History and Philosophy

Phi Alpha Theta Initiation Ceremony and End of Year Party

Laura Fishman — 2012-04-19T16:46:29Z

The Department of History and Philosophy welcomes all faculty, students, and staff to our annual Phi Alpha Theta initiation ceremony. We also celebrate a successful conclusion to the academic year.

From Battleground to Empire State: New York and the Legacy of the War of 1812

Laura Fishman — 2012-03-13T13:39:18Z

This lecture will explore the legacy of the War of 1812 in the creation of New York as the "Empire State." The War of 1812 has been referred to as America's "forgotten war." But it was, in fact, the pivotal event in establishing the young United States as an independent nation here to stay. Victories at the battles of Plattsburgh, Lake Erie, Baltimore and New Orleans gave Americans a new sense of confidence, pride, and patriotism.

Cultural Diversity Lecturer co-edits new book

Laura Fishman — 2012-03-12T18:10:00Z

This e-book is a tribute to activist librarian, founder of the Black Caucus of the ALA and past president of ALA, Dr. E.J. Josey (1924-2009). The book is a collection of fifty essays that cover such topics as problems facing school libraries, advances in information technology, special libraries, racism in the history of library and information science, and the need for continued activism.

History Professor's book is re-published.

Laura Fishman — 2012-03-12T17:55:00Z

Dr. Basdeo Mangru, Associate Professor of History, announces the re-publication of his book, "Benevolent Neutrality: Indian Government Policy and Labour Migration to British Guiana, 1854-1884," London: Hansib Publications, 1987, repub., 2012.

Panel discussion and book reception, "Town and Gown: The Fight for Social Justice, Urban Rebirth, and Higher Education."

Laura Fishman — 2012-01-31T21:10:00Z

Dr. Parmet, York College faculty, and invited guests will discuss the founding of York College and the vital connections between the campus and the surrounding communities of southeast Queens.

History profesor writes new book "Town and Gown"

Laura Fishman — 2012-01-25T16:40:00Z

Town and Gown is the story of the birth in the 1960s and survival through the 1970s of an inner city college, York College of the City University of New York, in Jamaica, Queens. Created as a liberal arts college to provide increased access to minority students, it was placed in a mainly minority neighborhood, where it received exceptionally strong support from a middle class African American community seeking access to quality higher education for its children and a business community striving to overcome the effects of “white flight.”

Operating in rented quarters without a permanent campus and regarded as academically illegitimate owing to its location, the college was regarded as expendable in hard times. From 1971 to 1979 critics both inside and outside of the City University, such as Governor Nelson Rockefeller and Mayor Edward Koch, questioned the school’s right to exist, especially during the New York City and State Fiscal Crisis of 1975 and 1976.

Undaunted, the college and its diverse supporters rallied and won. An amazing groundswell of support from Southeast Queens, and intense political pressure, saved it. Though the fight was often bitter, York College and Jamaica would not be denied. The college moved onto its permanent campus as a new Jamaica Center emerged.

History professor writes new book "The End of French Rule in Cameroon"

Laura Fishman — 2012-01-25T16:35:00Z

The End of French Rule in Cameroon is a study of the decolonization movement in Cameroon. It analyzes the reforms introduced by France in Cameroon after World War II, the circumstances surrounding the unsuccessful attempt of the UPC to seize independence by force, and the subsequent eradication of this party by an alliance of Franco-Cameroonian forces. The book shows the length that the French were prepared to go in order to leave Cameroon in the hands of a government that would be sympathetic to their interests. The research is based upon documents found in Cameroon, France, and the United States. It will expand the existing limited literature in English on the historiography of Cameroon and will also be useful for instructors teaching courses related to modern and contemporary Africa in general and decolonization in (French) black Africa in particular, as well as all interested in these subjects.