Teaching the Anthropology of Books and Reading

By:
Kevin Grace
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In this workshop presentation that will include audience participation, attendees will learn practical methods of effectively teaching students a global perspective on books and reading. Drawing upon experience in teaching a course called "The Anthropology of Books and Reading" to University of Cincinnati honors students, the presenter will discuss appropriate readings and student reactions to them; incorporating cross-cultural concepts into lesson plans; "fieldwork" assignments; and using Blackboard technology to facilitate research topics and classroom interaction so students come away with an understanding of what the printed word means to various world societies and cultural subgroups.


Keywords: Books and their creation, Books as cultural indicators, Cross-cultural studies, History of reading, Reading in a nationalistic setting
Stream: Books, Writing and Reading
Presentation Type: 60 minute Workshop Presentation in English
Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Kevin Grace

Head and University Archivist, Archives & Rare Books Library, University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH, UNITED STATES

I have worked in the Archives & Rare Books Library at the University of Cincinnati since 1979. Currently as head of the Archives & Rare Books Library, I do collection development of our rare book holdings, particularly in the history of the book and in contemporary fine book-making. Additionaly, I also teach Honors courses on the heritage of the book, including a recent one on the anthropology of books and reading. My research interests are in looking at crosscultural approaches to both the physical book (paper manufacturing, printing, and binding) and the act of reading. How are books and libraries integral parts of a country or society? How is the act of reading politicized or used as a method of culturalization and assimilation. I am a member of SHARP and APHA.

Ref: B06P0178