Graduate Teaching Assistant report by Anna Béar

[vc_row margin_bottom=”15″][vc_column][dt_banner image_id=”9052″ bg_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.28)” min_height=”270″][/dt_banner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]I arrived in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2014 feeling just as nervous as I was excited about starting a master’s degree and teaching assistantship at the University of Virginia. Much as I love my subject, I was intimidated by the prospect of standing at the front of a classroom of students not much older than myself, with no training as a teacher and only a few months between the end of my own undergraduate English degree and my new life as a TA. This isn’t to say that I had no support from UVa, which has a dedicated Teaching Resources Centre that ran a training day just before the beginning of the semester and many kind English professors who are always happy to give nervous graduate students their own teaching tips. Ultimately, however, it was my responsibility to hastily read Heart of Darkness for the first time and, at the end of the first week of my own classes, make my way to an unfamiliar classroom to lead a discussion on Conrad’s challenging novel.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][dt_quote]My first year as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Virginia has been truly gratifying, to the point where I am now considering becoming an English teacher, says Anna Béar, recipient of the BAAS Graduate Teaching Assistant award.[/dt_quote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″][vc_column][vc_column_text]As I write this ten months later, teaching has become one of the very best things about my experience at UVa. Seeing a student make progress in their work or build brilliantly upon ideas discussed in class in an essay is truly gratifying, to the point where I am now considering becoming an English teacher, a career I had previously almost ruled out for myself. I’ve discovered that there is no better way to get to know a text than to lead a discussion on it in which diverse voices and opinions come through, and working out ways to encourage quieter students to contribute and feel like valued members of the class has been a particularly rewarding task. Even my own academic work has benefited from the process of grading student essays and providing feedback.

Aside from teaching, Charlottesville is a wonderful place to live and study. It embodies much of what I love about America in its history and dramatically beautiful campus and surroundings, and in the enthusiasm and friendliness of its people. My own classes are just as stimulating and challenging as one would expect from a prestigious university, and the English department just as full of inspiring and welcoming people. This year I participated in an anti-rape culture march around campus, at which English was by far the best-represented department in terms of both faculty and students, and the UVa Graduate English Conference, which not only drew speakers from around the country but also gave UVa a platform to celebrate the work of its own students. These two events are emblematic of the community spirit and energy of the UVa English department of which I am lucky enough to be a member. I encourage anyone who is interested in further study in America to apply for a BAAS award – it was one of the very best decisions I have ever made.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”15″][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Anna Béar completed her undergraduate degree in English literature at the University of Exeter. She also spent a year at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania and was delighted to return to the States to study for a master’s in English when she received the BAAS Graduate Teaching Assistantship for the University of Virginia. She is currently preparing to write her thesis on American cultural identities in the literary imagination.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_carousel slides_on_desk=”2″ slides_on_tabs=”2″ slides_on_mob=”1″][dt_teaser image_id=”6727″ lightbox=”true”]Blue Ridge Mountains. Image courtesy of the author.[/dt_teaser][dt_teaser image_id=”6731″ lightbox=”true”]The Rotunda on campus. Image courtesy of the author.[/dt_teaser][/ultimate_carousel][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Chair’s Annual Report to the AGM 2015

[vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_banner type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”7003″ target_blank=”false” bg_color=”rgba(224,224,224,0.01)” text_color=”#ffffff” text_size=”big” border_width=”3″ outer_padding=”10″ inner_padding=”10″ min_height=”150″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_fancy_title title=”Chair’s Annual Report 2015″ title_align=”center” title_size=”h2″ title_color=”title” title_bg=”disabled” separator_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_fancy_title title=”University of Northumbria April 10th, 2015″ title_align=”center” title_size=”big” title_color=”default” title_bg=”disabled” separator_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][dt_quote type=”blockquote” font_size=”big” background=”plain”]The hard work of the Executive Committee has resulted in huge gains for American Studies as a discipline this year, says Sue Currell in the Chair’s Annual Report, presented at the 2015 BAAS conference. These gains reflect the original goals of the first committee 60 years ago but they also create a new legacy for the future.[/dt_quote][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Welcome to the 60^th Anniversary AGM for the British Association for American Studies. I’d like to begin by thanking Northumbria University for hosting us and in particular Joe Street for all of the work he’s put in to getting us here. And thank you BAAS members for attending this meeting and taking part in forming the future direction of the Association.

This year, I could say ‘once again’, the BAAS executive committee has lived up to the founding goals of the Association 60 years ago to support the study of the US[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]in the UK, to publish research papers, to communicate our research knowledge and to hold conferences. To me it’s quite remarkable that we – and former BAAS committees – have continued to do this in such a consistent way over such a long period and in such a shifting educational and economic landscape. As Chair it’s been important for me to return to those founding goals to think about what we do and where we are going, not so that we keep things the same but so that we harness that original ambition as a way to implement changes and enable a future generation of scholars to continue working in this fascinating field. The hard work of the executive committee has resulted in huge gains for American studies as discipline this year, gains that reflect the original goals of the first committee 60 years ago but which create a new legacy for the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I want to draw attention to a few of these gains here. Last June, on your behalf, I signed a new partnership agreement with Cambridge University Press establishing and confirming our joint ownership of the Journal of American Studies. As the original contract had been signed in 1966 it clearly needed updating — no one back then could have foreseen the changes in the publishing industry, technology or academia. This new agreement puts into writing much of what we were already doing as set out in the founding mission (when it was then known as the ‘Bulletin’). The new contract establishes procedures and responsibilities on both sides and enables us to look forward to a stable and productive future in which mutual support is guaranteed. To push this through effectively as volunteer trustees of BAAS, the officers in particular have had to take crash courses in publishing law, charities law, business law and to investigate BAAS’s history as well as plan for the future, including second guessing the shape of academic publishing. I can proudly say that we’ve done our very best for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Much of this work will remain invisible but what will be clear to see for a long time into the future is that we now have a great new working relationship with Cambridge University Press as well as the editors of the Journal of American Studies. The overhaul of our contracts and processes took place just as Scott Lucas’s term as editor ended and as we advertised for and appointed the new editors. I would like to thank Scott for all of his great work on JAS and welcome the new joint editors – Celeste-Marie Bernier and Bevan Sewell — and the new associate editors — Sinead Moynihan and Nick Witham – and to say how much we look forward to our productive new partnership with you all.

There are other very important benefits of the new relationship that will impact on our future activities: when the original agreement was signed there was no provision made for any royalty payment to BAAS. Way back then I think that our founders saw publishing papers as a costly venture and not a profit-making one, they were glad to have the costs met by a high quality academic publisher. The publishing environment did change and of course the new agreement had to take this into account and include an annual profit-share royalty agreement.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][dt_teaser type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”5389″ target=”blank” style=”1″ image_hovers=”true” content_size=”normal” background=”plain”]The new joint ownership of Journal of American Studies between BAAS and Cambridge University Press “puts into writing much of what we were already doing as set out in the founding mission. The new contract establishes procedures and responsibilities on both sides and enables us to look forward to a stable and productive future in which mutual support is guaranteed.”[/dt_teaser][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]This has meant that we have been able to make other changes to our activities and procedures. We needed a new logo that would print well on the journal cover, we needed to create new editors contracts and refocus some of our committee priorities – all of which are reflected in changes that we’ve made to the standing orders and leading to some of the constitution amendments. We are continuing with the process of investigating all of our contracts and charitable activities and this has led to some involving legal conversations with a variety of experts. On your behalf I joined BAAS as a member of the Foundation for Science and Technology, a society that offers support and legal advice to academic associations like ours so that we get the correct legal information into the future. As the Treasurer’s report will explain, the new agreement has also been a catalyst for changing our financial structures and operations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Making sure that we get it right has sometimes taken a lot of time and necessitated developing new areas of expertise but the benefits are huge and will be long-lasting. We have been able to extend the support we give to the other aspects of the BAAS founders mission. Not that they would have known what a website was, but we have been able to fund the website overhaul that you will hear about later, to create a new website assistant post, we have been able to support more conferences and symposia and we have created a new Journal of American Studies postgraduate travel award. It’s also meant we have kept subscription fees low and yet also offer access to the Journal of American Studies online which will be accessible via the new members space on the website as part of the membership fee. Having some additional income also opens up the real possibility of increasing the number of symposia, research and travel grants and fellowships and support for scholars in the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/2″][dt_teaser type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6299″ target=”blank” style=”1″ image_hovers=”true” content_size=”normal” background=”plain”]Between 2014-2015 BAAS have been able to:

negotiate a new contract with Cambridge University Press for Journal of American Studies
create a new logo
fund the website overhaul
create a new website assistant post
support more conferences and symposia
relaunch the BAAS postgraduate journal U.S. Studies Online as a blog
go paperless with American Studies in Britain and relaunch as a blog and e-newsletter
create a new Journal of American Studies postgraduate travel award
keep subscription fees low
and yet also offer access to the Journal of American Studies online which will be accessible via the new members space on the website.

