Tim Marr, Associate Professor, American Studies

Professor Tim Marr (American Studies) is the new IAH Faculty Fellowship Program Director. In this episode, he discusses the importance of monuments in narrating the history of the United States, especially those that can be considered controversial. He also talks about his love of author Herman Melville. And it is more than just Moby Dick.

Geoff Sayre-McCord, Professor, Philosophy

Professor Geoff Sayre-McCord (Philosophy) discusses his work as director of the Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics Program in partnership with Duke University. His work as the Program Director for the Associate Professors Program has helped tenured faculty think about their careers among a community of colleagues across campus. Sayre-McCord also talks about his love of David Hume and how he was first drawn to philosophy.

Jacqueline Lawton, Assistant Professor, Dramatic Art

Jacqueline Lawton talks about her work as a dramaturge and how theater prepares students for expressing themselves in the real world. Her research most recently led her to discover Marvel Cooke, an early 20th century African American journalist. She is currently working on a play about Cooke’s life. Lawton also discusses her favorite book Black Girl in Paris by Shay Youngblood and, fittingly, her favorite play the James Lapine book play-turned-musical by Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”

James Moeser, Chancellor Emeritus, publishes book of speeches from 2000-2008

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Emeritus James Moeser discusses his recent book The State of the University, 2000-2008. The book is a collection of major addresses delivered during his tenure.

Robyn Schroeder, Director, Humanities for the Public Good

Robyn Schroeder, Director of Initiatives for the “Humanities for the Public Good” grant, sits down with us to discuss public humanities and her goals for increasing scholarly engagement with the public at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her work is housed here at Hyde Hall.

Learn more about the grant at hpg.unc.edu/. Apply for faculty/graduate student grants at hpg.unc.edu/grants-calls-applications/.

Kia Caldwell, Associate Professor, Department of Africa, African American, Diaspora Studies

A Faculty Fellow and Academic Leadership Fellow, Kia Caldwell discusses the current state of politics in Brazil, with particular focus on human rights activist Marielle Franco, and the circumstances that led to her assassination on March 14, 2018.

Daniel Sherman, Distinguished Professor, Art and History

Daniel Sherman tells us about his current research project on an archaeological dig in Glozel, France. He also discusses his interest in Critical Museum Studies, how museums are “political,” as well as what they are doing now to engage audiences. Sherman is the Lineberger Distinguished Professor of Art and History and a Spring 2017 IAH Faculty Fellow.

Jennifer Ho, Associate Director, talks about the 30 for 30 Campaign

Dr. Jennifer Ho, who is a Professor in the English and Comparative Literature Department, discusses the 30 for 30 campaign, encouraging IAH Faculty Fellows to help support future fellowships in commemoration of the Institute’s 30th anniversary. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of her current writing projects. To participate, go to our Give Now page.

Zia Haider Rahman, Author, 2018 Reckford Lecturer

Zia Haider Rahman, author of the highly acclaimed 2014 novel In the Light What We Know, delivered the Mary Stevens Reckford Memorial Lecture in European Studies on Feb. 22. The lecture, entitled: “Brexit The Reckoning,” examines the political, economic, racial, and social implications of Great Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. Rahman discusses his favorite authors and his process for dealing with writer’s block.

IAH Honors Collaboration Grant: Associate Professor Mariska Leunissen (Philosophy), Jake Rohde (’17)

Associate Professor Mariska Leunissen (Philosophy) and UNC Honors Alumnus Jake Rohde (Class of 2017), worked together as part of the inaugural IAH Honors Collaboration Grant. The Grant offers a $2,000 award to students and pairs them with a Faculty Fellow to get a unique research opportunity. We also had the opportunity to sit in on one of their sessions, where they researched the work of Aristotle. Rohde went on to Yale to pursue a graduate degree in Classics and Philosophy.

Chris Clemens, Senior Associate Dean for Natural Sciences

IAH Director Mark Katz interviews astrop

Meenu Tewari, Associate Professor, City and Regional Planning

Faculty Fellow Meenu Tewari discusses her current book project on urban development in India, specifically regarding connecting people to water. She also talks about how she entered the academic side of planning as well as future writing projects she hopes to pursue outside her field.

Charles Price, Associate Professor, Anthropology

Charles Price discusses the work he did during his Fall 2017 Faculty Fellowship: his current book project on collective identity formation among the Rastafarians. He also talks about his path in becoming an anthropology professor, as well as two highly influential books.

Best podcasts of 2017

In this episode, we take a look back at some of Clay and Philip‘s favorite interviews of the year, including Rev. William J. Barber II, Mai Nguyen (City and Regional Planning), Sam Amago (Romance Studies) and the winners of the IAH Honors Collaboration Grant.

T Bone Burnett, Music Producer

T Bone Burnett is an Oscar-winning music producer, musician, and songwriter. As the producer of the soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou?, he renewed interest in American roots music. He received a Grammy Award for that album, for the soundtracks Cold Mountain (2004), Walk the Line (2006), Crazy Heart (2010), and for Raising Sand (2007). He shares his earliest memories of music and insight on current projects. He also talks about the process of his many music collaborations as well as his views on analog and digital technologies in music production.