MALAS Cultural Studies Lecture Series Event! Featuring Dr. Pam Fox-Kuhlken Speaking on Marcel Proust's IN SEARCH OF LOST TIME, David Lynch's BLUE VELVET, and Fanny Daubigny's PROUST IN BLACK

Tomorrow at 11am pacific! Be there with @sdsumalas, an @AglspC member program!

You are invited! Register for the lecture free here: https://t.co/mDTDqo0VJp

See the ad bigger here: https://t.co/2DIUAGywei pic.twitter.com/0IGgpsX1nV

— William Nericcio (@eyegiene) February 25, 2021

AGLSP is the International Mothership for MALAS and Dozens of Other Progressive Cultural and Interdisciplinary Studies Programs Across the Planet ... #aglsp

Interested in interdisc. studies, cult. studies, or a fan of the liberal arts and humanities? Follow @AglspC!

What is AGLSP? The Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Program--I am a proud card-carrying member of its board of directors. Join us here: https://t.co/tgOjxucQmr https://t.co/wxb7Ew4E8H

— William Nericcio (@eyegiene) February 8, 2021

New MALAS Seminar, Spring 2021 || --> MALAS 600B.01 & WMNST 582: Feminist Science and Activism with Dr. Amanda Beardsley

Spring 2021 | MALAS 600B/WMNST 582

Feminist Science and Activism

COURSE INFORMATION

Time: Mondays 7pm-9:40pm PST

Class Location: Online

Professor: Dr. Amanda Beardsley

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course, we will consider the concepts of public engagement, citizen science, public participation, and science literacy through the lens of feminism. Though we will explore popular areas of Science and Technology Studies (STS) – including epidemiology, the environment, sex, gender, and technology – our primary focus will be on how activism has worked to complicate, revise, and expand these areas. We will ask questions such as: What role to institutions play in crafting knowledge and how has activism intervened? How have AIDS activism and the environmental justice movement opened new spaces for public engagement and public participation in science? How can we learn and share skills in critical science literacy to debunk the science of sex differences? If technology plays a significant role in mediating the body and defining identity, how might we change this to include all bodies? Through these examples, we will analyze the potential and challenges for creating a more just world through challenging and democratizing science and technology. 

BIO: Amanda Beardsley received her PhD in Art History at Binghamton University in 2019. Her dissertation, titled “Celestial Mechanics: Technologies of Salvation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” composes a media history of the Latter-day Saint religion and investigates the relationship between aural technologies, sonic experience, feminism, and faith. She has taught at Brooklyn College, Binghamton University, the University of Utah, and Utah State University, and has published articles in Technology and Culture and Nineteenth Century Studies.

New MALAS Seminar, Spring 2021: MALAS 600 C / Pol S 565 Nations and Nationalism with Professor Latha Varadarajan

MALAS 600 C / Pol S 565

Nations and Nationalism

Spring 2021, Tuesday – 4:00-6:40 

Zoom Link:  https://SDSU.zoom.us/j/84465175676

Professor Latha Varadarajan

e-mail: lvaradar@mail.sdsu.edu

Office Hours – Tuesday, Thursday: 12:30 – 1:30

https://SDSU.zoom.us/j/84066599474 

Purpose of the course: The history of the modern world can be framed – and indeed, has been framed by nationalist movements across borders – in terms of the political struggles embarked upon by nations as they have sought to take their place in global politics. In that sense, the events of the post-Cold War decades, far from being an anomaly, are seen as a natural progression of politics. If any anything, these events – be it, the creation of new nation-states that changed the political map of the world (post-Soviet States, former Yugoslavia, South Sudan), the emergence of new secessionist movements in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas (East Timor, Sudan, Bolivia), the intensification of older tensions (Quebec, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Scotland) – it is argued stand as testament to the enduring strength of nationalism as a defining factor in today’s world. This is after all, a world that is now seeing an upsurge of nationalism movements, even in states where the question has been treated as settled long ago – whether in Western Europe or North America.

