One of us is Carl Dyke.
That one teaches mostly introductory world history at a nice little regional university in North Carolina, USA. My seminars cover historiography, early modern to modern European society, culture and politics in global perspective, the modern world system, the history of formal and informal thought, gender, race and ethnicity, identity, and occasionally Latin America. In 2008-9 I was named my university’s professor of the year. I mention this because it was a nice honor and I’ve been instructed not to be shy about it. (I should also mention that although my university supports my ideas and practices as part of the productive diversity of a liberal arts community, it does not necessarily share them.)
Because my training encompasses their theoretical underpinnings, during my professional apprenticeship I also taught modern philosophy, sociology, and human development at various colleges and universities in the San Francisco Bay area. I’m comfortable in many conversations and not very territorial.
My research covers the history of formal social and political theory in mostly Europe in mostly the 19th and 20th centuries, especially the intersections of marxist and non-marxist theories of structure and agency. I also have an ongoing project on interdisciplinary approaches to the formation and operation of identity; and I occasionally think about getting really practical and working with my students to research developmental factors affecting student relationships to formal schooling. When I’m teaching sometimes I look like this:
just another white boy in academe.
I waste time at a fabulous rate when I can, some might say chiefly on this blog, and when I get the itch I craft mobiles after Calder (and not) out of clothesline wire, willow, flashing, plywood, and other stuff that happens to be around.
This blog is for communicating. If for some reason it won’t do, you can try flatharmony at gmail dot com (it’s a Beach Boys joke).
Carl’s c.v.
The other one is Asher Kay. That one is a complete mystery, and possibly dangerous, in that serial-killer-neighbors-thought-was-nice-kept-to-himself kind of way.
Carl
Asher Kay
Carl,
First, Dead Voles has just moved to a spot just behind Savage Minds at the top of my Anthropology bookmarks.
Second, thanks for the positive feedback on SM.
Third, are you familiar with Grant McCracken’s blog http://www.cultureby.com/ If not, you might want to have a look. Grant is a top-of-the-table corporate anthropologist who tracks contemporary culture on behalf of companies like Coca-Cola. Gives him an interesting perspective on this crazy world we inhabit.
Finally, should you ever consider a trip to Japan, you are welcome to a futon in a tiny, tatami-floored guest room chez McCreery.
John
Comment by John McCreery — December 12, 2008 @ 3:31 am
John, it’s a treat to see you here. I always look forward to your comments at SM.
Thanks for McCracken. I took a look and added the link to my blogroll. His stuff on identity is right up my alley.
Futon on tatami is my idea of a good night’s rest. We’re not nearly so well appointed here but you’re welcome anytime. In the meantime, please drop by my humble blog whenever the mood moves you!
Cheers – Carl
Comment by Carl — December 13, 2008 @ 2:34 am
Carl,
What’s up? Dare I hope that the Vole in chief is not truly dead but either insanely busy or recreating himself?
John
Comment by John McCreery — June 8, 2009 @ 12:41 am
Hi John, I’m alive! Thanks for sticking with me. You nailed it – busy + uninspired = blog death, or rather, an undeath of half-written posts. I can really see the advantage of group blogs like Savage Minds where the creative baton can be passed around! But now I’m back from the AP reading in Colorado (shall post on that today or tomorrow) I think I’ll be able to pick back up, especially after this weekend’s road trip to Maine….
Comment by Carl — June 10, 2009 @ 4:21 pm