American studies – Page 5 – College of Arts & Sciences

American Studies Professor Had a Passion for Pop Culture

October 15, 2012

He was known for his laid-back Age of Aquarius demeanor, his delight in American culture, and the cards he sent to friends far and wide each year on Valentine’s Day. Dr. James M. Salem, professor emeritus in the Department of American Studies, died unexpectedly on July 6, 2012, following routine surgery. He served the department for more than 40 years and continued to teach in the College following his retirement from The University of Alabama in 2008. Salem joined the […]

Collaborative Work Yields Progress on Pardons for Scottsboro Boys

September 1, 2012

Sheila Washington, founder of the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center, has asked Gov. Robert Bentley to clear the names of eight of the nine defendants known as the Scottsboro boys, who were wrongly convicted of raping two white women in 1931. Washington’s plea has garnered significant support from professors, lawyers, and legislators and is the bi-product of work from of a two-year community-based research project with students and faculty in the College. The project involved doing historical research for […]

Travel Research Fund in American Studies Pays Tribute to Former Student

July 6, 2012

A travel research fund in the College’s Department of American Studies was established this year with a gift of $40,000 in honor of the late John Paul Ahlstrom of Montgomery. Ahlstrom attended the College in 1964 and became a steadfast admirer of UA. He had a lifelong love of learning, with a special interest in American history, literature, and music. Ahlstrom’s sister, Aleta Ahlstrom, and her family established the fund to pay tribute to her brother and to support academic […]