To what extent is this rendering of global politics an accurate one? It is true that these movements, while very different in many ways, are held together by the fact that the demands (for greater political rights, for independence) have generally been couched in the language of nationalism, of representing the interests of a single, well-defined national community.  But, does that in and of itself lend credence to claims about the natural-ness of nationalism? What is it that has enabled certain groups to claim that they are a separate nation? Given the political fallout of such movements, should nationalism be treated as the root of political instability or the solution to it? How different is the contemporary wave of nationalism from ones that preceded it in the past two centuries? To answer these questions, what we need is a broader, historically contextualized understanding of the nature and politics of nationalism. This course is an attempt to fulfill such a need. 

Nationalism, it is generally accepted, emerged as an organizing political force at a specific historical moment, and under specific conditions. What these conditions were, how the idea of nationalism spread, and how we should it understand its various manifestations are all issues that have been the subject of intense debate among scholars as well as those actively involved in political struggles. While it is impossible to cover every aspect of these deliberations in one short semester, this course will serve as an introduction to some of the classic texts, while providing an opportunity to engage closely with the development of nationalism in specific contexts.

The course is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the question of the origins and nature of nationalism by engaging with some of the most important theoretical debates about the subject. The readings include some of the classic treatises on the subject by both scholars of nationalism (such as Elie Kedourie, Ernest Gellner, and Benedict Anderson) and important historical figures who inspired and were engaged in actual political struggles (Mazzini, Herzl, Lenin, Luxemburg). Having addressed the theoretical debates, in the second section, we turn to the question of the development of nationalism in particular times and places. We will begin with analyses of nationalism in “Old” Europe (Britain and France), follow it up with anti-colonial nationalism (India) and conclude with a closer look at the “new” nationalisms of Europe (Yugoslavia). The purpose of this segment is three-fold: first, to engage seriously with the historical peculiarities of nationalist movements; second, to compare the nature and political consequences of nationalism as an idea through the modern era; and third, to use this broader view to weigh seriously on the question of the relevance and implications of nationalism for contemporary politics.

A note on the times we live in:

In these very surreal times, this class – normally designed to be an experience in a physical space, where we interact and engage with each other – will “meet” on Zoom. Given the world we are living in, choosing any other option would be extraordinarily irresponsible. However, it is important to note that this class, while using an online modality is not meant to a typical online class. 

In a rational world, online teaching would be a boon, with technology being used in a constructive way to make education accessible to the broadest possible group. Unfortunately, we are not yet in that world. As currently construed, much of online education seems to be neither about accessibility nor about education. Rather, the principal goal of the project appears to be “revenue generation,” albeit cloaked in the language of measurable “student learning outcomes” and “degree completion goals.” What gets lost in this drive is the importance of interactions based on close engagement with the readings, of dialogue over a period of time that creates both a sense of trust and respect amongst participants, which in turn leads to a development of critical faculties. 

During the course of this semester, our goal will be to recreate some of those elements to the best of our abilities given the online constraints. To begin with, all the lectures for the class will be live on Zoom. Please note that the lectures will not be recorded, and none of the participants are allowed to record the sessions in any way. You are expected to attend the class sessions, like you would have done in the old days. I understand that it is hard to remain attentive while on Zoom for over an hour. I would encourage you to keep your video on for this period, even just as way to keep your focus. During the course of the class session, you will have opportunities to meet your classmates in breakout rooms. While this is not the same as meeting them in a physical space, the idea is to get you to a point where you can feel comfortable expressing your opinions in the presence of a group of people who will not remain strangers. 

Robust, respectful classroom discussion will be the best antidote to “zoom-itis,” while ensuring that you comprehend the material being covered in class and are positioned to do well in the various assignments. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to bring them to me.  

Required readings: A significant part of the course will focus on specific books. It is strongly recommended that you purchase the following books (a couple of them – Hockenos and Weber are available as e-books through the library)

• 
  
• Elie Kedourie, Nationalism (Wiley-Blackwell, Fourth edn., 1993)
• Benedict Anderson, Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism (Revised edn., London: Verso, 1991)
• Ernest Gellner, Nations and Nationalism (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1983)
• Eugen Weber, Peasants into Frenchmen, 1870-1914 (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1976)
• Paul Hockenos, Homeland Calling: Exile Patriotism and the Balkan Wars (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2003) 

Latha Varadarajan

Office: NH 124
Phone: (619) 594-3255
E-mail: lvaradar@sdsu.edu

Latha Varadarajan joined the SDSU faculty after receiving a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota in January 2005. Her research is located at the intersection of international relations theory, international political economy, and international security. More specifically, her published work has focused on the politics of transnationalism (specifically state-diaspora relations); the connections between neoliberal economic restructuring and national security policies; the meaning and relevance of postcolonial struggles; and the debates surrounding the contemporary manifestations of imperialism. She is currently working on a book project that brings together her background in international law and international relations to discuss the contemporary development of a legal-humanitarian world order.