[/dt_teaser][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Much of this I didn’t know I would be doing when I started my term 2 years ago. My mission statement did focus on the need to extend our communications and in that area I feel we have made clear progress. Much of this is down to the great work by our webmaster Katie McGettigan, who revamped our communications and email newsletter – which now goes out every Sunday evening. I think we should applaud Katie for that alone. But Katie has also been working diligently behind the scenes on the website overhaul. I also want to highlight how extremely pleased I am with the relaunch of the BAAS postgraduate journal U.S. Studies Online – the editors Ben and Michelle have changed the landscape of our community to create a site that offers a more informal forum for new scholarship in the field as well as gathering up all the news of interest to members, as well as giving invaluable early careers support and information. I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of BAAS when I look at their activities. I also want to thank Kal Ashraf for going paperless with American Studies in Britain (ASIB) last year which saved us print costs when we most desperately needed to. A particular thanks for his last ASIB in December 2014 (Issue 110) with the wonderful 60^th Anniversary cover.

Other activities that we’ve continued to support include the BAAS Postgraduate conference which was a huge success in Sussex last November with the apt theme of Protest: Resistance and Dissent in America. Thanks to Cara[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Rodway’s organization BAAS also ran a Schools Politics conference in Reading in early March with over 80 students and teachers in attendance. We wouldn’t have been able to do any of this work without your membership fee and all of the many hours the executive committee have volunteered for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_fancy_title title=”Members Achievements and Activities of Note in 2014-15″ title_align=”center” title_size=”big” title_color=”custom” title_bg=”disabled” separator_color=”default” custom_separator_color=”#1e73be” el_width=”80″ custom_title_color=”#01449b”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The AGM is a chance for us to celebrate and sing ourselves as well:

Our former Chair, Prof. Martin Halliwell was elected as the Chair of the English Association.
Simon Newman at Glasgow University was awarded a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant of £300,000 for a study of ‘Runaway Slaves in Britain: Bondage, Freedom and Race in the Eighteenth Century.’
Katie McGettigan was awarded a Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellowship at Nottingham for work titled ‘Transatlantic Nationalism: The Invention of American Literature in Britain, 1820-1860.’
Michael Cullinane at Northumbria University has been awarded an AHRC Early Career Fellowship for the project ‘Memorial Communities and Presidential Legacy: Remembering Theodore Roosevelt.’
Zoe Colley at Dundee University was awarded an AHRC Early Career Fellowship for the project ‘Universities of the Revolution: Black Nationalism and the Prison from the Nation of Islam to the Black Panther Party.’
Nick Witham was awarded a Fulbright American Studies Scholarship for a visit to NYU this summer and an AHRC International Placement Scheme Fellowship to go to the Library of Congress, both furthering research on ‘Popular American History Writing during the Cold War.’
The University of Liverpool appointed Professor Janet Beer as its next Vice-Chancellor. Professor Beer, formerly VC at Oxford Brookes University, is the university’s first female Vice-Chancellor and one of only three in the elite Russell Group.

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Professor Clive Webb was promoted to Head the School of History, Art History and Philosophy at the University of Sussex.
Sue Wedlake has taken early retirement after 22 yrs at the Embassy
Carole Holden (British Library) has also taken early retirement.
December 2014, former ASIB editor Kal Ashraf (Sheffield) passed his PhD, entitled “Beyond Authentication: African American Speech Representation (AASR) in Brown, Chesnutt and Hurston.”
Dr. Martin Padget, Aberystwyth University was awarded a fellowship in the Tanner Center for the Humanities at the University of Utah for 2015-16.
A new American studies group formed to add to the array of our specialist focus groups: Scholars of American Visual Arts and Text (SAVAnT).
Clodagh Harrington of De Montfort University became the new American Politics Group Chair.
Jo Gill was awarded a Leverhulme Fellowship for research on Modern American Poetry and the Architectural Imagination. £42,000 over c. 16 months, starting 1st Sept 2015.
Apologies for anyone I’ve missed out – I’m sure there will be more so send me the details to add to this if you like.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_fancy_title title=”Institutions” title_align=”center” title_size=”big” title_color=”custom” title_bg=”disabled” separator_color=”default” custom_separator_color=”#1e73be” el_width=”80″ custom_title_color=”#01449b”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]On the 10th October 2014 the closure of the American Studies Resource Centre was announced. ASRC was founded in 1987 to provide an educational and information service to students, teachers and the general public in the UK on all aspects of American culture, a mission that quickly expanded to include the HE sector as well. The ASRC has provided an excellent service to the American studies community over the years, running schools conferences, providing speakers for events and coordinating and collating information. Many thanks go to Ian Ralston and Bella Adams as the most recent directors of the centre. The BAAS executive will be discussing ways to continue with aspects of the ASRC’s mission.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_fancy_title title=”Sadly there were two deaths in the American Studies community late last year:” title_align=”left” title_size=”big” title_color=”default” title_bg=”disabled” separator_color=”default” custom_separator_color=”#1e73be” el_width=”0″ custom_title_color=”#01449b”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

IAAS Treasurer and Membership Secretary and former Treasurer to the EAAS Tony Emmerson died on on 9th December 2014 after a short illness.
Rupert Wilkinson, Professor Emeritus of American History (Sussex University) died just before Christmas 2014.

John Whitley, Emeritus Reader in American Studies, has written a personal appreciation of Professor Rupert Wilkinson (1936-2014).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_fancy_title title=”National picture: HE Policy relating to American Studies” title_align=”center” title_size=”big” title_color=”custom” title_bg=”disabled” separator_color=”default” custom_separator_color=”#1e73be” el_width=”80″ custom_title_color=”#01449b”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]On the 25^th of May 2014, then education minister Michael Gove announced the removal of American texts from the GCSE curriculum. The new list of requirements pertaining to literature ‘from the British Isles’ is more restrictive. The exam boards – and indeed individual schools – are free to add any extra books they see fit, but the new rules left them very little room for any twentieth-century writing from outside of Britain. After discussion with my literature colleagues I added a list of nineteenth-century American texts to the website (under ‘Schools’) for further consultation. Additions to this list would be welcome. But there is far more to be done and BAAS continues to expand its work with schools to try and support a greater knowledge and understanding of American culture, literature, film, politics and history among the next generation of students. Our goal is also to increase interest that will lead to more students seeing the value of an American studies degree and wanting to study the subject further.

On behalf of BAAS this year I have attended meetings of the Learned Societies and Subject Associations Network at the British Academy; UKCASA; the Arts and Humanities Alliance at the Royal Historical Society in University College London. At these meetings I have taken part in discussions about the REF 2014, REF 2020, Open Access, UG and PG issues in HE. I have tried to keep on top of all the policy changes and transitions and to have our voice included in the discussions. Certain changes in HE have made it increasingly hard to get a clear picture of the effect of HE policy on the American Studies community nationally. Not only are privatized departments increasingly in competition with each other, but even within the humanities in a single institution literature and history have often become separate and competing budgetary units. Rather than summarize this now I am planning this year to conduct a survey on the problems and effects of national policy and aim to use the website as a space to convey my thoughts on this further.

On 3 July 2014 a small BAAS delegation attended the Independence Day celebrations at the Ambassador’s mansion, an excellent event.
17 Sept, 2014 I attended a welcome event to meet the new Cultural Affairs Officer Anneliese Reinmeyer and the new Minister Counselor for Public Affairs (the “Public Affairs Officer,” or PAO Eric Johnson).
On 22 Sept, 2014. I attended a U.S. Embassy Screening of ‘The Roosevelts’ and a talk by Ken Burns in conversation with Stanley Tucci,
24 Sept, 2014, I attended a dinner in honor of Ken Burns, documentary film director and producer hosted by the Ambassador Matthew Barzun and Mrs Barzun. A very memorable and sparkling evening.

A special thanks to Theresa Saxon for being willing to step into the role of Treasurer at the 11^th hour for a one-year stint to cover Sylvia’s unexpired term.
Further thanks to Jo Gill and Cara Rodway, both coopted onto the exec for the year – Jo for taking on the secretarial duties until January while Jenny Terry was on research leave in the US and Cara for being our schools representative and working on the development sub-committee. I am hugely grateful for the indispensable work both of them have committed to us.
I want to thank Zalfa Feghali for stepping in to chair the Development sub-committee at a time when I was hugely overburdened.
and finally a massive thank you to Professor Bridget Bennett, the BAAS Vice-Chair and Chair of Publications sub-committee, whose term ends today. The work you’ve done for BAAS is incalculable and you have been a huge rock to me through unnavigated territory. I have enjoyed working with you and learning from you these past 2 years. On behalf of all the members I wish you a well-deserved break from exec committee work but also a million thanks from all those future BAAS members who will never realize how much they owe you.

