Letters to the Editor

11/4/10 7:00pm

With a mixture of amusement and bewilderment I was able to see myself quoted in Brooke Bullock's recent article ("New world lit department considered," Oct. 29). The article leaves the distinct impression that, due to the interdisciplinary nature of German Studies, German Studies faculty actively support a merger of the department with Hispanic Studies, French Studies, and Classical Studies. Indeed, my remark to Bullock that German Studies happens to be an interdisciplinary field of study - from literature and history to film studies and political theory - was even taken to imply that I myself was actively supporting such a merger along the lines suggested by the many comments made by José Aranda, my esteemed colleague and the chair of Hispanic Studies as well as French Studies. Let me be very clear about this: The fact that German Studies is an interdisciplinary field of research should, under no circumstances, be taken to mean that the department of German Studies, or myself, would like to see German Studies at Rice dissolved into a "world literature department." Sure, because of its history as a discipline, as much as because of the current constellation of internationally renowned faculty at Rice, German Studies has always been involved in establishing strong links to neighboring departments, both at Rice and beyond. Just take a look at german.rice.edu. But the fact of interdisciplinarity is neither an argument for, nor an argument against a department merger. It is entirely unrelated to the administrative questions at stake in this discussion. I am happy to assume, though, that I have not been intentionally misquoted. Christian J. Emden Associate professor of German Studies

To the Editor:

The Rice community should be extremely excited to learn that the Fondren Library is beginning to post its Thresher archives in online, searchable PDFs. (http://scholarship.rice.edu/handle/1911/27631) I recommend that everyone take advantage of this historical portal to learn about our university's past. More specifically, I recommend the use of the word "Negro" in the search function.

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While the Fondren website accurately advertises the 1958-1967 archives as documenting a vibrant period for Rice, it is understandably silent on the more shameful aspects of that era. A quick search reveals a Rice that welcomed President Kennedy and a Rice that prohibited students at Jones College from having black guests. We were a Rice that finally ended official discrimination, but still debated whether blacks and whites should share dance floors and swimming pools.

As Rice approaches its centennial, we may be tempted to only celebrate the accomplishments. But ignorant praise is no praise at all, and Rice deserves the best. So take some time to indulge a newly accessible historical resource. This way, when you "stand, cheer, drink more beer," you will know just for whom you are chugging, sins and all. But don't do it because you think you "owe" it to anyone. Do it because you love Rice.

Evan Mintz Hanszen '08 Former Thresher Executive Editor

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