A number of diverse and engaging lecture series in the College of Liberal Arts are underway this spring. Everything from history and art, to politics and social movements will be covered virtually for the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno campus and community. Many of the departments and programs are bringing in renowned guest speakers and performing artists to engage with the public, free of charge. Schedules vary from weekly, to biweekly and monthly. Review the liberal arts lecture series calendar for more information and to find a lecture that meets any interest.
“I am very excited that so many of our departments and programs in the College of Liberal Arts have developed a series of lectures, events or programs providing year-long opportunities for our campus and local communities,” Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Debra Moddelmog said. “The variation of events give online audiences a chance to learn more about subjects of critical importance to our time, such as health in the time of a pandemic, activism and social justice, the Jewish experience in America, building legacies of equity and more.
“Whether the series is in the form of a lecture, a panel discussion or a musical performance (e.g., the brilliant a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock®), we are clearly dedicated as a college to improving understanding and opening up dialogue about our complex world.”
New this year, the MFA program within the Department of Art presents the "Artist Lecture Series." Six guest artists have been invited to speak to virtual audiences throughout the spring 2021 semester. The series kicks off on Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. with Siobhan Arnold – a mixed media artist from San Diego, California, who works with photography, textiles, sculpture and installation. Her work addresses the intersections of history/memory, gender and representation. Her most current work explores cross-cultural mythologies, archetypes, fairy tales and folklore from a contemporary perspective.
The Core Humanities program at the University is in its third season of "Thought on Tap" – a public engagement series that brings together diverse faculty, staff, students and community members for important conversations around timely topics.
Each year is based on a different theme. The theme for 2021 is "Building legacies of …" The series kicks off this spring on Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m., with “Building Legacies of Equity in Education.”
In addition, the Core Humanities program also started a brand new “Core Humanities Lecture Series” which brings together scholars from across the country to share their research and expertise with students as well as members of the broader community. Each event focuses on a single theme, which connects to a specific Core Humanities course. In Spring 2021, there will be four events, which cover topics ranging from the role of women in the Middle Ages to laughter in contemporary films. The second event will be held Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m., titled “Medieval America: Feudalism and Liberalism in Nineteenth-Century U.S. Culture.”
“History in the Present” is a monthly webinar series hosted by the Department of History that historicizes current events, shares cutting-edge research and aims to promote dialogue on issues of interest between the University and the broader community.
“These are going to be really cool,” Hugh Shapiro, associate professor of history, said. “As historians, we work across disciplines and collaborate with a broad range of people outside of the University.”
In addition to history faculty, museum curators, NGO leaders and experts on the environment and human rights will also be presenting in this webinar series. The second event will be held March 3 at noon, titled “The Ongoing Ethical Debate on Looted Nazi and Holocaust-Era Books in the United States.”
{{RelatedLinks}}
“Second Tuesdays with Political Science,” is gearing up for another lively semester of lectures. The series features guest panelists each month who will provide perspective on the momentous political and social events of the current environment. The first event this spring will be Feb. 9 at 4 p.m., titled “Criminal Governance in the COVID-19 Era.”
The School of the Arts is celebrating 60 years of the “Performing Arts Series.” Three exceptionally talented performing artists will join audiences live, virtually for one-of-a-kind, made just for the audience, performances. Each performance is ticketed and will allow for unlimited on-demand viewing for 14 days after the show’s debut. Tickets are $15 for individual performances or $40 for a three-pack to attend all three of this spring’s events. Student tickets are free.
The spring season kicks off with Goitse – an award-winning, roof-raising Irish ensemble – on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. A cappella ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock ®, rooted in African American history and culture, will perform live on March 25 at 6 p.m. The season will finish with jazz singer Michael Mayo on April 22 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit the Performing Arts Series.
Finally, the Department of Sociology is hosting a weekly series geared towards students. “Socializing with Sociologists” features a new host each week to discuss current events, help students tackle tough applications, work on mental health and sometimes just to have fun playing games. The series takes place every Monday at 5:30 p.m., which kicked off on Feb. 1 and will go through May 3.
The College of Liberal Arts lecture series calendar lists dates and times of scheduled events. All events are virtual and presented in Pacific Time. Many events are free and open to the public and some require advanced registration. Be sure to register for event links ahead of the scheduled event or lecture.