I want to end by looking forward to Belfast next year, when my term will end and you will elect a new Chair, where we will have a reception in the Belfast City Hall, where the author Richard Ford will be our plenary, where we will banquet on the Titanic! I look forward to seeing you all there of course and at that point looking backwards with you to last year’s fantastic conference here in Newcastle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Sue Currell is the current Chair of the British Association for American Studies and a Reader in American Literature at Sussex University. Her academic studies focus on the cultural history of early 20th century America and she has published on the history of eugenics in America, the culture of the Great Depression and America in the 1920s. She is currently working on a history of a radical arts magazine, New Masses, which was produced in New York between 1926-48. .[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What’s next? A Report from Ben Offiler, BAAS Early Career Representative

[vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_banner type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6886″ target_blank=”false” bg_color=”rgba(10,10,10,0.24)” text_color=”#ffffff” text_size=”big” border_width=”3″ outer_padding=”10″ inner_padding=”10″ min_height=”270″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][dt_quote type=”blockquote” font_size=”big” background=”plain”]The hard work begins now, says BAAS Early Career Representative Ben Offiler, over the next two years I will be looking to implement ECR writing prizes, research / travel grants, and widening participation events with the help of BAAS.[/dt_quote][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Buoyed by the wonderfully collegial and intellectually stimulating atmosphere at Northumbria University during this year’s annual BAAS conference I decided to put my hat into the ring for the role of Early Career Representative on the Executive Committee. Having completed my PhD in December 2013 and as Co-Editor of U.S. Studies Online since April 2014 I figured I was in a good position to act as[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]an advocate for American Studies scholars at an early stage in their career. I was delighted therefore when, after a hard-fought but scrupulously managed campaign, it was revealed I would be the Early Career rep for BAAS for the next two years.

It turns out that the cliché proclaimed by politicians the world over that “the hard work begins now” isn’t far off the mark. While the 2015 BAAS conference, not to mention the forthcoming Postgraduate BAAS conference in December at Glasgow and next year’s joint BAAS conference with the Irish Association for American Studies in Belfast, showed without a doubt the continuing vibrancy and innovation of the American Studies community the bigger picture isn’t necessarily so rosy. Recent developments in the HE sector, including the increase in tuition fees, has led to higher expectations from students and a tightening of purse strings in many American Studies departments. These two factors have combined to see even greater pressure on teaching staff to take on considerable workloads, potentially deteriorating the working conditions of many academics. For many early career researchers trying to get their foot on the academic ladder, limited departmental funds and pressure from senior management has in turn resulted in a reliance on short-term, casualised teaching contracts. It is the norm for early career researchers across disciplines to be forced to balance the job insecurity and instability that comes with casualised contracts alongside the pressure to publish in order to make themselves attractive when applying for research grants, Teaching Fellowships and Lectureships. While there are certainly jobs available in American Studies at the moment (I should know; I’ve written enough covering letters in the last 12 months), the competition is naturally fierce, reflecting both the quality of the applicants and the relatively limited number of opportunities.

Despite these wider issues within Higher Education, it is not all doom and gloom. Although American Studies departments are rarely the largest or wealthiest at most universities, we are fortunate to be well represented by the British Association for American Studies. Just as Rachael Alexander has done a fantastic job representing our postgraduate community, Zalfa Feghali has worked incredibly hard these last few years to ensure that ECRs are recognised as a distinct ‘category’ from PGs and established academics, facing as they do a different set of unique challenges in their careers. I am extremely grateful, therefore, that I am able to follow in Zalfa’s footsteps in representing the interests of ECRs. We are also lucky to have Sue Currell as the Chair of BAAS who, alongside the rest of the Executive Committee, continues to show a serious and welcome commitment to providing support for ECRs, postgraduates, and the American Studies community in general.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″ bg_color_value=”#ffffff” bg_color=”#f7f7f7″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_call_to_action content_size=”big” background=”plain” line=”true” style=”1″]Related post: Read Sue Currell’s “Do’s and Don’ts” for Academic Job Applications and Interviews[/dt_call_to_action][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]For my part, I see the role of Early Career Representative as one that seeks to create opportunities and provide support for ECRs. Along these lines, a few of the ideas I will be looking to implement include projects such as writing prizes, research/travel grants, widening participation events involving ECRs in BAAS outreach programmes, and training symposia offering professional development guidance. It is too early to tell how these things will develop over the next two years but I am sure that with the enthusiastic support of the Executive Committee we will be able to make good progress defending and furthering the interests of early career researchers within the American Studies community.

With that in mind, I welcome any comments, concerns and ideas that ECRs have about the current situation facing American Studies. Please feel free to get in touch at ben.offiler@baas.ac.uk. I look forward to hearing from and working with you!

Ben Offiler completed his PhD at the University of Nottingham. His research focuses on American foreign relations, in particular US-Iranian relations, modernization, development, and philanthropic NGOs. His first book, US Foreign Policy and the Modernization of Iran: Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and the Shah (Palgrave), will be published in July 2015.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Archival Report from James Hillyer, BAAS Peter Parish Prize recipient 2015

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_banner type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6772″ target_blank=”false” bg_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” text_color=”#ffffff” text_size=”big” border_width=”3″ outer_padding=”10″ inner_padding=”10″ min_height=”270″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/2″][dt_quote type=”blockquote” font_size=”big” background=”plain”]At the University of Minnesota, I was able to consult unseen Walter W. Heller’s personal papers for his whole career and it is clear that this resource will be integral to the originality of my project, says James Hillyer, recipient of the 2015 Peter Parish Prize.[/dt_quote][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]With the assistance of the 2015 BAAS Peter Parish Prize, I recently spent just under five weeks in the United States conducting archival research for my PhD. My doctorate examines the career of the Keynesian economist Walter W. Heller, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) under Presidents John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. I’ve been researching Heller’s career for nearly two years now (one year as a Masters student and another as a PhD[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]student), so felt it was the right time for a research trip to the United States. When I applied for the Peter Parish Prize, I’d originally planned a three week trip, but upon realising just how much material there was to get through I decided to extend it to five weeks.

I started in Massachusetts, where I spent the first three weeks (between 24 May and 13 June) conducting research at both the JFK Library and Harvard University. The bulk of my time was spent at the former, which holds Heller’s personal papers for the duration he served as CEA chairman, as well as the papers of other post-war Keynesian economists. These collections proved very useful: they provided me with a deeper understanding of Heller’s role in the economic policy debates of the early 1960s, enabled me to gain a more rounded picture of the post-war ascendancy of American Keynesianism (something I want to map in my thesis), and provided me with a wealth of evidence to substantiate an original argument that I plan to make. Moreover, finally being able to look through Heller’s papers after so long researching his career was very exciting, and finding out answers to some of the questions I’ve long had about him was also fantastic.

After leaving Massachusetts, I then visited Minnesota for just under two weeks (between 13 and 25 June), where I split my time between the University of Minnesota (where Heller was a professor) and the Minnesota Historical Society. At the University of Minnesota, I was able to consult Heller’s personal papers for his whole career and, upon arriving at the archive, was surprised to learn that no other researcher had looked through this collection before. I came across a lot of material to use in my thesis and it is clear that this resource will be integral to the originality of my project. During my time at the Historical Society, I examined the personal papers of Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale, and Orville Freeman — three key liberal political figures whom Heller advised as a Keynesian economist — and came away with a better understanding of how he helped shape liberal economic policies throughout his whole career.

In addition to archival research, I also conducted interviews with two individuals who personally knew Walter Heller. One was with his son, Professor Eric Heller, who is a physicist at Harvard, while the other was with an economist, Professor Louis Johnston, who was taught by Heller as an undergraduate. Both interviewees provided me with a better understanding of what Heller was like as a person, told me some interesting, and useful, anecdotes, and were able to answer some of the questions I had about Heller that I did not find answers to in the archives. Overall, my trip was extremely productive and I have returned with enough material to complete two solid draft chapters for my upgrade (which will take place next year), as well as a full working draft of my thesis by the end of my third year. I am, therefore, extremely grateful for the financial assistance provided by BAAS.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]James Hillyer is a PhD candidate at the Institute of the Americas, University College London. He is researching the career of former Kennedy-Johnson CEA chairman Walter W. Heller, which he plans to use as a lens onto the rise, ascendancy and eclipse of Keynesian political economy in the United States. He holds a BA in Modern History from Queen Mary, University of London and an MA in United States Studies from UCL.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][ultimate_carousel slider_type=”horizontal” slide_to_scroll=”all” slides_on_desk=”3″ slides_on_tabs=”3″ slides_on_mob=”1″ infinite_loop=”on” speed=”300″ autoplay=”on” autoplay_speed=”5000″ arrows=”show” arrow_style=”default” border_size=”2″ arrow_color=”#333333″ arrow_size=”24″ next_icon=”ultsl-arrow-right4″ prev_icon=”ultsl-arrow-left4″ dots=”show” dots_color=”#333333″ dots_icon=”ultsl-record” draggable=”on” touch_move=”on” item_space=”15″][dt_teaser type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6751″ target=”blank” style=”1″ image_hovers=”true” content_size=”big” background=”no” lightbox=”true”]Heller and JFK in the Oval Office. Walter Heller Papers, University of Minnesota, Box 9.[/dt_teaser][dt_teaser type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6753″ target=”blank” style=”1″ image_hovers=”true” content_size=”big” background=”no” lightbox=”true”]The JFK Library. Photo courtesy of author.[/dt_teaser][dt_teaser type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6754″ target=”blank” style=”1″ image_hovers=”true” content_size=”big” background=”no” lightbox=”true”]James Hillyer and Professor Eric Heller. Photo courtesy of author.[/dt_teaser][/ultimate_carousel][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Archival Report from Katie Muth, BAAS Founders’ Award Recipient 2015

[vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″ bg_type=”no_bg” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #E3E3E3));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”scroll” parallax_sense=”30″ animation_direction=”left-animation” animation_repeat=”repeat” viewport_vdo=”off” enable_controls=”off” bg_override=”0″ parallax_content_sense=”30″ fadeout_start_effect=”30″ overlay_pattern_opacity=”80″ overlay_pattern_attachment=”fixed” multi_color_overlay_opacity=”60″ seperator_type=”none_seperator” seperator_position=”top_seperator” seperator_shape_size=”40″ seperator_svg_height=”60″ seperator_shape_background=”#ffffff” seperator_shape_border=”none” seperator_shape_border_width=”1″ icon_type=”no_icon” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ ult_hide_row_large_screen=”off” ult_hide_row_desktop=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet_small=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile_large=”off”][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_banner type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6620″ target_blank=”false” bg_color=”rgba(175,175,29,0.23)” text_color=”#ffffff” text_size=”big” border_width=”3″ outer_padding=”10″ inner_padding=”10″ min_height=”275″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]My research project ‘Cold War Computing and the American Novel’ explores the relationship between postwar American writers and the institutional centres that gave us mass computing and global networking. In an interdisciplinary study of writers who had direct ties to the institutions of the Cold War military-industrial complex, I describe how American fiction after World War II helped to invent and to shape the concept of a digital age. The generous funding of BAAS has allowed me to visit the Boeing Historical Archives in Seattle, Washington, in support of my on-going research.

The Boeing archive houses some of American novelist Thomas Pynchon’s earliest published writings, and while it is well known that Pynchon wrote for Boeing between the years of 1960 and 1962 while drafting his first novel V. (1963), researchers have yet to fully understand the relationship between Pynchon’s[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][dt_quote type=”blockquote” font_size=”big” background=”plain”]The generous funding of BAAS has allowed me to visit the Boeing Historical Archives in Seattle, Washington where I was able to identify the ‘hallmarks’ of Pynchon’s technical prose, says Dr. Katie Muth, recipient of the 2015 BAAS Founders’ Award[/dt_quote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]technical writing and his imaginative prose. The technical articles Pynchon drafted for the Bomarc Service News were not widely circulated, given the sensitivity of the material they contained, so few scholars interested in this period of Pynchon’s writing career have been able to read the entire run. As far as I know, Boeing holds the only complete run of its internally produced service bulletins, and I was fortunate enough to spend a few days with the Service News in April 2015.

The Bomarc Service News was the informational publication supporting the Bomarc Service Program administered at first by Boeing’s Pilotless Aircraft Division and, later, by the Aero-Space Division in support of the IM-99A/B Bomarc missile jointly developed by Boeing and the Michigan Aeronautical Research Center (MARC) for the United States Air Force. In service from 1959 to 1972, Bomarc was Boeing’s first mass-produced surface-to-air supersonic missile and, under NORAD’s automated early warning system Semiautomatic Ground Control Environment (SAGE), became the company’s first foray into large-scale systems integration. Boeing not only manufactured the missile but also produced launching bays, analogue computers, and other infrastructure essential to the missile’s automation; critically, Boeing provided as well full service support for missile maintenance and deployment.The Bomarc Service News was launched in April 1959 and was designed as a ‘semi-technical’ support manual to facilitate information exchange between Boeing’s Technical Representatives and the Air Force servicemen tasked with operating and maintaining the Bomarc missile.[1]

About the Bomarc Service News, a fascinating historical document in its own right, there is much more to say, of course, but since my particular research interest involves Pynchon’s contributions to the publication, I will move on to describe what I found in the pages of the BSN and some of the challenges I faced in identifying Pynchon’s articles. For pieces published in the Bomarc Service News are without by-line. If one hopes, therefore, to say something about how Pynchon wrote for the BSN—and about the relationship of that writing to his fiction—one first must figure out what Pynchon wrote for the BSN, and this task is not straightforward.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]About fifteen years ago, Adrian Wisnicki looked at the BSN and determined a number of articles he suspected to have been authored by Pynchon.[2] Wisnicki established sensible criteria for attributing authorship, but his criteria depended on qualitative assessment of visible rhetorical and typographical features—use of dashes and ellipses, funny anecdotes, arcane historical detail, and so on. I decided to test Wisnicki’s attributions using computational analysis, which offers the added potential to identify quantitatively some of the deeper textures of Pynchon’s technical writing.

This part of the story gets a bit technical itself, and is much condensed for the sake of space. Having sampled a series of articles that seemed Pynchonesque and a series of articles that seemed less so, I used an authorship attribution tool to test each batch against Pynchon’s known non-fiction prose and against articles written for the BSN prior to Pynchon’s employment at Boeing. This enabled me to make a strong guess about which articles Pynchon actually wrote. Many, but not all, of these coincide with Wisnicki’s attributions. More interestingly, however, the authorship attribution algorithm—in concert with some additional analysis, computational and human—has allowed me to identify the most important features distinguishing Pynchon’s likely contributions to the BSN from those of other Boeing staff writers. In other words, I was able to identify the ‘hallmarks’ of Pynchon’s technical prose. These, it turns out, are not quite what readers of Pynchon might expect. And they have, I will argue, important implications for the way we understand Pynchon’s early novels and stories and for the way we read postwar American fiction more broadly.

I am currently in the process of writing up my findings for publication and look forward to updating readers of American Studies in Britain with further details once that publication is in press. In the interest of not giving too much away just now, I’ll close by saying that this research trip has proven surprising and more fruitful even than I’d initially hoped, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the BAAS. I owe, too, a debt of gratitude to Michael Lombardi and Thomas Lubbesmeyer at Boeing, whose patience in guiding a newcomer through midcentury military history seems only to be outdone by the generosity of their assistance, even in matters most elementary.

Footnotes

[1] Lysle A. Wood, “Dear Reader,” Bomarc Service News 1 (April 1959): 3.

[2] Adrian Wisnicki, ‘A Trove of New Work by Thomas Pynchon? Bomarc Service News Rediscovered’, Pynchon Notes 46–49 (2000–2001): 9–34.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″ bg_type=”no_bg” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #E3E3E3));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”scroll” parallax_sense=”30″ animation_direction=”left-animation” animation_repeat=”repeat” viewport_vdo=”off” enable_controls=”off” bg_override=”0″ parallax_content_sense=”30″ fadeout_start_effect=”30″ overlay_pattern_opacity=”80″ overlay_pattern_attachment=”fixed” multi_color_overlay_opacity=”60″ seperator_type=”none_seperator” seperator_position=”top_seperator” seperator_shape_size=”40″ seperator_svg_height=”60″ seperator_shape_background=”#ffffff” seperator_shape_border=”none” seperator_shape_border_width=”1″ icon_type=”no_icon” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ ult_hide_row_large_screen=”off” ult_hide_row_desktop=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet_small=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile_large=”off”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Katie Muth teaches twentieth and twenty-first century fiction at the University of St Andrews. Her current research project explores the relationship among technical writing and other technical work, institutions of Cold War science, industry, and education, and the postwar novel. Other research interests include critical theory, experimental fiction, periodization, and the ethics of literature. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][ultimate_carousel slider_type=”horizontal” slide_to_scroll=”all” slides_on_desk=”2″ slides_on_tabs=”2″ slides_on_mob=”1″ infinite_loop=”on” speed=”300″ autoplay=”on” autoplay_speed=”5000″ arrows=”show” arrow_style=”default” border_size=”2″ arrow_color=”#333333″ arrow_size=”24″ next_icon=”ultsl-arrow-right4″ prev_icon=”ultsl-arrow-left4″ dots=”show” dots_color=”#333333″ dots_icon=”ultsl-record” draggable=”on” touch_move=”on” item_space=”15″][dt_teaser type=”uploaded_image” target=”blank” style=”1″ image_hovers=”true” content_size=”big” background=”no” image_id=”6369″ lightbox=”true”]Bomarc missiles. Source: National Museum of the US Air Force.[/dt_teaser][dt_teaser type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6778″ target=”blank” style=”1″ image_hovers=”true” content_size=”big” background=”no” lightbox=”true”]Safety Information: “The Mad Hatter and the Mercury Wetted Relays”. Source: Bomarc Service News, copyright Robert Nelson.[/dt_teaser][/ultimate_carousel][/vc_column][/vc_row]

In Memory of Edward Allan Abramson (1944 – 2015)

[vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_banner type=”uploaded_image” target_blank=”false” bg_color=”rgba(117,117,117,0.4)” text_color=”#ffffff” text_size=”big” border_width=”3″ outer_padding=”10″ inner_padding=”10″ min_height=”180″ image_id=”6676″]

“He wore his learning lightly”:
Edward Allan Abramson (1944 – 2015)

[/dt_banner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”6660″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” image_hovers=”true” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Edward [‘Ed’] Abramson died of cancer at his home in Hull on the 9^th of May. He had only recently returned from a memorable and exciting cruise taking in visits to Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia with his wife Nikki. A Service of Thanksgiving for his life and work was held at Chanterlands Crematorium on 28^th May, followed by interment at the Western Cemetery. Ed will be remembered by many BAAS members as a frequent book reviewer in the Journal of American Studies, and for his presentation of papers at several BAAS annual conferences.

