Craige views the world holistically, that "our own health as a nation relies on the health of the whole global system," since all components of a system are interdependent.
Under its "Humanities-Science Interface Initiative," The Humanities Center facilitates intellectual exchange and scholarly collaboration among humanists, social scientists, and scientists in the exploration of social values. In its "Program for Global Understanding," The Humanities Center addresses cultural and political issues related to the emergence of a global society. The goal is to increase society's appreciation for diverse cultures, Craige said.
One program that Craige is particularly pleased with is "The Cultures in Conflict Symposium Series." The program's goal is to educate UGA faculty and students, as well as residents of the surrounding communities and public radio listeners, about culture, religion, and politics of a different region of the world every year. In January of this year, the symposium's focus was on "Ethnicity and Nationalism in the Pacific Rim." In 1995, the topic was "Islam and the West," a tape of which will be aired over WUGA 91.7/97.9 FM, UGA's public radio station operated by the Georgia Center, on July 31, 1996, as part of UGA Arts '96 (see pp. 4-5). Next year, the focus will be on Africa with the theme, "Africa, Pan-Africanism, and the New World Order." Each year, the symposium is held at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.
Among the numerous programs sponsored by The Humanities Center, founded in 1987, are "The Humanities Center Research Fellowships," the "Visiting Scholar Program," the "Artist Workshop," and "The Humanities Center Conference Grant Program," as well as "The Bigger Picture," co-produced by WUGA-FM. The station will broadcast various segments of the series on Sundays this July (7:30-8 p.m.), as part of UGA Arts '96 (see "UGA Arts '96...," pp. 4-5 and "WUGA-FM...," p.5). Craige encourages faculty members to submit nominations to bring outstanding people to UGA's campus.
She is inspired by respected ecologist and holistic thinker Eugene P. Odum, director emeritus of UGA's Institute of Ecology who is often considered the "Father of Modern Ecology." Craige is currently writing a book on his life. "He is a wonderful friend and a tremendous person. He has influenced my work more than anyone else."
But Craige is somewhat of an inspiration herself. In her 23rd year with UGA, she holds a vitae which reflects heavy committee involvement on campus. She has been honored with numerous awards for excellence in teaching, research, and service. She was named co-winner of "Georgia Author of the Year Award for Non-Fiction" in 1992 by the Council of Authors and Journalists, Inc. for her book, Laying the Ladder Down. The book tackles the issue of social and conceptual hierarchies. According to Craige, in a global society, it is important not to rank components, such as cultures and nations, in absolute terms. This leads to abuse of some components, she said, adding that it's important to keep in mind that "we're all in this together."
Craige has also authored several other books, with her latest book, American Patriotism in a Global Society, scheduled for release July 1 of this year. Through this work, Craige argues that the transformation of our world into a global society is causing a resurgence of tribalism, the group loyalty that usually claims the name of patriotism. This occurs at the same time that it is inspiring the ideology of "political holism," the understanding of human society as an evolving, global system of interdependent individuals, cultures, and nations. She examines the "patriotic" resistance to globalization in the United States through case studies of recent events, including the Persian Gulf War of 1991.
Craige has also edited volumes of works, translated poetry, and penned several scholarly articles, book chapters, book reviews, and other works. She has written numerous essays published in the public media.
Recently, Craige was named a "University Professor in Comparative Literature" by UGA--a distinction awarded to professors who have made a significant impact on the institution.
A native of El Paso, Texas, Craige completed her undergraduate work at Pomona College in California, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in Spanish literature. She later earned master's and doctorate degrees in comparative literature from the University of Washington.
In her spare time, the Athens resident enjoys spending time with her three American Eskimo dogs, and she has recently started to delve into a new interest--photography.