The African and African American Studies Scholar-in-Residence Program

The African and African American Studies (AAAS) Program hosts a Scholar-in-Residence through the African and African American Studies Research and Resource Center, or the Paul Robeson Room . Guest scholars are invited to campus to spend an extended period of time focusing on research or projects in their area(s) of specialty. This program is designed to address gaps in AAAS course offerings. It allows University faculty, staff, and students to participate in seminars, informal discussions, and meetings with scholars specializing in areas not fully represented at George Mason University. Collaborative projects with other departments are enhanced and facilitated through this program. This program provides such a connection with other scholars within the Consortium, such as Africanists at Howard University, the University of Maryland, and other universities in the region.

Participants in this program have a demonstrated commitment to scholarship in areas related to African and African American Studies. Their vitae reflect achievements or work towards excellence in related areas. Participants interact with faculty, and students taking courses in the minor. Participants are available in the Paul Robeson Room at least once per week.

The Scholar-in-Residence holds weekly research/office hours in the Paul Robeson Room. Students have opportunities to participate in research or project development, or interact informally with the scholar. The Scholar gives three public lectures related to work at GMU or previous endeavors. In addition, the Scholar holds seminar discussions with students specifically interested in his or her research/project. Informal lunch meetings may take place with students. The Scholar-in-Residence is available as a resource for related interdisciplinary programs (i.e. Cultural Studies, Women and Gender Studies, and New Century College).

Gender is the central analytical device that provides coherence to this interdisciplinary field.  Scholars in women’s studies have pursued their analyses of gender roles, women’s socioeconomic and political status, and cultural notions of femininity.