Fall 2017 African History Applicants

[MMii]

Is there anybody out there?

What are you guys planning to work on, what are you reading etc. etc.?

I'm currently working on social welfare in South Africa but am planning to branch out for my PhD research and work on race, identity and discourses on the state in twentieth century southern Africa. Would love to hear what other new research is on the cards

[KLZ]

I'm considering developing a major field in African history; I will certainly have a minor field. I work on U.S.-South African relations, social and political history, and transnational movements. It's good to see others out there working on South African history!

[MMii]

On 2016/12/16 at 3:52 AM, KLZ said:

I'm considering developing a major field in African history; I will certainly have a minor field. I work on U.S.-South African relations, social and political history, and transnational movements. It's good to see others out there working on South African history!

Oh interesting - what's your time period and which movements? It is indeed, I know many on the home front working on the region but am curious about the extent of the interest abroad!

[betwixt&between]

On 12/15/2016 at 2:42 AM, SarahMoon said:

I'm currently working on social welfare in South Africa but am planning to branch out for my PhD research and work on race, identity.

My MA thesis focuses on the shift in charity to civic poor relief in England during the Tudor period, and also includes much about marginalization. Like you, I'm hoping to branch out, but  I would like to focus on 19/20th century US with an emphasis on race/identity and space/place. Ultimately seeking to have a long-term comparative history of poverty/marginalization.

[KLZ]

On 12/17/2016 at 1:09 PM, SarahMoon said:

Oh interesting - what's your time period and which movements? It is indeed, I know many on the home front working on the region but am curious about the extent of the interest abroad!

I study twentieth-century cultural transformations in the United States as they relate to foreign relations; how domestic ideas of race, political economy, technology and mass communications, etc. influence U.S. foreign affairs at the policy-making level, as well as how policymakers attempt to wield culture as a tool of diplomacy (public diplomacy, if you will). I'm particularly interested in state-orchestrated or sponsored cultural programs during the Cold War: cultural and educational exchange programs, propaganda and information activities, foreign lobbying,and multinational business relations as they relate to policy matters.

How does South Africa tie in? I'm interested in SA as a site of US public diplomacy in the postwar era; however, I'm also very interested in South Africa's global public relations campaign during apartheid, particularly in the aftermath of the collapse of the Portuguese empire in southern Africa. Thus, I also plan to study the United States as a site of South African public diplomacy. Generally speaking, then, I plan to write my dissertation on US-South African relations during the Cold War, focusing on cultural/public diplomacy and giving special attention to how domestic social/political movements and cultural shifts in the United States and South Africa impact relations at the level of state. 

...at least for now

[thekatieladybird]

On ‎12‎/‎15‎/‎2016 at 2:42 AM, SarahMoon said:

Is there anybody out there?

What are you guys planning to work on, what are you reading etc. etc.?

I'm currently working on social welfare in South Africa but am planning to branch out for my PhD research and work on race, identity and discourses on the state in twentieth century southern Africa. Would love to hear what other new research is on the cards

Hi! I'm new here. Somewhat working with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, but my main focus is on memory, identity formation, and post-conflict resolution in Eastern Congo, which solidly places me in the realm of modern/ 20th century African history. I was wondering if you, or anyone else here, has heard back yet? I've only been unofficially accepted to OSU and interviewed by Emory. I'm not quite sure what the timeline is, but any info would be good! So happy to see there are other African historians out there!

[MMii]

1 hour ago, thekatieladybird said:

Hi! I'm new here. Somewhat working with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, but my main focus is on memory, identity formation, and post-conflict resolution in Eastern Congo, which solidly places me in the realm of modern/ 20th century African history. I was wondering if you, or anyone else here, has heard back yet? I've only been unofficially accepted to OSU and interviewed by Emory. I'm not quite sure what the timeline is, but any info would be good! So happy to see there are other African historians out there!

That sounds interesting - seems like our interests overlap somewhat! I'll PM you, would be great to keep in touch in the future.

[thekatieladybird]

14 minutes ago, SarahMoon said:

That sounds interesting - seems like our interests overlap somewhat! I'll PM you, would be great to keep in touch in the future.

Yes they do! And sure, would love to keep in touch.

[MrMomo]

Anyone here applying to Northwestern? If so I'd be happy to help regarding programme/life/pros and cons. I'm currently a first year. Feel free to PM me!

[YeshuaNgome]

On 1/18/2017 at 9:58 AM, thekatieladybird said:

Hi! I'm new here. Somewhat working with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, but my main focus is on memory, identity formation, and post-conflict resolution in Eastern Congo, which solidly places me in the realm of modern/ 20th century African history. I was wondering if you, or anyone else here, has heard back yet? I've only been unofficially accepted to OSU and interviewed by Emory. I'm not quite sure what the timeline is, but any info would be good! So happy to see there are other African historians out there!

Hi thekatieladybird, I'm a first year PhD in African history and focused on the Congo. I am most interested in African languages and their political impacts in the 20th century Congo. There aren't many Congo focused people within African history. I actually stayed in Goma for a few months in 2015 and am hoping to go back this summer. Your interests sound fascinating. I know a lot of political science people focus on conflict in Eastern Congo but not so much historians. Lots of room then. Best of luck with your application season! 

Also hello to the other Africanists here. It's cool to see a thread! I came here when I was doing my applications last year but haven't really come back. 

[thekatieladybird]

12 hours ago, YeshuaNgome said:

Hi thekatieladybird, I'm a first year PhD in African history and focused on the Congo. I am most interested in African languages and their political impacts in the 20th century Congo. There aren't many Congo focused people within African history. I actually stayed in Goma for a few months in 2015 and am hoping to go back this summer. Your interests sound fascinating. I know a lot of political science people focus on conflict in Eastern Congo but not so much historians. Lots of room then. Best of luck with your application season! 

Also hello to the other Africanists here. It's cool to see a thread! I came here when I was doing my applications last year but haven't really come back. 

@YeshuaNgome Hi there! Your research sounds so, so compelling to me. I will PM you! Thank you for reaching out. I meet so few Congo specialists, so I have so many questions for you! Thanks for the well wishes.