Born in New York City, Ed received a B.A. from the City University of New York (1965), an M.A. from the University of Iowa (1966), and a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester (1977). From 1966-69 he was an Instructor in English at East Carolina University, North Carolina. In 1971 he was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer in American Literature in the Department of[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]American Studies at the University of Hull. During the academic year 1986-87, he was Visiting Professor of English at The College of William and Mary, Virginia. On his return, he remained at Hull until his retirement as a Senior Fellow of the University in 2008.

A natural and gifted teacher, Ed’s lectures, tutorials and seminars were highly regarded and well-attended. A genuinely modest person, his abilities were recognised not only by his colleagues at Hull, but in the larger American Studies communities in the UK, Europe and the United States. Ed introduced generations of Hull undergraduates to the joys (and sorrows) of American-Jewish literature. He also supervised M.A. and Ph.D. dissertations in this field, as well as acting as External Examiner of doctoral dissertations submitted to the universities of Ulster, East Anglia, Central England and Nottingham. Ed published two critical monographs: Chaim Potok (Twayne Publishers, New York, 1986), and Bernard Malamud Revisited (Twayne Publishers, 1993), and a BAAS Pamphlet, The Immigrant Experience in American Literature (1982). He also contributed articles on aspects of American Jewish culture and literature to Studies in American Jewish Literature, the European Association for American Studies Newsletter, and Modern Jewish Studies. He wore his learning lightly and liked to say to Nikki: “How many people are paid for reading what they love to read?”

I was Ed’s colleague (he had an office next to mine) for 30 years, and we remained close friends until his death. Over the years I got to know him not only as a dedicated and innovative teacher, but also as a loving husband, father and grandfather, never happier than when surrounded by his family and dog, Sally. He was proud of his boyhood distinction as an American Eagle Scout and in later life was a skilled amateur sailor. In her eulogy, Nikki reminded mourners that Ed was (literally) a Samaritan, who “tried to see good in all those he met”. To his student supervisees, he offered Kleenex, comfort and sage advice on their academic and personal problems. For many years he was a member of the Hull Reform Synagogue, and as Nikki recalled, sometimes led the services “in impeccable Hebrew”. Later, Ed was drawn to Soto Zen Buddhism, but retained an abiding affection for his Jewish heritage. Appropriately, his memorial service incorporated both these elements of his faith and philosophy, while emotional tributes were paid by his daughter, Elise, sons David and Dorian, and grandson Max (aged 10) who read a poem he had composed, which closed with the lines:

“Grandpa – you are the brightest star

It’s time to say goodbye, I will try not to cry.”

I was privileged to have known him, and will remember him as a confidante, counsellor, and someone who (almost) always laughed at my jokes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Contributed by John White, Emeritus Reader in American History, University of Hull.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Meeting 280

British Association for American Studies

Minutes 280th

Minutes of the 280th Meeting of the Executive Committee, held at the University of Sussex, Saturday 15 November 2014 at 1.30pm.

Present: Sue Currell (Chair), Jo Gill (Secretary), Zalfa Feghali, Katie McGettigan, Rachael Alexander, Cara Rodway, Nick Witham, Bevan Sewell, Uta Balbier, Doug Haynes, Sinéad Moynihan, Joe Street.

Apologies: Bridget Bennett (Vice-Chair) *; Theresa Saxon (Treasurer); Martin Halliwell; Rachael McLennan; Jenny Terry (Secretary); Michael Collins

* Professor Bennett was present on the morning of the Exec Meeting in order to chair the Publications Sub-Com

In attendance: Jo Gill (acting on behalf of Jenny Terry)

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

These were accepted as a true record and will now go on the website.

Matters Arising

3 (a) Louise Cunningham (LC) has taken on the p/t role of BAAS Administrator and is reviewing and improving our membership processes. See also 6 (b), LC is working with KM to tidy up the membership database.

Action List Review

The Secretary asked the Exec to comment on the status of their Action List duties. All Action List duties will be addressed under the relevant section below.

Chair’s Business (SC reporting)

(a) Meeting Arrangements

In the unavoidable absence for this part of the meeting of the Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, SC proposed that any decisions made should be regarded as provisional until reviewed by the Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary on receipt of these minutes.

(b) Chair’s activities, meetings and correspondence

14 August, 2014 Meeting with Katie McGettigan and Simon Gregory at BL regarding BAAS website. Also met with Phil Davies (Eccles Centre).
17 Sept, 2014. Invitation to welcome event to meet the new Cultural Affairs Officer Anneliese Reinmeyer and the new Minister Counselor for Public Affairs (the “Public Affairs Officer,” or PAO Eric Johnson).
22 Sept, 2014. U.S. Embassy. Screening of ‘The Roosevelts’ and Ken Burns in Conversation,
24 Sept, 2014. Attended a Dinner in honor of Ken Burns, documentary film director and producer hosted by the Ambassador of the United States of America and Mrs Barzun.
25 Sept, 2014. Annual AHRC Subject Associations meeting. (Uta Balbier attended this in SC’s absence).
19 Oct, 2014. Presented a position statement and took part in the debate Session “America: The Twilight Years?” at the Battle of Ideas 2014 held at the Barbican in London.
7 Nov, 2014 meeting with keith.lawrey@foundation.org.uk and Theresa Saxon (Treasurer), Gray’s Inn, London.

Keith Lawrey is the Learned Societies’ Liaison Officer for the Foundation for Science and Technology. The Foundation also provides a support service to learned and professional societies. Around 140 societies subscribe to receive a Newsletter. Lawrey prepares Guidance Notes on a range of administrative issues of interest for the administrators of Learned and Professional Societies who are members of the Foundation. Keith provided guidance to BAAS regarding charities law etc to be discussed with the exec under Treasurer’s business.

14 Nov, 2014. Meeting of the Arts and Humanities Alliance at the Royal Historical Society in University College London. Agenda discussed:

Academy of Social Sciences – Stephen Anderson (Executive Director)
Trends in Undergraduate Recruitment
Open Access
AHRC and Research Leadership
REF issues (impact, metrics, OA)

(c) Institutions

10/10 The closure of the American Studies Resource Centre was announced. (ASRC http://www.americansc.org.uk/) which was founded in 1987 to provide an educational and information service to students, teachers and the general public in the UK on all aspects of American culture, a mission that quickly expanded to include the HE sector as well. The ASRC has provided an excellent service to the American studies community over the years, running schools conferences, providing speakers for events and coordinating and collating information. Many thanks go to Ian Ralston and Bella Adams as the most recent directors of the centre. The BAAS executive will be discussing ways to continue with aspects of the ASRC’s mission.

(d) Achievements and Activities of note to BAAS members

Michael Cullinane at Northumbria University, AHRC Early Career Fellowship for a project entitled “Memorial Communities and Presidential Legacy: Remembering Theodore Roosevelt.” To investigate the posthumous legacy of the 26th president through political invocations, popular culture, Rooseveltiana, motion pictures, and historiography. (Dr Cullinane noted, “I owe BAAS a debt of gratitude for the award as well as I am sure the Eccles Centre award I held helped show reviewers the quality of the project”).
Zoe Colley at Dundee University, AHRC Early Career Fellowship, details to follow. Universities of the Revolution: Black Nationalism and the Prison from the Nation of Islam to the Black Panther Party. Dr Colley will be writing a monograph and forming a research forum.
Simon Newman, Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant of £300,000 for a study of ‘Runaway Slaves in Britain: Bondage, Freedom and Race in the Eighteenth Century.’
The University of Liverpool has appointed Professor Janet Beer as its next Vice-Chancellor. Professor Beer, currently VC at Oxford Brookes University, will be the university’s first woman Vice-Chancellor and one of only three in the elite Russell Group. She chairs the Higher Education Public Information Steering Group, is an elected board member of Universities UK (UUK), for which she is Vice-President for England and Northern Ireland, and is a board member of UCAS.
Professor Clive Webb has been promoted to Head the School of History, Art History and Philosophy at the University of Sussex.
Sue Wedlake has taken early retirement after 22 yrs at the Embassy.
Carole Holden (British Library) also takes early retirement shortly.

(e) Changes to Constitution and Sub-Com:

Several amendments to the Constitution and Standing Orders are now required (a) as part of periodic updating in order to properly reflect the evolution of BAAS’s work, and (b) in order to properly reflect the new relationship with the Journal of American Studies. In each case, formal proposals will be brought to the AGM (April 2015) for approval. Proposed changes to Standing Orders will be dealt with under each of the Sub-Committee items below. Proposed changes to the Constitution are as follows:

Constitution:

Aims: The Committee discussed the possibility of making changes to Clause 2 (Aims) but given that any changes to this clause would require the written permission of the Charity Commissioners (see Clause 13) and given that the current Clause 2 (Aims) does not restrict us in any of our activities, the decision was taken to leave this unchanged.

