The Life and Work of Studs Terkel: the “Voice of America”?

Until his death earlier this year, Studs Terkel spent most of his ninety-six years witnessing, commenting on, or writing about American history, politics, and culture. President Bill Clinton termed Terkel “America’s oral historian,” and he has often been introduced as the “voice of America,” and as “one of the nation’s finest historians.” This panel explores the legacy of Studs Terkel as an oral historian, radio personality, and pioneer in television. Questions to consider may include: How has Terkel impacted the various fields of cultural production in which he has participated? How does Terkel’s work cross disciplinary boundaries and challenge traditional conceptions of memory, history, oral history? How is power enacted in and through Terkel’s works? in and through the critical acceptance (or lack thereof) of Terkel’s works? In keeping with this year’s conference theme, how is Terkel’s work or life engaged in the practice of constructing citizenship or creating a sense of belonging? Are Terkel’s works and methodologies inherently political—do they reflect, encourage, or create sites of activism?
Possible topics include but are not limited to:
--Terkel’s oral histories, memoirs, radio broadcasts, unpublished manuscripts, or television programs
--adaptations of Terkel’s work for theatrical performance
--intersections between Terkel’s work and several academic disciplines (history, oral history, public memory, literature, etc.)
--Terkel’s examination of race, class, gender, ability, sexuality, age
--the impact of Terkel’s work on the field of oral history
--Terkel’s career as a public intellectual and popular historian

For consideration, please send a 250-500 word abstract, a current CV and any inquiries to Andi Gustavson (agustavson@mail.utexas.edu) by December 20, 2008.

If you are interested in chairing or commenting on this panel, please email agustavson@mail.utexas.edu.