News Release

This year's topic is American national identity. The nature of American national identity is best characterized by E Pluribus Unum , the phrase inscribed on the U.S. dollar bill. This Latin phrase translates literally to from many, one, and thus captures the dilemma of the American people--defining a national identity in a society of individuals.

The dichotomy of common identity and individuality continues to be the subject of heated debate in the broadcast and print media as well as in the political arena. The task of this symposium is to create a forum through which the audience will be able to explore the paradox of what it means to be an American--a common bond that we share despite our inherent differences as individuals. What are the values that Americans hold dear? How does America survive amidst the great diversity of its individuals? What are the factors that shape and mold American national identity? These are the questions that this Symposium will pose and attempt to answer.

As in the past, the symposium is expected to draw approximately 10,000 audience members. The excitement generated by these lectures will push forward academic exploration of American national identity at Johns Hopkins and in the city of Baltimore.

The symposium is run entirely by a staff of undergraduate students at the university's Homewood campus. The two student chairs, selected by the Hopkins Student Council, are responsible for selecting the topics, securing all speakers, raising necessary funds and publicizing the series. The chairs receive some funding from Student Council but are responsible for raising the balance from corporations and foundations.

The 1998 MSE Symposium chairs are Omar Khan and Robbie Fisher. They can be reached at 410-516-7683. To learn more about the 1998 MSE Symposium, visit its web site at http://jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu/~asm1/mse/.