PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University’s Department of Comparative American Cultures has initiated a new publication titled “Working Papers Series in Cultural Studies, Ethnicity, and Race Relations.”
According to E. San Juan, Jr., chair of department and executive editor, the publication will serve as an international forum for the exchange of ideas dealing with the process of globalization and its attendant problems. The monographs published will deal with issues of ethnic conflict, new forms of racism and sexism, transnational migrant labor, nationalism, sovereignty struggles of indigenous peoples, cultural hybridization, postcolonialism and the political economy of the world system.
“Well-known figures will deal with issues on an international scope,” said San Juan. “This exciting and innovative venture will project WSU as a leading center of research in the field of comparative cultural studies and intercultural relations.”
The first paper in the series, which was distributed in December, was written by William Boelhower, author and well-known scholar who directs American studies at the University of Padua and teaches American literature at the University of Venice, Italy. “Open Secrets: African American Testimony and the Paradigm of the Camp” explores the new spatial approach to ethnic and race relations as represented in aesthetic forms and literary production. It addresses urgent questions of theory and practice in cultural studies and interdisciplinary research.
Serving on the publicationÃs advisory board of editors are such world-renowned scholars as Manning Marable of the African Studies Institution; African American poet Amiri Baraka; historian Paul Buhle; and Alan Wald, chair of ethnic studies at Boulder University. Participating scholars will include colleagues in China, Russia, Netherlands, Australia, United Kingdom, Scotland and Japan, and other intellectuals in Africa, Asia and Latin America, San Juan said.
“At a critical juncture for culture studies and ethnic studies, the new series of working papers in Comparative American Cultures will contribute to the ongoing national discussion,” said Gretchen Bataille, WSU provost and academic vice president. “We are fortunate to have Professor San Juan’s leadership and experience guiding this scholarly endeavor.”
Copies of the series will be distributed biannually to interested parties, as well as to dozens of centers and institutes worldwide. Price per copy is a $5 donation to the WSU Department of Comparative American Cultures.
For more information write to San Juan, Department of Comparative American Cultures, Washington State University, Wilson Hall, Room 111, P.O. Box 4010, Pullman, Wash. 99164-4010.
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