Joseph E. Spencer Papers, 1924-1985

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Summary

Creators:
Spencer, J.E. (Joseph Earle), 1907-
Abstract:
Joseph E. Spencer (1907-1984) was a professor of geography at UCLA. His fields of expertise were East and Southeast Asia and cultural geography. The collection consists of manuscripts, course notes, syllabi, correspondence, publications, research files, and printed materials related to Spencer's life and career.
Extent:
19 boxes (9.5 linear ft.) 6 oversize boxes
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of manuscripts, course notes, syllabi, correspondence, publications, research files, and printed materials related to the life and career of UCLA geography professor Joseph E. Spencer. Includes annual reports of the UCLA Department of Geography, announcements and minutes of department and committee meetings, and various newsletters.

Expanded Scope and Content

The papers of Joseph E. Spencer span the years 1924-1985. Biographical and autobiographical material includes curriculum vitae and memorial tributes. Activities of the UCLA Department of Geography are richly documented by annual reports to the University president, announcements and minutes of department and committee meetings, memoranda to staff; and a handful of student, alumni and department newsletters. Spencer's teaching duties are represented by course notes, syllabi, and examinations for nearly two dozen different classes, as well as preliminary and comprehensive examination questions administered across two decades. Correspondence with friends, colleagues and publishers in some cases spans more than two decades. Photographs include Spencer's family and research photographs which supported publications on Utah, Chungking (China), India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and numerous locations throughout southeastern Asia. Manuscript material includes drafts of articles and correspondence pertaining to a handful of papers as well as twenty years' worth of Spencer's reviews. Spencer's publications include offprints and reprints of many of his articles and book reviews. Research files supporting publications or class use include extensive field and reading notes on the cultural and economic geography of Asia.

Biographical / historical:

Spencer was born near Bolivar, Missouri, on September 11, 1907; grew up in the San Fernando Valley, California, and graduated from Burbank High School; BA, geography, UCLA, 1929; Ph.D, geography, University of California at Berkeley, 1936; worked for the Salt Revenue Administration Ministry of Finance, China, 1932-40; instructor in Geography, UCLA, 1940-42; served in World War II and afterwards returned to UCLA as an assistant professor; became professor of Geography (1953-75) and professor emeritus (1975-84); his fields of expertise were East and Southeast Asia and cultural geography; recipient of UCLA Teaching Award, 1966; received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Association of American Geographers in 1968; retired in 1975; died on May 23, 1984.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Kathryn Smith, 1987.
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series:

  1. Biographical and autobiographical material (1976-85).
  2. UCLA Dept. of Geography (1924-83).
  3. Teaching (1942-84).
  4. Correspondence (1941-84).
  5. Photographs (1930-52).
  6. Manuscripts (1941-78).
  7. Publications (1931-84).
  8. Research files (1933-83).

Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
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