Varadarajan teaches courses on International Relations, International Political Economy, National Security and Nationalism both at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

New Spring 2021 MALAS Seminar Course Description --> HUM 580 / MALAS 600a: Open Worlds: Exploring the Unknown in Antiquity with Dr. David A. Wallace-Hare

HUM 580 / MALAS 600a:

Open Worlds: Exploring the Unknown in Antiquity 

Instructor: David A. Wallace-Hare

E-mail: dwallacehare@sdsu.edu

Virtual Meetings (via Zoom): Wed.16:00 – 18:40 pm

Course Delivery: SYNCHRONOUS

Office Hours: Mondays 12:00-13:00 and by appt.

Covid-19 Be Damned! MALAS is on the MOVE with a new Sport and Society Lecture Series! Batter Up? Professor Ben Chappell, University of Kansas American Studies With a Lecture on Mexican American Fastpitch Softball Leagues!

Direct link to Zoom Lecture: cutt.ly/malas-fastpitch-chappell

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Folks Ask Us All the Time--What Can I Do with My MALAS Degree? Here's One Response: Teach Killer Classes at Humboldt State University

Check out this remarkable class, being taught Spring 2021 at Humboldt State University--by Professor Vincent Biondo, Chair, Religious Studies, and MALAS Grad extraordinaire!

The International Mothership for MALAS, the Association for Graduate Liberal Studies Programs, is Holding its Fall 2020 Conference ... And You're Invited!

Our 2020 @aglsp Conference is on the Horizon! Register NOW and don't miss out! This year’s conference will be held in a virtual format.

conference schedule https://t.co/DhZNiTK0wp

Register: https://t.co/i5fMw0mVv4https://t.co/F6xZSbOG4m#aglsp2020 pic.twitter.com/J7bqcQcuQ7

— AGLSP (@AglspC) September 25, 2020

MALAS FAQ #1 NOW LIVE!!!

MALAS Cultural Studies Seminar Professor, Pam Fox-Kuhlken, Has the Lead Article in the Latest Issue of Confluence: The Journal of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs (AGLSP)

A Public Lecture by the Director of the MALAS Program at SDSU, The Master of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Professor William Nericcio (with Professor Roy Whitaker, Religious Studies, SDSU)

Roy Whitaker, Bill Nericcio: Things We Do Not Talk About (TWDNTA) When Thinking About Daniel Olivas's TWDNT from Mextasy on Vimeo.
"Things We Do Not Talk About When Thinking About Daniel Olivas's THINGS WE DO NOT TALK ABOUT: Latinx Spirituality in the Age of Hate." A public lecture on April 14, 2020 at SDSU with Professors Roy Whitaker and Bill Nericcio. You can consult high resolution versions of the Zoom graphic slides here: https://bit.ly/nericcio-on-olivas

New Seminar Course Description! MALAS 601 Fall 2020 An Introduction to Cultural Studies with Professor Pam Fox-Kuhlken

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Fall 2020: MALAS 601 
An Introduction to Cultural Studies/Interdisciplinary Studies 
The Life-or-Death Value of Cultural Studies During Crisis 
Dr. Pam Fox-Kuhlken
Thursdays, 4-6:40

Culture is alive—growing and changing. It is past-, present-, and future-oriented. Emancipatory, cultural theory fuses hierarchies of high and low cultures and seeks new knowledge as we ford the new rivers Heraclitus’ spoke of in ancient days. Cultural Studies draws upon the Humanities (arts, cultural studies, history, languages, literature, philosophy, religion) along with Natural and Social Sciences, so your particular area of interest will be front and center at some point! 

Stuart Hall and Cultural Studies

Cultural Studies--rooted in Karl Marx’s revolutionary dialectical materialism envisioning a communist utopia and Michel Foucault’s new historicism that critiques how power happens through discourses and strips hegemonies’ Oz-like illusions, and feminists like Susan Sontag, Simone de Beauvoir, and Julia Kristeva with remedies to phallocentricism—offers new ways of thinking, knowing, and communicating, equipping us to face CRISIS head-on.

