Furman University Oral Histories
 
Jim Leavell Interview

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Jim Leavell Interview

Biography

Dr. Jim Leavell is the Herring Professor Emeritus of Asian History at Furman University. He retired in 2018, but continues to teach for Furman’s Osher Life-Long Learning Institute. He was the former director of the South Carolina Center for Teaching About Asia.

Abstract

As a founding member of Furman's Asian Studies Department, Dr. Jim Leavell recounts the history behind Furman's adoption of a Non-Western curriculum (later called the Asian-African requirement) and subsequent establishment of an Asian Studies curriculum and department in the late 1980s. Between 1995-1998, Leavell held the position of Chair of Asian Studies. In this interview, Leavell also traces his journey to Furman and scholarly interests in studying Japanese history and culture.

This oral history is part of the Untold Journeys project.

Scholarship Type

Student Scholarship

Publication Date

1-2023

City and State

Greenville, SC

Instructor(s) or Advisor(s)

Kylie Fisher

Additional Affiliated Department, Center or Institute

Asian Studies

Disciplines

Asian History | History

Rights

Copyright Furman University. Materials are intended for non-commercial, educational, and personal use only, and are not to be reproduced or distributed without written permission. In compliance with fair use, whenever items are used for personal use, research, or teaching, please credit as follows: 'Copyright Held by Furman University'.

Jim Leavell Interview

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