4.1 Subscriptions: The Constitution needs to be updated. 4.1 will in future read as follows:

The Treasurer shall at an appropriate time propose subscription rates for the next calendar year to the Committee of the association. There shall be the following categories of membership: (a) Individual, (b) Student, (c) Unwaged, (d) Retired, (e) Schools. The Committee shall recommend rates for each category on advice from the Treasurer. Should the committee decide that any or all existing rates require amendment it should propose the same to the membership of the Association at the Annual General Meeting. If adopted by the AGM the new rates shall come into effect for the calendar year following the AGM.

6 (a), (b), and (c) Committee: JG and SC will liaise in order to find an appropriate

form of words to provide for on-line elections, and / or elections outside the usual

AGM format for occasions where a vacancy becomes unexpectedly available and

where the power to co-opt is not thought to be suitable. JT and SC will circulate

options for approval prior to the next Exec Meeting and AGM. The meeting noted

that, subject to the decision about 6 (a), (b) and (c), slight changes to the wording in

respect to the AGM and / or elections may be required elsewhere throughout the

Constitution.

6 (g) It was proposed that the following clause should be added to 6 (g) after the

word ‘ex-officio’:

6 (g) . . . In the event of the absence of the Editor, s/he may nominate one of the Associate Editors to act on her / his behalf.

6 (h) It was proposed that this clause should be deleted (see 12 BLARS below).

Former Chairs: Given that all minutes and announcements of subsequent meetings are now accessible via the BAAS website, it was proposed to reword this clause as follows:

Former Chairs of the Association shall be invited to continue to serve in an advisory capacity. The Agenda and Minutes of meetings shall be made available to them, and they shall be invited to attend the meetings of the Committee.

ACTIONS: SC / JG / JT and Officers to

agree final version of the new

Constitution (including the new form of

words for elections) in line with the

discussions outlined above and to check

and circulate these by 15 January for

ratification by the rest of the Committee

and thereafter for circulation to the

BAAS membership (JT / LC and via

ASIB) with the usual written notices of

the AGM, as per Clause 13

(Amendment).

Secretary’s Business (JG reporting on JT’s behalf)

JT is on a research visit to the US but has been liaising with officers and members remotely.

Treasurer’s Business (TS sent a written report)

(a) Bank Accounts (as at 14/11/2014)

General Deposit: £31,924.04

Current: £1,968.48

Total = £33,892.52

Plus: Dollar Account: $3375.42

[Compare with September 2013:

General Deposit (Saver): £31,669.04

Current: £947.04

Total = £30688.11

Dollar Account: $3371.33]

(b) Membership Figures (provided by Louise Cunningham):

Members on fully paid sheet (total = 565)

Individuals – 263. The breakdown of this figure is 27 without JAS, 212 with JAS, 21 unidentified (to be checked)

PG – 253 (111 without JAS, 142 with)

PR (Retired) – 26 (14 without JAS, 12 with)

PS (schools) – 8

[Compare with September 2013: members on fully paid sheet (total 441; 170 of which are PG.]

(c) Narrative Report

Treasurer transition update: It has still not been possible to transfer the cheque book so the Treasurer requests that Exec members provide online bank details when claiming travel expenses.

Development Subcommittee (ZF reporting)

(a) Changes to Standing Orders:

ZF proposed changing the membership of the Development Sub-Com (2.4 a of the Standing Orders) as follows:

2.4 Development Subcommittee

(a) Two or more members of the Committee, one of whom shall be designated as chair

The Chair of the Association

The Early Career Representative

The Schools Liaison Representative

An ordinary member of the Committee designated as the Library and Resources Representative

An ordinary member of the Committee designated as the Website and Communications Representative

The Subcommittee shall have the delegated powers to co-opt other BAAS members, to meet the needs of specific projects.

Such representatives of outside bodies as the Executive shall recommend from time to time.
(b) The Development subcommittee shall encourage the development of American Studies nationally and ensure that the interests of the subject and its teachers are considered and protected in the making of national educational policy.

ZF proposed changing the title of the Development Sub-Com (2.4 of the Standing Orders) to Education and Development Sub-Com

ZF proposed that responsibility for allocating small conference funding should be moved to the Awards Sub-Committee.

All three proposals were agreed.

ACTION: ZF, KM and JT to implement updates to web etc after ratification at the AGM

(b) USSO:

The editors of USSO submitted a written report. USSO has gained considerable traffic under the new editorship with 5400 views in October alone and some 20,000 hits since July. ZF offered a vote of thanks to the two editors (Ben Offiler and Michelle Green) for their hard work and success.

(c) Website:

(i) SC and KM have consulted with Clear & Creative (current web hosts / designers) with a view to redesigning the website, the logo, a new membership software package and other associated activities relating to the new arrangements for JAS.

(ii) SC and KM propose, in due course, to establish a post of Communications Assistant (and possibly ASIB editor); this paid role – suitable for a PhD student / Post-Doc) would involve uploading and updating material for the web and collecting / arranging material for ASIB. Agreed.

SC and KM propose, in future i.e. once the web design is completed, to use the web for much of the material (travel reports, news, features) that currently appear in ASIB. ASIB will continue as a quarterly digest of key items with links to the more comprehensive coverage on the website. Agreed.

(d) Schools:

(i) Cara Rodway noted the potential for productive activity in this area. She is currently trying to arrange 3 schools’ events in the Spring of 2015 including conferences at Reading (tied in with the Congress to Campus initiative), Poole and Manchester or Bradford.

(ii) At present, it is unclear how many schools are members; CR noted that the current system (of providing free membership via a PayPal link) isn’t user-friendly and is working with LC to provide a more easily accessible membership form for schools.

(iii) In due course, CR suggests looking into the possibility of subscribing to a

comprehensive mailing list of schools. She would also like to revive the BAAS Visiting Speakers programme.

ACTION: CR

CR asked all Exec members to spread the word about Ambassador’s and Monticello Awards and to alert her to useful contacts in schools and sixth-form colleges.

ACTION: ALL EXEC

PG Business (RA reporting)

PG Conference: The conference started earlier on the morning of this meeting and seems to be going well with strong attendance and an excellent programme of papers and talks. RA noted some issues with communications / handover and proposed establishing a process whereby there might be improved guidance / record-keeping in future with respect to the arrangements for the PG Conference. RA will send the deadline for receipt of applications to host the next PG Conference to KM for the website.

ACTIONS: RA / SM to discuss; RA / KM to liaise.

Publications Sub-Com (NW reporting on BB’s behalf)

(a) Changes to Standing Orders:

(i) The following changes are proposed: to add the BAAS Treasurer to the membership; to remove the editor of ASIB; to include all of the Editors of JAS. This section of the SOs will now read:

Publications Subcommittee

Membership:

Two officers of BAAS (usually the Vice Chair and the Treasurer), one of whom shall act as chair;
Two or more full members of the Executive Committee;
All Editors of the Journal of American Studies;
In addition to this core membership, the Editors of the BAAS Paperbacks Series, BRRAM and S. Studies Online will report to each meeting of the subcommittee, and attend its meeting at the annual conference, with the option to attend other meetings as appropriate, and in consultation with the subcommittee chair.

The Publications Subcommittee shall:

Oversee the relationship between BAAS, the Journal of American Studies and Cambridge University Press.
Supervise all publications undertaken by BAAS.

Receive, consider, and report to the Executive Committee upon any proposals for publishing activities received from the Executive Committee or from the general membership.

Make recommendations to the Executive Committee on the appointment of the Editors of the Journal of American Studies; oversee the process for appointing new members of the Editorial Board of the Journal of American Studies.
Make recommendations to the Executive Committee, when vacancies arise, on candidates for Editor and Associate Editor of BAAS Paperbacks, and Editor(s) of U.S. Studies Online.
May itself initiate proposals to be put to the Executive Committee.

These proposals were agreed.

ACTION: BB, KM and JT to implement updates to web etc after ratification at the AGM

(b) BRRAM

Nothing to report.

(c) EUP Paperback Series:

Nothing to report.

(d) ASIB:

The Sub-Com wishes to offer its formal thanks to Kal Ashraf for his work on the redesign of ASIB. For further news, see 7 (c) above (Development).

(e) USSO:

See 7 (b) above (Development).

(f) Journal of American Studies (JAS):

(i) There are three appointments to the editorial board which now require ratification: Catherine Morley, Daniel Scroop, Sarah Pearsall. Agreed.

Conferences Sub-Com (SM reporting)

(a) Changes to Standing Orders:

None

(b) Northumbria 2015

JS reported on plans for the 2015 BAAS Conference (Northumbria). The draft programme has been prepared; several publishers are lined up to take part in a panel and to set up displays of recent books. All venues (including hotels) are booked and the online booking system is now open.

(c) Queen’s University Belfast 2016:

SM has received Philip McGowan’s plans for 2016. SM will visit the venue on 2 Feb 2015. The main venues are booked and one of the three keynote speakers has been secured.

ACTION: SM

(d) Future Conferences:

2017 (Canterbury Christ Church University) and 2018 (London / EAAS): Nothing new to report.

