In 1998, a group of American anthropologists garnered attention by questioning the meaning of "race." These scholars, from a discipline that long supported the concept of race, announced they no longer believed that humans could be categorized into clearly distinct biological groups. Their statement echoed a sentiment increasingly expressed by academics in a variety of disciplines. Scholars today suggest that "race," as it is understoo in the U.S., was invented in the 18th century by English colonists to separate themselves from the Native Americans and Africans also living in colonial America. And, they say, the errant belief in race led to such atrocities as slavery in the South and the Holocaust in Europe. Anthropologist Audrey Smedley (VCU), author of the 1998 American Anthropological Association Statement on Race and the award-winning book Race in North America, joins with historian Dirk Philipsen (VSU) in a discussion of the development of race as a concept and how race led to racism.

Second Week (Sept. 8 – 14) Revolutionary War: Changes in American Military Strategy

Later this month, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is expected to submit to Congress his review of the status of the U.S. military. Politicians and pundits are eagerly waiting to see whether the Bush administration will suggest the vast overhaul in American defense strategy for which it once called. Should the U.S. abandon its posture of being able to fight two major wars simultaneously? Are overseas bases still necessary? Will a long-range missile defense program serve us better than large infantry divisions? Retired General Anthony Zinni (VMI), a former commander of American forces in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, and former Congressman G. William Whitehurst (ODU), a veteran member of the House Armed Services committee, weigh in.

Third Week (Sept. 15 – 21) Walking Away From Diabetes

More than 10 million Americans are at high risk of developing diabetes and 60 million are already afflicted. The numbers are especially alarming for minority populations in the United States. This scourge causes 17% of American deaths each year and is the leading cause of blindness. There is no cure for diabetes, but a new study offers proof that you might be able to walk away from the disease. Doctors Kline Bolton and Jerry Nadler (UVa) say walking 30 minutes a day and losing weight can reduce by more than half your risk of developing diabetes in adulthood.

Fourth Week (Sept. 22 – 28) Hamlet in the Valley

Already famous as the home of the Statler Brothers, Woodrow Wilson and turn-of-the-century buildings designed by TJ Collins, the town of Staunton is hoping to claim its place on the map as a center for Shakespearean drama. This month the city heralds the opening of the Blackfriars Playhouse. Modeled after the roofed, Elizabethan theater where Shakespeare and his players performed for London's elite, the theater will serve as home to Shenandoah Shakespeare. Ralph Cohen (JMU), executive director of Shenandoah Shakespeare, offers a history of the original Blackfriars as he wanders amid the construction of the new one. Also featured: Theater expert Laurie Wolf (W&M) discusses the role Shakespeare and his contemporaries played in helping theater bridge the gap from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

Fifth Week (Sept. 29 – Oct. 5) Radio Made America