ASU faculty member lands book deal on intersectionality


December 3, 2012

“Intersectionality: A Foundations and Frontiers Reader” is the title of a book under development by Patrick Grzanka, honors faculty fellow at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.

Grzanka recently entered into an agreement with Westview Press, a division of Perseus Books, to develop the book, which will be an edited anthology of writings by experts and emerging scholars in the field of “intersectionality.” Intersectionality has become an important paradigm in the social sciences and humanities over the past 30 years because it offers insight into how systems of oppression – such as racism and sexism – are connected to one another in complex and intricate ways. Download Full Image

Grzanka will organize key writings encompassing the broad scope of intersectionality into thematic units, each of which will begin with an original, contextualizing introduction. Individual readings will be enhanced by an author biography, explanation of the work’s major contributions, and suggestions for further reading. Grzanka also will open the book with a critical essay introducing intersectionality and the guiding questions that informed the organization of the anthology.

Sociologist Bonnie Thornton Dill, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland, professor of women’s studies, and founding intersectional theorist, will contribute the book's epilogue.

The approximately 320-page book, including more than 80 pages of original writing by Grzanka, is scheduled for publication in 2014. Grzanka said the book is unique in that it tells a story of the origins of intersectional theory and methods while looking ahead to the new frontlines of the field.

“Overall, this book will serve as an accessible, primary source-driven introduction to intersectionality in sociology and related disciplines, including women’s and gender studies, cultural studies, African American studies, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer studies, social work, education, and psychology, at both the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels,” Grzanka said.

Nicole Greason

Director of Marketing and Public Relations , Barrett, The Honors College

480-965-8415

Veteran credits ASU Online, military-friendly atmosphere for success


December 3, 2012

“It was a boyhood desire of mine to serve in the armed forces based on my love of aviation and the military,” says ASU senior Christopher Guidry.

As a crew chief, Guidry was in charge of inspecting his assigned aircraft for any needed repairs after missions. He also supervised a team of specialists who worked to ensure each plane met expectations and standards for flight. Chris Guidry Download Full Image

One day he was reassigned to a highly coveted position as an Honor Guardsman, a service member who provides funeral honors for fallen comrades. Guidry participated in more than 600 funerals for those who served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.  

In 2008 after his time with Air National Guard ended, Guidry decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree via an online university. After a year, he decided to transfer to ASU in pursuit of a degree from a school he felt had greater recognition and credibility.

“ASU Online has given me the opportunity to get a degree from a highly accredited university that has world renowned programs," Guidry said. "My diploma will say ASU and I’m proud of that. People will know I earned it and it isn’t commercial.”

The senior enjoys the flexibility online courses provide, as he is balancing his coursework with raising a family and a full-time job.  

“You have to have impeccable time management," he says. "I have a whiteboard that I make sure is constantly updated. I also check My ASU multiple times a day because not everything your professor posts will make it to your inbox. I schedule everything out from the syllabi and my daily life."

His hard work has paid off. Guidry is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies via ASU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences this December after just three and half years. To do so, he took on a rigorous course load of 15 to 18 credits a semester.  

Looking back, Guidry says the process has made him a stronger person, and credits his wife for her support and motivation during difficult times.

He will soon attend Northern Arizona University to begin working on a master’s degree; however, Guidry says he will always be a proud Sun Devil.

“The veteran-friendly atmosphere coupled with a very effective online program is something that I will cherish and appreciate forever. I’ve already joined the Alumni Association,” he said.