Learning. Research. Scholarship.
“Asimov’s Foundation (and subsequent works) is a collection of short stories about the fictional future history of the galaxy, in which one psychohistorian is able to calculate the history of human events from the fall of the first galactic empire to the rise of the second. The short stories themselves are about how these predictions come true, as well as the trials and tribulations of the people living through the events. I used to listen to these stories on tape as a kid on long roadtrips with family. At the time I just enjoyed the stories themselves: the characters, the plot, and the dramatic reveals (which Asimov is known for). Reflecting back, I can say that I was inspired by the scope of the series. Partly inspired by Edward Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Asimov manages to chronicle both the collapse of the old Galactic Empire as well as the rise of the next. His work captures the majesty of history by showing the interplay of broad social, political, and economic forces, while still giving insight into individuals living through those times. Perhaps unconsciously I was inspired by this work because my own research in the dissertation focused on collapse theory found in classical Greek authors. Regardless of why one appreciates it, Foundation is a fun book, and the first three books of the series (Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation) are all well worth a read.”
“This is my choice for the Meaningful Reads program because Dr. Tatum has updated her excellent original tome on the psychology of racism for the current day. Her book systematically and thoroughly breaks down complex concepts that have been not only influential for me personally but also for my teaching: thus, my 400-level students discuss her treatment of racism as a “system of advantage based on race” and note the importance of distinguishing it from prejudice while my 100-level students read sections that identify the origins of Black Lives Matter and challenge the “myth of the color-blind millennial.” I’ve now assigned it to three of my classes and it has gotten rave reviews every time. As a New York Times article noted this year, “A 23-Year-Old Book About Race Landed on the Best-Seller List Because It’s Still Relevant.” It’s been an honor to read – and learn from – Dr. Tatum’s research.”