Awards Sub-Com (JG reporting)

(a) Changes to Standing Orders:

2.3 (b) It was not felt necessary to stipulate in the SOs the constituency of particular judging panels. JG proposed amending the SOs to delete restrictions on panel membership and to read as follows:

2.3 Awards Subcommittee

(a) Two or more members of the Committee, one of whom shall be designated as chair

One officer of the Association (usually the Secretary)

The Subcommittee will have delegated powers to co-opt other BAAS members, to meet the needs of specific projects. Such members will remain anonymous. The Chair of the BAAS Awards Panel, in consultation with the BAAS Chair and Officers, as appropriate, shall nominate judges from among the Committee to serve on each panel, as appropriate.

(b) The Awards Subcommittee shall:

(i) consider applications for BAAS Short-term Travel Awards (STAs) and make the awards.

(ii) consider applications for the BAAS essay prize and make the award.

(iii) consider applications for the BAAS Book Prize and make the award. Where possible, former winners will be co-opted onto the Book Prize subcommittee.

(iv ) consider applications for any other prizes subsequently announced and funded by BAAS or related bodies, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

These proposals were agreed.

ACTION: UB, KM and JT to implement updates to web etc after ratification at the AGM

(b) The BAAS Awards programme for 2014-15 is now open, with the first deadlines (28 Nov and 5 December) fast approaching. JG again urged all Exec members to alert students, colleagues and other interested parties (e.g. local schools and Sixth Form Colleges) to the opportunities available. The list of judging panels has already been circulated; JG and LC will be in touch with judges shortly to confirm details of the judging process. UB will liaise with SC and JS regarding inviting Anneliese Reinmeyer (US Embassy) to the Awards Banquet to present prizes.

ACTION: JG / UB/ All Exec

(c) DH noted that it would be useful to have brief reports e.g. from current / recent GTAs to

post onto the web in order to encourage future applications.

ACTION: DH / KM

(d) JG will shortly complete her co-opted post as Awards Chair and will hand over relevant

material (esp. in connection with the smooth running of the ceremony at the Awards Banquet) to UB.

ACTION: JG

BLARS (SC reporting on MC’s behalf)

(a) Changes to Standing Orders:

(b) Future operation:

ACTION: MC, KM and JT to implement updates to web etc after ratification at the AGM;

EAAS (MH submitted a written report)

Plans for the 2016 conference continue to develop. The venue has been moved from Bucharest to Constanta.

AOB

None

Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Executive Committee of the British Association for American Studies will be held at the University of Northumbria on 9 April 2015. Sub-coms will commence at 1pm and the main Exec at 2pm (TBC).

Secretary: Dr. Jenny Terry / Email: j.a.terry@durham.ac.uk / Phone: 01913 342570

What’s next? A Report from Rachael Alexander, BAAS Postgraduate Representative

[vc_row margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_banner type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6564″ target_blank=”false” bg_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.26)” text_color=”#ffffff” text_size=”big” border_width=”3″ outer_padding=”10″ inner_padding=”10″ min_height=”270″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][dt_quote type=”blockquote” font_size=”big” background=”plain”]Academia is shaped by collaboration yet postgraduates are frequently under-prepared for this aspect of the profession, says BAAS Postgraduate Representative Rachael Alexander.[/dt_quote][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]In what seems like a lifetime ago, I was asked to do a brief interview about my new role as BAAS postgraduate representative. I mentioned then how my aim was to increase engagement with and between postgraduate researcher communities in the UK. I hoped to help foster a supportive environment in which postgraduates can thrive and progress, and feel confident and prepared for academic[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]life. Those aims haven’t changed. As we’re constantly reminded (as if we weren’t already aware) the life of a PhD student is fraught with worry, uncertainty, and exceptional difficulty. It can be a largely solitary experience.

Without pretending to speak for all postgraduates, it often seems the case that what allows us to manage the long hours of lonely reading and writing are the occasions when we can engage with other researchers. The times when we can share our progress, ask the questions we don’t think are appropriate for our supervisors, and occasionally have a good moan about glacial progress over a glass of wine. Online networks, postgraduate research groups, and conferences are all vital parts of this. One of the first times I felt like a “real” academic, like I might not be some sort of imposter, was at the BAAS PG conference held at the University of Nottingham in 2013. Suddenly, it wasn’t just me, my laptop and an insurmountable task. Again, at last year’s BAAS PG conference at the University of Sussex I had the same sense of involvement. The people I met at those events and the research projects I discovered I later followed online with U.S. Studies Online, which became one of my most visited websites. Outside of the conference environment, I still felt like part of a community of researchers. Yes, work was solitary for the most part, but not always.

Academic life is arguably far less solitary than the PhD experience. From conferences to the co-authoring of books to the creation of research clusters, academia is shaped more and more by extensive collaboration. Yet, this aspect of the field is one postgraduates are frequently under-prepared for. As with last year’s conference, we’ll aim to provide a forum for new research where postgraduates can gain feedback and advice. This year, however, we want to encourage consideration of collaboration, and what it means in the context of America and American Studies. Jointly organised by the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde, the conference theme will be “Collaboration in America and Collaborative Work in American Studies”. We are particularly interested in collaboratively produced and presented papers on any area of American studies, and individual papers that address the overall theme. Again with collaboration in mind, the conference will run alongside a HOTCUS postgraduate training workshop, open to all postgraduates interested in American Studies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I don’t think it would be an overstatement to say that this conference represents not only the aims of the whole organising committee, but also my own aims going into my second year as the postgraduate representative of BAAS. These have changed very little in the last year. I hope this event will engage with the greatest possible number of postgraduates in the UK, encourage discussion of American Studies—both as discipline and practice—in a manner which offers new and interesting perspectives, and, of course, have a plentiful wine reception.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Rachael Alexander is a PhD candidate at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Her research focuses on a comparative study of American and Canadian mass-market periodicals in the 1920s, considering them as both collaborative texts and cultural artefacts and bringing together literary perspectives with aspects of Consumer Culture Theory.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Looking Backwards, Looking Forwards: Organiser’s Report of the 60th Anniversary BAAS conference

[vc_row min_height=”20%” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″ bg_type=”no_bg” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #E3E3E3));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”scroll” parallax_sense=”30″ animation_direction=”left-animation” animation_repeat=”repeat” viewport_vdo=”off” enable_controls=”off” bg_override=”0″ parallax_content_sense=”30″ fadeout_start_effect=”30″ overlay_pattern_opacity=”80″ overlay_pattern_attachment=”fixed” multi_color_overlay_opacity=”60″ seperator_type=”none_seperator” seperator_position=”top_seperator” seperator_shape_size=”40″ seperator_svg_height=”60″ seperator_shape_background=”#ffffff” seperator_shape_border=”none” seperator_shape_border_width=”1″ icon_type=”no_icon” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ ult_hide_row_large_screen=”off” ult_hide_row_desktop=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet_small=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile_large=”off”][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_banner type=”uploaded_image” image_id=”6335″ target_blank=”false” bg_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” text_color=”#ffffff” text_size=”big” border_width=”3″ outer_padding=”10″ inner_padding=”10″ min_height=”150″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″ bg_type=”no_bg” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #E3E3E3));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”scroll” parallax_sense=”30″ animation_direction=”left-animation” animation_repeat=”repeat” viewport_vdo=”off” enable_controls=”off” bg_override=”0″ parallax_content_sense=”30″ fadeout_start_effect=”30″ overlay_pattern_opacity=”80″ overlay_pattern_attachment=”fixed” multi_color_overlay_opacity=”60″ seperator_type=”none_seperator” seperator_position=”top_seperator” seperator_shape_size=”40″ seperator_svg_height=”60″ seperator_shape_background=”#ffffff” seperator_shape_border=”none” seperator_shape_border_width=”1″ icon_type=”no_icon” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ ult_hide_row_large_screen=”off” ult_hide_row_desktop=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet_small=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile_large=”off” margin_top=”15″ margin_bottom=”0″][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

The sun shone, the drink flowed, the plenaries kept to time, and BAAS glitterball Sputnik returned! From my[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][dt_quote type=”blockquote” font_size=”big” background=”plain”]”From my perspective, BAAS’s 60th anniversary was a success … [as it] offered us all the chance to think about what BAAS means to us and enabled us to rededicate ourselves to the organization’s future.” – Organiser Joe Street on BAAS conference 2015[/dt_quote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]perspective, BAAS’s 60^thanniversary was a success. Well, it passed off without many hitches! It opened with a stunning plenary from The Guardian’s Gary Younge. Gary wrote a special piece for the conference which covered many of the themes of his recent journalism. Focusing on recent examples of black men being killed by security guards and police, he argued that the United States might have granted citizenship rights to the African American population but injustice remained, revealed most brutally and tragically in the numbers of African American men killed by American police officers. Gary’s address offered a thought-provoking counterpoint to the opening address from Elizabeth Dibble who also examined the issue of rights in the US. Gary remained at the venue after his talk, engaging with many audience members as they dined on some quite stupendous food at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”9″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″ bg_type=”no_bg” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #E3E3E3));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”scroll” parallax_sense=”30″ animation_direction=”left-animation” animation_repeat=”repeat” viewport_vdo=”off” enable_controls=”off” bg_override=”0″ parallax_content_sense=”30″ fadeout_start_effect=”30″ overlay_pattern_opacity=”80″ overlay_pattern_attachment=”fixed” multi_color_overlay_opacity=”60″ seperator_type=”none_seperator” seperator_position=”top_seperator” seperator_shape_size=”40″ seperator_svg_height=”60″ seperator_shape_background=”#ffffff” seperator_shape_border=”none” seperator_shape_border_width=”1″ icon_type=”no_icon” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ ult_hide_row_large_screen=”off” ult_hide_row_desktop=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet_small=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile_large=”off”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1438085346673{margin-top: 9px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}”]Day two saw the regular panels kicking off in blazing sunshine. I understand that the standard was typically high, if the hashtag #BAAS2015 is anything to go by! The BAAS AGM passed without major incident, and a number of new members were elected to the Executive Committee to replace those whose terms have expired. Friday’s plenary address was given by Professor Sarah Churchwell, of UEA. Her lecture offered an interdisciplinary examination of the background to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and included numerous fascinating insights into the book’s genesis. Perhaps the highlight for me was Professor Churchwell’s discussion of New York City’s traffic lights during this period. Anarchy reigned, it would seem. Following the lecture, the delegates decamped to the delightful Laing Art Gallery for a reception sponsored by next year’s conference hosts, Queen’s University Belfast. The canapes and champagne were delightful.

