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Born on October 25, 1932, Claus Clüver came to Indiana University from Hamburg, Germany from 1957 through 1959, and permanently in 1964, to help found the Department of Comparative Literature. Clüver served in several positions including associate instructor, lecturer, associate professor, and full professor of comparative literature. In addition, he helped to begin overseas studies programs through Indiana University in Hamburg, Germany and in São Paulo, Brazil. In this interview, Clüver discusses the development and history of comparative literature and his involvement in the creation of the Interarts Studies Program at Indiana University. He speaks of international students at the university, racism, campus changes, changes in enrollment, and some of the effects of the energy crisis on the university. Finally, some of the names prominent in Clüver's interview and in the field of comparative literature are Horst Frenz, Ulrich Weisstein, Mary Ellen Solt, and Clifford Flannigan.

Born on September 9, 1924, Phyllis R. Klotman joined the Indiana University faculty in 1970 and served as professor and in other capacities until 1996. She taught Afro-American studies, film studies, and women's studies in addition to serving as Indiana University's first affirmative action officer and as dean for women's affairs. Klotman also was the founder and longtime director of the Black Film Center/Archive. In this interview, she discusses racism, African-Americans, minority students, female faculty, anti-Semitism, and minority enrollment at Indiana University. In addition, Klotman details the creation and development of Afro-American studies at the university, especially in the context of the Department of English.