parks and Nature Reserves

Summer 2009

• Wednesday, October 1

5:00 pm - 001 Natural Resources

• Thursday, October 2

11:30 am - 204 International Center

• Monday, October 6

5:00 pm - 152 Natural Resources

MALAWI

"Agriculture, Development, Environment and Gender: NGO Internships"

Spring 2009

• Wednesday, October 1

5:00 pm - 6 International Center

KENYA

"Society and Ecology"

• Thursday, October 2

6:00 pm - 126 N. Kedzie

KENYA

"Behavioral Ecology of African Mammals"

Summer 2009

• Tuesday, October 7

6:00 pm - 304 Natural sciences

MADAGASCAR

"Paradise in Peril? Madagascar's Biodiversity Crisis"

Summer 2009

• Wednesday, October 29

6:00 pm - 338 Natural Resources

• Wednesday, November 19

noon - 338 Natural Resources

Please direct any questions to Chris Barden, Editor, Office of Study Abroad, 109 International Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1035; Phone: (517) 432-8785; Fax: (517) 432-2082; barden@msu.edu; http://studyabroad.msu.edu.

Africa Podcast

Bill Derman on Afripod
Bill Derman, Professor of Anthropology at MSU, discussed his recent volume "Conflicts Over Land and Water in Africa" on the Africa Past and Present podcast ( http://afripod.aodl.org). He described the role of government policies, local farmers, and chiefs in land reform in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Derman also reflected to the sensitive position of researchers working in the changing political context of southern Africa.

This podcast about history, culture, and politics in Africa - is hosted by Michigan State University historians Peter Alegi and Peter Limb. It is produced by MATRIX - The Center for Humane Arts, Letters, and Social Sciences Online at MSU ( http://www.matrix.msu.edu). Listen and subscribe to the biweekly podcast at: http://afripod.aodl.org/. Direct inquiries to: alegi@msu.edu or limb@msu.edu.

Other Announcements

U. of Michigan

Wallenberg Medal to be awarded to Archbishop Desmond Tutu - Oct. 29, 2008, 7:30 pm Nobel Peace Prize winner and South African cleric Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be awarded the eighteenth University of Michigan Wallenberg Medal by U-M president Mary Sue Coleman on Wednesday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Hill Auditorium on the University of Michigan campus. After the medal presentation, Archbishop Tutu will give the Wallenberg Lecture. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.wallenberg.umich.edu/.

Conferences

9th Annual Global Perspective Conf.- Lansing, MI The Center for International and Intercultural Education (CIIE) at Lansing Community College is seeking proposals from potential presenters for the 9th Annual Global Perspectives Conference, which will be held on the Lansing Community College campuses Monday March 30-Thursday, April 2, 2009. The theme for the 2009 conference is "The Realities of Globalization: Past, Present and Future." Proposal forms or more information can be obtained by phone at 517-483-9963 or 483-1006, or by sending an email to hayhoe@lcc.edu. The deadline for proposals is Friday, October 31, 2008.

18th Annual African/Diaspora Conf.-California State Univ. - April 30-May 2, 2009, Call for Papers The Center for African Peace & Conflict Resolution & The Pan African Studies Program Present The 18th Annual African/Diaspora Conference "Religion, Race & Ethnic Relations in Africa/Diaspora: Creating Peace & Justice Dialogue," to be held at California State University, Sacramento, California, USA April 30 May 2, 2009.

This conference examines the state of religion, race, and ethnicity in Africa and her diaspora, with a focus on advancing positive models or lessons for peace and justice dialogues--within and amongst groups/institutions, and agencies. Together, participants will analyze the prospects for bridging related gaps among Africans in Africa and the diaspora, and identify best practices and models of dialogues for strengthening the capacity for sustainable culture of peace and justice.

Please include the following in your proposal: name, current position and institutional affiliation, paper title, abstract (75 words maximum), your mailing address, email, phone and fax number. You will be notified of acceptance by email, plus any publication guidelines. Selected papers will be considered for publication and inclusion in the conference proceedings. Presentations in English are preferred; but French speakers can be accommodate. Participants are responsible for the conference registration fee of U.S. $50, plus their travel costs. Fee waiver available for students.

Please email/fax/mail proposals to: Ernest Uwazie, Director, Center for African Peace & Conflict Resolution California State University, Sacramento 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6085, USA; Tel: (916) 278 -6282; fax: (916) 278 -3429; e-mail: uwazieee@csus.edu.

Deadline for submission of proposals is November 29, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.csus.edu/org/capcr.

Jobs

Positions through Americorps VISTA - Michigan The African Community Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking full-time candidates for three positions through Americorps*VISTA program. This national service project is an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking to give back to a community in need while gaining valuable experience in organizational development and community revitalization. The ideal candidate must have passion for the power of grassroots underserved groups to possibly affect the local immigrant's community.

The positions are: Development Coordinator, Community Outreach Coordinator, and Volunteer and Youth Coordinator. The start date for all positions is November 21, 2008. Training for New VISTA(s) will be November 17-20, 2008 in Chicago, IL with all training expenses covered.

* This is an excellent opportunity for recent college graduates to gain the kind of professional experience that can not be found in a typical entry-level job.

*For experienced adults, this is an opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge to serious social problems. One year commitment is required and renewable up to five years.

For job descriptions, visit the Americorps website at: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/vista.asp. Select your state from the "Where would you like to serve?" drop down menu, click search, then scroll until you locate the positions for the African Community Center.

If interested apply on-line or contact Mr. Yaka Kamungi directly for more information at (616) 248-3552 or e-mail: humanity.africa@sbcglobal.net. Applications are being accepted until October 15, 2008.

Socio-cultural Anthropology. - U. of Virginia The Department of Anthropology at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, invites applicants for a tenure-track, full-time Assistant Professor position in Socio-cultural Anthropology, appointment beginning August 25, 2009. Candidates must have a regional specializati on in Africa, an ongoing program of research and publication that integrates in-depth ethnographic study with the advancement of theory, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching. Preference will be given to candidates who have an ability to talk across the sub-fields and other disciplines. Ph.D. required. ABDs will be considered if Ph.D. is in hand by August 25, 2009. Review of applications will begin September 1, 2008 and all applications must be received no later than October 31, 2008. Informational interviews will be held November 19-23 at the AAA Meeting in San Francisco; however, all candidates will be given full consideration.

To apply, candidates must submit a candidate profile, CV/Resume, cover letter describing qualifications and research trajectory, a sample of written work that demonstrates integration of ethnography and theory, and contact information for three references, through Jobs@UVA; https:\\jobs.virginia.edu. The job posting is under posting number 0602443.

Women and members of under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. Direct questions to: Chair, Search Committee, Department of Anthropology, University of Virginia, 100 Brooks Hall, P.O. Box 400120, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4120, 434-924-7044; email: bashkow@virginia.edu.

Afr. Lang. & Literature - U. of Wisconsin-Madison The Department of African Languages and Literature of the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level. The committee seeks a scholar whose work focuses on African literature, and who has a high level of competence in an African language. Competence in linguistics would be an advantage. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong record in teaching. The candidate will be expected to teach two undergraduate and/or graduate courses per semester, as well as participate in University and Department related service and maintain research activity.

Applicants must have completed the Ph.D. by beginning of appointment in August 2009 and show promise of a distinguished career as a scholar and teacher. To ensure full consideration, your letter of application and c.v., three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample (preferred length: under fifty pages of text) should arrive by Wednesday, November 12, 2008. The writing sample may be a self-standing essay, or a chapter from a dissertation or book project. Chapters should be accompanied by a brief outline or statement (less than two pages) that sets the chapter in the context of the larger work and its argument.

Send materials to: Prof. Harold Scheub, Chair, Dept. of African Languages and Literature, 1408 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706; Tel: (608) 263-5919; Fax: (608) 265-4151; e-mail: hescheub@wisc.edu.

African Literature -U. of Illinois-Urbana Champaign The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks a full-time tenure track Assistant Professor in African literature, starting August 16, 2009. The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment in two of three departments (Comparative and World Literature, English, and French), depending on areas of specialization. The candidate will also have an affiliation with the Center for African Studies. A demonstrable commitment to scholarship and the ability to teach a wide range of African literatures and cultures required; familiarity with post-colonial theory preferred. PhD in hand by time of appointment. Salary commensurate with experience. For full consideration, application materials (letter of interest, CV, three letters of recommendation and a writing sample) must be received by November 15, 2008. Send application materials, including an email address to: African Literature Search Committee, c/o Marita Romine, 4072A FLB, University of Illinois, 707 S. Mathews, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. Phone: (217) 244-3252. The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

from MSU African Studies Center <Africa@msu.edu>

date Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 5:11 PM
subject Tuesday Bulletin for September 30th, 2008