Keynotes Gary Younge, Sarah Churchwell and Dana Nelson (left to right)

Day three saw the sun coming out to play yet again, and a plethora of great panels again documented at #BAAS2015. The evening’s plenary address from Professor Dana Nelson of Vanderbilt University expanded the argument of her 2008 book Bad for Democracy to the Obama years. The book argued that the presidency has become too powerful in recent years, a state of affairs which has hindered substantive political participation among the populace. This was another provocative and stimulating lecture which provided much food for thought as delegates headed to Newcastle Civic Centre for the gala dinner. During the banquet, Doug Haynes and Uta Bablier presented prizes to the BAAS Award winners, continuing the Association’s tradition of celebrating the best in American Studies Scholarship and supporting exciting new research. At the meal’s conclusion, to the rousing tones of The Tornados’ ‘Telstar,’ BAAS’s own glitterball Sputnik was ceremonially passed into the hands of Philip McGowan, the organizer of the next BAAS conference. Phil placed Sputnik on its plinth, heralding the start of the long-awaited return of the BAAS Disco. Word has it that Dad-dancing was witnessed, although I must stress that I received no official confirmation of this sighting.

Current and former BAAS Chairs (left to right) Sue Currell, Martin Halliwell, Judie Newman, Richard King, and Phil Davies

Sunday saw the hardcore delegates gathering for one final push, and the conference closed with a ‘BAAS at 60’ plenary session chaired by the current BAAS Chair, Sue Currell, and featuring former Chairs Judie Newman, Richard King, Martin Halliwell, and Phil Davies. Nick Witham offered a paper on BAAS’s Cold War origins, and Sue Wedlake, one of BAAS’s great friends from the US Embassy, offered her thoughts on her long association both with the Embassy and with us. The session offered us all the chance to think about what BAAS means to us and enabled us to rededicate ourselves to the organization’s future. I cannot think of a better way to end an exhausting but successful and most of all fun conference.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433266061030{margin-top: 4px !important;margin-right: 4px !important;margin-bottom: 3px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}”]Joe Street is Senior Lecturer in History at Northumbria University, Newcastle. He was the chief organiser of the 2015 BAAS conference. His research focuses on African American radicalism in the 1960s and 1970s and the San Francisco Bay Area in the same period. His latest book, Dirty Harry’s America: Clint Eastwood, Harry Callahan, and the Conservative Backlash will be published in early 2016.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433241733667{margin-top: 2px !important;margin-right: 2px !important;margin-bottom: 2px !important;margin-left: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_text_separator title=”Want to read more about BAAS conference 2015?” title_align=”separator_align_center” color=”chino”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”15″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ bg_position=”top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_cover=”false” bg_attachment=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ parallax_speed=”0.1″ bg_type=”no_bg” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #E3E3E3));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);background: linear-gradient(top,#E3E3E3 0%);” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”scroll” parallax_sense=”30″ animation_direction=”left-animation” animation_repeat=”repeat” viewport_vdo=”off” enable_controls=”off” bg_override=”0″ parallax_content_sense=”30″ fadeout_start_effect=”30″ overlay_pattern_opacity=”80″ overlay_pattern_attachment=”fixed” multi_color_overlay_opacity=”60″ seperator_type=”none_seperator” seperator_position=”top_seperator” seperator_shape_size=”40″ seperator_svg_height=”60″ seperator_shape_background=”#ffffff” seperator_shape_border=”none” seperator_shape_border_width=”1″ icon_type=”no_icon” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ ult_hide_row_large_screen=”off” ult_hide_row_desktop=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet=”off” ult_hide_row_tablet_small=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile=”off” ult_hide_row_mobile_large=”off”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”6450″ alignment=”center” border_color=”chino” img_link_target=”_self” css=”.vc_custom_1433264311903{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-left-color: #961a01 !important;border-right-color: #961a01 !important;border-top-color: #961a01 !important;border-bottom-color: #961a01 !important;}” image_hovers=”true” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Head over to U.S. Studies Online where Rebecca Harding considers the twentieth century and twenty-first century literature panels at BAAS, and reviews Sarah Churchwell’s plenary; Hannah Murray looks at the strong nineteenth century presence, along with Dana Nelson’s plenary; and Rosemary Pearce reviews the papers on race in America and the Sunday BAAS at 60 roundtable.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

BAAS Honorary Fellowship

The BAAS Honorary Fellowship may be offered from time to time in recognition of American Studies academics who have made an outstanding contribution to the association, to their institution(s), and to the American Studies community in general over the course of a distinguished career.

Current Honorary Fellows include: 2009 Richard H. King (Nottingham) and Mick Gidley (Leeds); 2010 M. J. Heale (Lancaster); 2011 Helen Taylor (Exeter); 2012 Susan Castillo (King’s College, London), 2013 Tony Badger (Cambridge), 2014 Iwan Morgan (University College, London), 2016 Ian F. A. Bell (Keele), 2017 Phil Davies (British Library), 2018 Judith Newman OBE (Nottingham).

BAAS invites nominations for Fellows to come from colleagues and associates of the nominee, with a brief explanation of their selection and an informal CV not extending beyond three pages in total. The closing date for nominations is the first day of December in the year in question. Following further consultation by the Executive Committee, an announcement will be made at the Awards ceremony at the BAAS annual conference in April of the following year.

Nominations are to be sent to the Chair of the Awards Committee at awards@baas.ac.uk. All correspondence will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Nomination Form

Graduate Teaching Assistant report by Anna Béar

Graduate Teaching Assistant report by Anna Béar

Chair’s Annual Report to the AGM 2015

What’s next? A Report from Ben Offiler, BAAS Early Career Representative

Archival Report from James Hillyer, BAAS Peter Parish Prize recipient 2015

Archival Report from Katie Muth, BAAS Founders’ Award Recipient 2015

In Memory of Edward Allan Abramson (1944 – 2015)

“He wore his learning lightly”:
Edward Allan Abramson (1944 – 2015)

Meeting 280

What’s next? A Report from Rachael Alexander, BAAS Postgraduate Representative

Looking Backwards, Looking Forwards: Organiser’s Report of the 60th Anniversary BAAS conference

BAAS Honorary Fellowship

The BAAS Honorary Fellowship may be offered from time to time in recognition of American Studies academics who have made an outstanding contribution to the association, to their institution(s), and to the American Studies community in general over the course of a distinguished career.

Dis/Trusting the Institution(s) of Literature

Postgraduate Opportunities with History Lab

CFP: HOTCUS Winter Symposium, 2025: The United States and World War II: Impacts and Legacies at Home and Abroad. University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham – February 21, 2025

Graduate Teaching Assistant report by Anna Béar

Chair’s Annual Report to the AGM 2015

What’s next? A Report from Ben Offiler, BAAS Early Career Representative

Archival Report from James Hillyer, BAAS Peter Parish Prize recipient 2015

Archival Report from Katie Muth, BAAS Founders’ Award Recipient 2015

In Memory of Edward Allan Abramson (1944 – 2015)

“He wore his learning lightly”: Edward Allan Abramson (1944 – 2015)

Meeting 280

What’s next? A Report from Rachael Alexander, BAAS Postgraduate Representative

Looking Backwards, Looking Forwards: Organiser’s Report of the 60th Anniversary BAAS conference

BAAS Honorary Fellowship

The BAAS Honorary Fellowship may be offered from time to time in recognition of American Studies academics who have made an outstanding contribution to the association, to their institution(s), and to the American Studies community in general over the course of a distinguished career.

Dis/Trusting the Institution(s) of Literature

Postgraduate Opportunities with History Lab

CFP: HOTCUS Winter Symposium, 2025: The United States and World War II: Impacts and Legacies at Home and Abroad. University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham – February 21, 2025

“He wore his learning lightly”:
Edward Allan Abramson (1944 – 2015)