Coe College Thursday Forum sessions announced for 2024-2025
Coe College Thursday Forum sessions announced for 2024-2025
Coe College invites local community members to participate in Thursday Forum, a weekly series in which faculty share expertise on a variety of timely topics of interest. Coe has been providing this educational opportunity to the community for over 30 years. Join us for an exceptional lineup of lectures that promises to inspire and inform:
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Heroes of Aviation: Beyond the Wright Brothers | September 5, 12, 19 and 26: Presented by Associate Professor of Physics Caio Bragatto, discover the aviation contributions of innovators like Sir George Cayley, Otto Lilienthal and Alberto Santos-Dumont. Engage in discussions about the definition of the first true airplane and learn the fundamental physics principles that make flight possible. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of how humans conquered the skies!
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The Etruscans | October 3 and 10: Drawing from Greek and Roman literary sources and archaeological evidence, Provost and Dean of the Faculty Angela Ziskowski will paint a vivid picture of this fascinating culture. You'll learn about the structure of the Etruscan government, their pantheon of gods and the reasons behind their eventual disappearance. Join us for this journey into a lesser-known but crucial chapter of ancient Mediterranean history.
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Understanding and Learning the Birds of Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa | October 17, 24, 31 and November 7: Whether you're a seasoned bird watcher or a curious beginner, this series will enhance your understanding of local avian life and provide tools to identify and appreciate the birds in your own backyard. Discover the beauty and importance of our feathered neighbors in this engaging forum. Join Associate Professor of Biology Jesse Ellis for a fascinating four-week exploration of the diverse bird populations in Eastern Iowa.
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The Dalai Lamas | November 14 and 21: Explore the world of Tibetan Buddhism and its most revered spiritual leaders led by Stead Family Associate Professor of Religion Chris Hatchell. Discover the unique process of identifying reincarnated lamas and the rich history of this centuries-old institution. From powerful political figures to poetic rebels, each Dalai Lama has left an indelible mark on Tibetan culture and world history.
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Harsh Realities Drawn in Pictures: (Children’s?) Literature and Social Problems of the World | January 23 and 30: Join Associate Professor of Spanish Laissa M. Rodríguez Moreno to reimagine the boundaries of children's literature and gain a unique perspective on some of the world's most pressing social problems. This forum promises to be an enlightening experience for book lovers, social activists and anyone interested in the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of complex realities.
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How Bad Ideas Spread: Shaping Values by Claiming the Conventional Wisdom | February 6, 13, 20 and 27: Ever wonder why certain ideas become "common knowledge," even when they're not entirely accurate? This series will unravel the mystery behind the spread of popular misconceptions and their impact on society. Led by Associate Professors Allison Carr (rhetoric) and Drew Westberg (economics), this forum isn't just about identifying misconceptions — it's about understanding how and why they persist, and how new, more accurate ideas can take root.
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Soaring: Staging a Historical Dance Through Dance Notation | March 6 and 13: Uncover the secret world of Labanotation, the intricate system that captures the ephemeral art of dance on paper, led by Carol Maxwell Rezabek, instructor of dance and theatre. Learn how this remarkable tool preserves choreography across generations and continents. Audience members will be treated to a live performance of Soaring as well as an after-performance discussion with its dancers. Whether you're a dance enthusiast or simply curious about the preservation of art, this forum promises to be an eye-opening and inspiring experience!
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Scotland and the United Kingdom: Breaking Up is Hard to Do | March 27: Imagine a 300-year-old marriage on the brink of divorce. That's Scotland and the United Kingdom right now! Join Professor of Political Science Lynda Barrow for this riveting one-week forum that will plunge you into the heart of a nation divided, where history, identity and future aspirations clash in a dramatic political showdown. Get exclusive insights from Professor Barrow's interviews with Scottish parliament members.
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Beer: History and Appreciation | April 3 and 10: This isn't your average happy hour — it's a journey spanning 7,000 years of human civilization, all through the bottom of a beer mug! Globe-trot through beer history, from Irish pubs to Belgian monasteries, German beer halls to American craft breweries. Plus, for those of age, an optional tasting session that's basically time travel for your taste buds! Join Associate Professor of Psychology Ben Chihak for this unique blend of science, history and sudsy goodness. It's education you can toast to!
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Taking the Longview: How Long-Term Studies Shape Our Future | April 17 and 24: Patience isn't just a virtue, it's a scientific superpower! Join Assistant Professor of Biology Daniel Hughes for insights into how long-term research continues to shape our understanding of the natural world and informs our approach to future challenges. Who knows? You might just be inspired to start your own decades-long quest for knowledge!
Thursday Forum is held in Kesler Auditorium on the first floor of Hickok Hall. Each weekly session begins with registration and refreshments from 8:45-9:15 AM, followed by the lecture until 11:30 AM. The presentations blend lectures, media such as film and music and discussion.
Admission to each four-week forum series is $40. Admission to individual lectures and one- and two-week forums is $12 per week. Admission includes the lecture and morning refreshments of coffee, tea and pastries. Payment can be made in person on Thursday mornings by cash or personal check. Credit card payments can be processed by registering online in advance at www.coe.edu/thursday-forum. For more information, visit the Thursday Forum website or call 319.399.8523.
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Coe College offers superb academics and exciting extracurricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. Coe’s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.