Faculty Colloquium Series: Kate Unterman (HIST) 3/19/19
“Citizens of Nowhere: The Curious Case of American Samoa” Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 4-5 p.m. Location: 311 Glasscock Building Katherine Unterman Associate Professor, Department of History, 2018-19 Glasscock Faculty Research Fellow Abstract: Anyone born in the United States is a U.S. citizen – except if you are born in the territory of American Samoa. American Samoans […]
“Citizens of Nowhere: The Curious Case of American Samoa”
Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 4-5 p.m.
Location: 311 Glasscock Building
Katherine Unterman
Associate Professor, Department of History, 2018-19 Glasscock Faculty Research Fellow
Abstract:
Anyone born in the United States is a U.S. citizen – except if you are born in the territory of American Samoa. American Samoans are neither citizens nor aliens; instead, they are “U.S. nationals” who have some but not all of the rights of citizenship. This paper explores the evolution of different degrees of citizenship, especially in the U.S. territories. It also challenges the notion that noncitizens always consider U.S. citizenship desirable. While some American Samoans consider their political standing an injustice, others have found their liminal status empowering.
The Faculty Colloquium series offers our fellows an opportunity to discuss a work-in-progress with colleagues from different disciplines. By long-standing practice, colloquium presenters provide a draft of their current research, which is made available to members of the Glasscock Center listserv. Each colloquium begins with the presenter’s short (10-15 minute) exposition of the project, after which the floor is open for comments and queries. The format is by design informal, conversational, and interdisciplinary.
Please note: the colloquia are not lectures and, thus, are not suited for class attendance.
The Glasscock Center extends a warm invitation to faculty and students to join in a discussion of Kate’s work-in-progress. The paper is available to members of the Center’s listserv, or by contacting the Glasscock Center by phone at (979) 845-8328 or by e-mail at glasscock@tamu.edu.
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