A Global Symposium
Scholarship often defines ethnicity by focusing on cultural specificity. In this approach, groups are defined by their differences, both geographic and cultural, from others. Global flows of capital, information, and work -made possible by the acceleration of information technologies- highlight the interrelationships between impacted communities. Such forces are not new to indigenous inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere. Indigenous groups have been participating in global networks for centuries. The question is, then how do we, as scholars, teachers and policy makers, address the seemingly contradictory forces of cultural difference and cultural exchange?
This symposium examines how indigenous communities have used global networks to address cultural differences and cultural exchange, and advance their own ideas regarding cultural maintenance, preservation, identity and difference. Nine scholars from various disciplines (Anthropology, Art History, English, Hispanic Studies, History and Linguistics) whose work spans North, Central and South America will engage in a cross-disciplinary dialogue on Americas’ indigeinities and their ways to convey, record, and transmit information in global worlds.
October 30th, 2008: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
October 31st, 2008: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Room Gold B, The Union
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
In addition to the presentations by the invited speakers, we will host a film/documentary screening and discussion led by professor Dylan Miner (RCAH) on October 30th, 6:00 PM., MSU Libraries.
