Clifford Campbell
Visiting assistant professor of Africana studies
Ph.D., African history, University of Ghana
What I'm focused on:
"My research and teaching interests are primarily in 19th and 20th century African and African diaspora history with an emphasis on West African history, Ghana, women in Africa, and the nascent area of the 'reverse diaspora,' which is rooted in analysis of how the African diaspora has shaped Africa. For instance, the Caribbean produced political and cultural components that resonate in Africa. Ghana's post-independence identity is distinctly influenced by Marcus Garvey, and the Congolese musical landscape is fashioned by a heavy Cuban influence."
What I'm excited about:
"I'm excited about being part of this largest cohort of faculty to date, as it represents a time of historic expansion and change at Lafayette College. This will shape the future of the College for decades to come, and I am thrilled to be part of that process. Africana Studies by nature is interdisciplinary, and I look forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate on research with faculty from other departments."
What you can expect from me:
"I teach African history with a Caribbean flair, and I don't practice always lecturing my class. I facilitate discussions, and, as I lead, I also learn from my students. I am very accessible to students, and my classrooms are open arenas where students are encouraged to express themselves and explore different ideas."
What I'm holding:
"My book, The Ghana Reader: History, Culture, Politics, which is part of the well-known Duke University Press country reader series. It presents Ghanaian history, culture, and politics in an accessible way to students, academics, business travelers, and tourists alike. I also have a copy of Caribe: Revista de Cultura y Literatura, published here at Lafayette with Amauri Gutierrez-Coto as editor. Both of these publications represent my areas of study as well as my ongoing commitment to knowledge production and its dissemination. My research can only fulfill its real potential if it makes it to the classroom."
Explore the rest of the Africana department
Categorized in: New Faculty