The communication department’s signature annual event, COM Week, will occur on Feb. 22-26 this year, and brings with it speakers who are leaders in their fields. This year’s theme is Foundations. Dr. Jeffrey Q. McCune Jr. will present at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 24 at Plaster Student Union Ballroom East.

McCune explores culture, sexuality, gender

McCune (PhD from Northwestern University) is an associate professor at Washington University-St. Louis. He is perhaps one of the freshest critical voices today offering new perspectives on topics such as popular culture,race, gender, sexuality, and religion.

McCune’s newest project, “READ!: An Experiment in Seeing Black,” is a monograph which explores ways of “knowing” black people beyond what he calls “canonical prejudices.” This work provides a unique approach the study of race, gender, sexuality and class toward an ethics of care and critical generosity.

McCune is the recipient of the NCA’s 2015 GLBT Division Book of the Year for his book, “Sexual Discretion: Black Masculinity and the Politics of Passing.” In it he explores the negotiations of black masculinity and sexuality in everyday life, media and American literature.

Other speakers to discuss topics in privacy, relationships and social justice

Visit the website for a full list of speakers in this year’s COM Week.