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Richard M. Shain, PhD Associate Professor,
BA, State University of New York, Purchase
MA, PhD, The John Hopkins University History/Area Studies
The School of Liberal Arts - Philadelphia University

office:  Ravenhill Mansion
office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 - 12:30
or by appointment
email:  ShainR@PhilaU.edu 
phone:  215 951 6279

Richard Shain's Teaching includes being a history professor in Nigeria and a cultural studies professor in Senegal as well as teaching  at Rutgers. Recent writings focus on the history  of leisure time in Africa, the historical  relationship between religion and cultural  identity, and methodological issues in the  historical analysis of spatial processes in  Africa.

Area Studies: Africa A multi-disciplinary introduction to African civilization through a variety of sources including oral epics, film, music, literature, ethnographies, historical studies, and visual materials with an emphasis on the 20th century. The course will investigate such topics as the cultural roots of African leadership; the enduring importance of family and community; the struggle to achieve a just multi-ethnic society in Southern Africa; and the present continent wide democratization process.

Area Studies: Latin America A multi-disciplinary introduction to Latin American history, society, and culture through a variety of materials including literature, film, music, journalistic accounts and history with an emphasis on the 20th century. The course will explore the complex interplay between indigenous, Iberian and African influences in the forging of the continent's past, present and future. Students will examine the roots of everyday and state violence, as well as the current controversies over "liberalization" and "market" economies. The course also will investigate gender relationships and the changing face of resistance.