Programs and Events
"Diverse Voices in American Literature" Symposium
March 27-29
A Symposium, sponsored by the American Studies Center of the University of Bahrain and entitled “Diverse Voices in American Literature” was held from March 27-29, 2006.
Four prominent scholars/authors gave talks which outline the contributions of the various ethnic communities they represent to American literature. In addition to being academics, the participants are also actively contributing to the diversity of contemporary American literature by publishing poetry, short stories, novels, creative essays, and the like. They read from their own works, as well as others, during the Symposium.
Professor Shirley Lim of the University of California gave an illustrated talk on the contributions of Asian Americans to the diversity of American literature. She has recently published her second novel, Sister Swing.
Lisa Suhair Majaj, an independent writer has published widely, both poetry and essays, and represents the contributions of Arab Americans. She is a leading authority in this field and recently wrote the article on Arab American writers for the Saudi Aramco World Magazine.
Professor Helena Maria Viramontes of Cornell University gave a talk on the literary contributions of the Hispanic American community. Professor Viramontes is a widely known Chicana writer who has published short stories and novels, some of which are included in anthologies such as the Introduction to Literature and the Heath Anthology.
W.E.B. Du Bois Professor of English, Kenneth McClane, also of Cornell University, presented the contributions of African American writers. One of the most popular professors at Cornell, Professor McClane is also the author of several acclaimed collections of poetry and essays.
In addition, the participants visited various English literature and American Studies classes during the duration of the Symposium.
A Public Reading is organized on Tuesday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m., at the Al-Riwaq Gallery in Adliya. The Symposium participants joined local Bahraini poets to read from their works.