A new research centre at Sussex will focus on the social, political, economic and cultural history of the American South.
The concentration of scholars of the South (Professor Robert Cook, Dr Richard Follett, Dr Jarod Roll and Dr Clive Webb) in the American Studies department already makes Sussex a focal point in the field.
The main aim of the Marcus Cunliffe Centre for the Study of the American South is to build and enhance research networks between this core of expertise and scholars in the USA, Europe and elsewhere in the UK.
“The Centre’s inaugural programme makes an impressive start toward this goal,” says the director, Dr Jarod Roll.
In March, Professor Eric Foner from Columbia University – described by Jarod as “the most distinguished historian of the United States” - will deliver the Centre’s inaugural lectures on the contradictions of slavery and freedom in American history.
Professor Foner’s visit will be accompanied by a series of research seminars featuring leading scholars in the field from the USA, Europe and the UK.
Building on Professor Foner’s theme, the Cunliffe lecture series will feature subsequent talks by Professor Tera Hunter (Princeton), Dr Richard Follett (Sussex) and Pulitzer Prize winner Professor Steven Hahn (Pennsylvania).
For more details, see www.sussex.ac.uk/cunliffe/ or contact Jarod on j.h.roll@sussex.ac.uk.