News
“The Post-Obama Ethos: The Transnational U.S. in the Aftermath of Hope”
International Interdisciplinary Symposium
Symposium Sponsors: Obama Institute & Georgia State University
Host Institution: Georgia State University
March 22 – 23, 2018
CfP Post Obama Ethos (PDF)
The English Department of Georgia State University and its departmental partners in collaboration with
the Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies at the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU)
Mainz, and the Atlantic Academy (in Kaiserslautern) welcome proposals for this Spring 2018 Symposium
on the topic of “The Post-Obama Ethos.” Assembling a body of leading international scholars in
interdisciplinary re-search and teaching areas, this symposium will explore the global importance of
cultures, populations, poli-cies and discourses marked by the completion of the two term presidency of the
44th United States President, Barack Obama. The storm of political changes in the U.S. within days of
President Obama’s end of term have been felt widely. Nationally and internationally, President Obama’s
departure from office has coincided with a wave of social, political, economic, religious, and scientific
changes. Panelists and speakers from fields across the humanities, law, public policy, the arts, and the
social sciences will present critical perspec-tives of, and reflect on the immediate post-Obama period and
the prospects of the global discourse of hope that will mark the legacy of the 44th U.S. President.
The Journal of Transnational American Studies (JTAS) editors, in attendance, will consider essays
originat-ing out of this symposium for publication.
We welcome abstracts of 250 – 300 words that summarize papers that will critically engage ways to see
and understand the era unfolding before us in the spirit of Barack Obama’s “Audacity of Hope.”
Send Abstracts as Attachments to: ewest@gsu.edu
Abstract Deadline: January 20, 2018
Notification: January 22, 2018
News
William Pierce (APCO Worldwide, former assistant secretary for public affairs, DHHS)
10-11.30a.m., P 105
Among the most developed nations, the United States has a rather unique health care system. The basic question is why?
While often leading in drug discovery, new technologies, and treatments, the U.S. does not have universal coverage. Yet it spends more per capita on health care than all other developed nations but its health indictors do not match spending. Adding to the mystery, many non-US come to America to receive care, especially when they are very sick.
How did the US get here? Come listen and take part in a discussion: “The US Health Care System: How, Why, What Next?” and hear about the political, economic and policy factors that have shaped and will continue to shape the US system.
On cooperation with the Atlantische Akademie.
News
As Americans celebrated the 4th of July, so too did the Obama Institute.
Festivities began at noon with a lecture by Dr. David Sirakov, Director of the Atlantic Academy.
Faculty and students were at hand in the afternoon to answer questions about posters showcasing the varied research projects of the institute.
In the evening, Prof. Philipp Gassert, President of the German Association of American Studies and Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Mannheim gave his lecture “A Time for Optimism: Doing American Studies in an Era of Global Transformations.”
Afterward, a reception provided ample opportunity to continue discussions over a glass of wine.
Events
The Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies invites you to an original Fourth of July celebration in the spirit of Independence and the legacy of President Barack Obama. Two eminent speakers, Dr. David Sirakov, Director of the Atlantic Academy, and Prof. Philipp Gassert, President of the German Association of American Studies, will focus in their keynotes on transnational aspects of populism and global transformations, including an American note of optimism. Sandwiched in between these lectures are poster presentations by students and faculty of the Obama Institute. Their research projects amply document the multi-ethnic constitution of the United States and the transnational orientation of the American society, paradigmatically embodied in the Obama family. A reception will round off this celebration with toasts to America’s First ideas.
Invitation & Program (PDF)
