History Professor Crosses Disciplines to Study Life on the Border by Sue Kropp
• B.A., Swarthmore College • M.A., University of New Mexico • Ph.d., University of Michigan Faculty Profiles Faculty & Staff Page		OCTOBER 30, 2002--Raised in New Mexico, Assistant Professor of History Pablo Mitchell is nonetheless at home in Ohio--especially in Oberlin. "Oberlin is a place that understands the meaning of interdisciplinary study," Mitchell says. "Both my classes and my research draw heavily on how issues of race, gender, and class intersect along the U.S.-Mexico border, historically and in the present day." Mitchell encourages his students to cross disciplines and explore fields like women's studies, queer studies, and ethnic studies to better understand history. "Looking outside the boundaries of traditional history can help us better understand American history," says Mitchell. "For example, looking at the experiences of people of mixed heritage and focusing on the characteristics that societies have used to differentiate themselves for centuries--including sexual practices and gender norms--can bring new insight into our collective American history." A Q&A with Pablo Mitchell: Research Interests: The Borderlands Course Offerings: Studying Race and Gender within Latino/a Populations Oberlin Students in the Classroom
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