UConn Advance - September 25, 2006 - Lecture series to focus on American Experience

American history will come to life this fall at the Avery Point Campus, with a lecture series sponsored by the University's American Studies Program.

Nancy Steenburg, faculty coordinator for the American Experience Lecture Series, started the series in spring 2005.

"The goal of the series is to let both the Avery Point community and the public know about the diversity available within the discipline of American Studies," she says.

"It also allows the local community to enjoy free lectures about fascinating topics, presented by some of our most engaging faculty members."

Wayne Franklin, director of American Studies, kicked off the series last week, with a discussion of the War of 1812 and America's relationship with Britain.

Upcoming lectures include:

Oct. 3 - "Teotihuacan - Birthplace of the Gods," by Frank Crohn, lecturer in anthropology. Crohn will discuss theories of the founding of Teotihuacan, Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica's largest ancient city.

Oct. 17 - "Stephen King and the Power of Horror," by Pamela Bedore, assistant professor of English. Bedore will explore the appeal of horror novels to the American reader.
Oct. 31 - "Here We Go Again?" by Richard Cole, assistant professor-in-residence of political science. Cole will explain the process of electing a new Supreme Court Justice, as well as the roles of the President and the U.S. Senate in the United States.
Nov. 28 - "From Swashbuckler to Swish Buckler," by William Brubaker, lecturer in political science. In light of the popularity of pirate movies, Brubaker will discuss maritime law and modern-day piracy.
ec. 12 - "Concerned Charity or Conscience Money?" by Steenburg, an assistant professor-in-residence of history. New London women in the 1840s founded a Ladies' Seamen's Friend Society. Did they do this to support their men, or did they have a different agenda? Steenburg will take a closer look.

The lecture series is free and open to the public.

All lectures will be at UConn's Avery Point campus in Groton, in the Marine Sciences Building, Room 103.

Lecture series to focus on American Experience

by Terrie Judge - September 25, 2006