Intercountry Lecturer: Dr. Loren Schweninger
Professor Loren Schweninger visited University of Oslo in April 2007. This was part of the research project, “The Politics of Diversity and Unity in the United States.” Professor Schweninger holds the Distinguished Fulbright Chair in American Studies and the Swedish Institute for North American Studies at the Department of English, Uppsala University, during Spring 2007 and is the Elizabeth Rosenthal Excellence Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a highly regarded scholar of American history with specialization in the United States 1775-1865, African American history, and slavery.
- Dr. Loren Schweninger
By Deborah L. Kitchen-Døderlein, Førsteamanuensis (NORAM), University of Oslo.
Thanks to a combination of funding from EAS småforsk monies, the Norwegian Student Association of American Studies (NORSAAS), and Fulbright Norway, Professor Loren Schweninger visited University of Oslo's NORAM and EAS sections April 16-17, 2007. This was part of NORAM’s research project, “The Politics of Diversity and Unity in the United States.”
Professor Schweninger held the Distinguished Fulbright Chair in American Studies and the Swedish Institute for North American
Studies at the Department of English, Uppsala University, during Spring 2007 and is the Elizabeth Rosenthal Excellence Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a highly regarded scholar of American history with specialization in the United States 1775-1865, African American
history, and slavery.
Professor Schweninger spoke with various groups three times over the two days. First was a public lecture on “Slavery and
the Law,” in which he analyzed women slaves’ petitions to the local courts throughout the South. There were many questions
from the audience following his presentation. He went to dinner that evening with several students, who are leaders of NORSAAS,
for informal conversation about scholarship and careers. The next morning, he met with both of our doctoral students, several
MA students (including one from NTNU), and a dedicated BA student. He gave a short introduction of the sources in his major,
multi-year grant supported research. Then we opened for an informal conversation about sources and research. Although one
hour was planned for this, the group went for two hours as students used the opportunity to ask many questions about their
specific research projects and the general process of research and writing. Several of the students told me that they got
important ideas for their work from this. Finally, Professor Schweninger gave a paper, “Divorce, Alimony, Slavery and the
Law,” at the EAS workshop for Area Studies scholars and doctoral students followed by a question and answer period.
After his visit, Dr. Schweninger wrote: "My wife Patricia and I had a simply marvelous experience in Norway and Deborah Kitchen and her husband Knute were remarkable hosts, generous, gracious, hospitable, and enjoyable. We have nothing but the fondest memories!"