We are an echo-chamber if we lose relevance. In this age of STEM headlines and investments, Humanities are slighted, facing drastic cuts in universities and now with a global pandemic, the Liberal Studies’ use value is eclipsed as masses turn to immunologists for daily guidance.

Ultimately, what matters, life-or-death, about cultural studies? This is a collaborative class and everyone will contribute to our culture: writing, discussing, co-hosting class, recommending texts for our syllabus.

Pierre Bourdieu

We’ll begin with an OVERVIEW of cultural/interdisciplinary criticism; then explore PANDEMIC with Slavoj Žižek and Jacques Lacan; MUSIC of crisis with composer John Cage, pianist Ludovico Einaudi’s “Elegy for the Arctic,” ethnomusicologists in The Journal of Interdisciplinary Music Studies (JIMS), and interrogate silence (Thomas Merton); SAVING THE WORLD with billionaires (Elon Musk and Bill Gates) and brilliance (TED talks, Nobel Laureates, MacArthur geniuses); SOCIAL MEDIA (Sartre’s existential project of being; Martin Heidegger’s shared world; Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural capital; Mark Zuckerberg); then we’ll work our cultural/interdisciplinary magic on topics you choose (i.e. you nominate, we vote upon, and schedule by the second or third week)! And as your champion and advocate, I’ll make all the readings available for you.

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Dr. Pam is in her 13th lucky year at SDSU, teaching English & Comp Lit, Religious Studies, and Classics & Humanities. She's wanted to teach since kindergarten so this is Plan A, and she thrives with a syllabus in hand, but prefers to make classes collaborative so we'll create MALAS 601 together. Writing poetry, watching Criterion films, researching literary topics, and reading theory and philosophy is keeping her busy in quarantine, punctuated with yoga. And she's celebrating her daughter's scholarship to MIT starting this Fall. Pam has numerous publications and three advanced degrees (PhD in Comparative Literature, MA in Poetics, MA in Theology) and is ready for our Thursday afternoon symposium this Fall, joining fellow Epicureans in the garden of Plato's academy!

MALAS-601

01

22284

INTRO TO CULTURAL STUDIES
1600-1840
TH
HH-210
P. KUHLKEN

NEW FALL 2020 MALAS SEMINAR! The Environmental Humanities with Professor Diana Leong (Also English 626)

ENGL 626 
The Environmental Humanities
Method, Meaning, and Matter 
Dr. Diana Leong | Wednesdays | 4 to 6:40pm |  EBA-445 

As an analytical framework and an area for interdisciplinary research, the environmental humanities engage a diverse set of concerns pertaining to the representation and theorization of nature. While environmental considerations have long been of interest to humanities scholars, this interest did not coalesce into a coherent field until the early 2000’s. During this period, developments in science and technology, combined with an expansion of environmental precarity, forcefully revealed the limitations of our previous concepts of nature. The challenges of analyzing the increasingly unpredictable behavior of non-human objects (e.g., weather patterns or pesticides), while attending to the uneven distribution of environmental risks and resources, called for new reading and writing practices. This course will follow recent developments in the environmental humanities as they respond to the ecological challenges of our current moment. We will begin by examining some of the foundational texts of the environmental humanities (i.e., method), before tracking their embrace of the postcolonial and anti-racist approaches central to environmental justice (i.e., meaning). We will conclude with an investigation of the field’s turn towards posthumanism, animal studies, and the new materialisms (i.e., matter). By reflecting on some of the major influences on ecocritical thought, we will aim for more nuanced understandings of how human activity both relates to and creates the natural world. 

Diana Leong is an Assistant Professor of English and Comparative Literature. Her research interests include environmental justice, Black literature and culture, and the environmental humanities (e.g. posthumanism, science and technology studies, animal studies, new materialisms). She is currently completing a monograph, Against Wind and Tide: Toward a Slave Ship Ecology, that theorizes the slave ship as a site for the material and imaginative convergence of environmental justice and abolitionism. Her work has also appeared in ISLE: Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, Catalyst: Feminism, Theory, Technoscience, Electronic Book Review, and the Palgrave Handbook of Animals and Literature.