College of Arts and Sciences' Podcast Features Frank X Walker

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2012) — The College of Arts and Sciences produces podcasts that demonstrate work being done by the faculty and students in the college. Each week, UKNow will highlight a podcast. This week focuses on Frank X Walker.

Walker, associate professor in the Department of English, traveled with other UK professors to Shanghai, China, in May 2012, as part of a symposium at the American Studies Center at Shanghai University (SU). The center aims to broaden Chinese understanding of American culture and to foster intellectual and cultural exchange; UK's primary contribution involves providing a perspective of the American South and Appalachia.

In this podcast, a recording of his lecture on May 21 at SU, Walker discusses the origin of the word "Affrilachia," a term he coined. He describes how the word redefines perspectives of the region, traditionally described as all-white. Walker notes several key artists and intellectuals from Appalachia to illustrate the region's cultural diversity.

The session was part of the Symposium on Globalization, Identity and Cultural Diversity.

To listen to this podcast, produced by the College of Arts and Sciences, click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu