Fall 2020
Message from the Director
As we begin this new semester, I hope that this message finds you all well. During these difficult times, the work of humanities centers is more important than ever. Humanistic perspectives embody the openness, imagination, critical thought, and generosity which good and just citizenship requires. The generous commitment of our faculty, students, and staff enables the Glasscock Center to fulfill our vital mission of promoting and fostering humanities research at Texas A&M and beyond. In 2020-2021, we continue our work of supporting the university community in flexible, creative, and safe ways.
We have an exciting calendar of virtual events planned for the semester, including our weekly faculty fellows’ colloquia and graduate fellows’ colloquia, Undergraduate Summer Scholars presentations, and events presented by our two initiatives. Global Health Humanities will be focusing on “Frontline worker’s stories during Covid-19.” Speakers will address such topics as training challenges in the health professions, emotional and physical burnout, and priorities in patient care during a time of crisis. The series will explore the role of sharing and listening to stories in understanding these issues. Humanities: Land Sea Space, in partnership with Texas A&M’s Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, will present events on the theme of “Coastal Communities and Justice,” concerning environmental justice, energy, community, and forms of resilience in coastal areas in Texas and beyond. The series begins with a screening of the award-winning film, Seadrift, and Q&A with the director, Tim Tsai. This year, Humanities: Land Sea Space is delighted to be partnering with Rice University’s Center for Environmental Studies. Check our website for details about their series of virtual talks on sustainable design, Green New Deals, and ecologies of the global south. We also continue our Glasscock Book Chats series and will be featuring Chaitanya Lakkimsetti’s book, Legalizing Sex: Sexual Minorities, AIDS and Citizenship in India, with a response by Vanita Reddy to kick off our discussion.
Although we will miss the opportunity for in-person conversation and exchange of ideas this autumn, please do join us for our virtual events. We encourage you to explore our website for new information and updates about our activities, grants, and programs.
All of us at the Glasscock Center wish you a safe and rewarding semester.
Emily Brady
Susanne M. and Melbern G. Glasscock Director and Chair
Professor of Philosophy