Duke Humanities Writ Large

Joshua Nadel
Assistant Professor of Latin American and Caribbean History, North Carolina Central University

Joshua Nadel's main project during his fellowship is to organize and teach an upper-level undergraduate colloquium called "Humanities in Humanitarianism:  the Haiti Project."  It will be open to students from both Duke and North Carolina Central University. 

Through collaboration with the Duke University Haiti Lab, BorderWork(s) Lab, and Human Rights Center, the colloquium will be an intellectual and practical journey for students, as they will engage with both the theory and practice of humanitarian interventions in Haiti over the course of the year.  The first semester will be an intensive course on the history and theory of humanitarian aid in the country, while in the second semester students will organize an international symposium on the subject.  "Humanities in Humanitarianism:  the Haiti Project" is meant to function like a think-tank, using the humanities to develop ideas for transitioning from the humanitarian response phase into long-term, sustainable development.  Professor Nadel hopes to be able to replicate this model upon his return to NCCU.

While he is at Duke, he also plans to begin research on his next project, which will focus on Haitian refugees during the 1980s and 1990s.

Professor Nadel earned his Ph.D. in Latin American and Caribbean History, as well as his M.A. in History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He earned his B.A. in History at Tufts University.  He joined the faculty at North Carolina Central University in 2007.  He has extensive experience in humanitarian work through the International Rescue Committee and the National Coalition for Haitian Rights.