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Alexander Kern Papers Edit

Summary

Identifier
RG99.0026

Dates

  • 1903-1995 (Creation)

Extents

  • 1.00 linear foot (Whole)

Agent Links

Notes

  • Abstract

    Professor of English in 1946. Chairman in American Studies Program, 1947-1975. Correspondence, articles, photographs.

  • Scope and Contents

    The Alexander Kern papers include correspondence, clippings, articles, and photographs of Mr. Kern.

  • Conditions Governing Access

    This collection is open for research.

  • Conditions Governing Use

    Copyright restrictions may apply; please consult Special Collections staff for further information.

  • Biographical / Historical

    Alexander Carl Kern was born September 23, 1909, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kern earned his B.A. at Yale in 1930. He took his M.A. at the University of Wisconsin in 1933 and his Ph.D. in history in 1936. Kern married Jean Bordner in 1936, and they had two children, John and Antonia.

    Dr. Kern joined the faculty at the State University of Iowa in 1936 as instructor of English. During 1945, he was a lecturer in the S.U.I. English Department, as well as University of Wisconsin and Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. In 1946 Kern was named assistant professor of English at S.U.I., where he further developed the American Studies Program. The American Studies Program was initially named American Civilization when it was first offered as a graduate program in 1934. Dr. Kern was made associate professor and course chairman of this program in fall 1947 by Elmer T. Peterson, acting dean of the Graduate College. Alexander Kern retired in 1975 and died August 16, 1997.

  • Method of Acquisition

    These materials were donated to the University Archives by Mr. Kern's estate in August 1995. Finding aid created October 2007.

  • Preferred Citation

    Alexander Kern Papers, The University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, Iowa.

  • Related Materials

    Folder, "Kern, Alexander C. ," Faculty and Staff Vertical Files collection (RG01.0015.003)

    Cawelti, John G. "Alexander Kern: An Analysis and Interpretation." American Studies 16, no. 2 (fall 1975): 9-14, illus. Also "An Issue for Alex," pp. 5-8, with "A Kern Bibliography."

    Kern, Alexander C. "A Historical Note on [the] American Civilization [Program] at Iowa." Handbook of the University of Iowa American Studies Program (1978): 3-4.

    Papers of Norman Foerster (RG99.0060)

Components

    Subjects