Lectures January 18, 2005

 

English Symposium Series/Benson Lecture Committee
Tuesday, 18 January 2005, 1pm

In attendance: Betsy Smith (chair), Chris Keirstead, Rick Joines, Chris Forhan, John Kwist, Miriam Clark

Michael Hoffman

Reviewed the details of Hoffman’s visit on Thursday, 27 January 2005. Lunch will be served at noon in HC 8009--all invited. Reading will be at 3pm in the museum. Rick Joines will be in charge of coordinating dinner plans.

There is still some question about the hour of 10:30-11:30. There is a possibility of Hoffman speaking with students/faculty in the dept. of Foreign Languages, but this had not been confirmed as of the meeting.

Jahan Ramazani

Visit scheduled for 24 February 2005. 3pm reading in the museum. Betsy Smith confirmed that the reception would be held in the museum following the reading.

Lee Peterson

Kyes Stevens, on behalf of the Alabama Prison Arts and Education project, sent a memo inquiring about the possibility of the English department supporting/coordinating a reading by the poet Lee Peterson. Committee agreed it was worth pursuing; will check with Jeremy Downes and others who may be interested in coordinating their courses with a reading/workshop.

2005-2006

The committee is assured funding of approximately $7,500, but will likely receive additional funds for an expected amount of $10,000 (additional funds available from the college, the university, Center for Diversity, and others).

The goal is for the committee to have made the decisions about next year’s speaking schedule by late spring. This will allow us to advertise the events earlier and, most importantly, will allow instructors to plan for courses that complement the speakers.

Jim Phelan is already on the schedule for spring of 2006 (date not yet determined).

In an effort to invigorate the lecture series, the committee is also considering non-traditional (to this series, at least) formats including panel discussions, workshops, etc. Ideas include a panel on Southern literature, poetry (combining scholarship with creative writing), or an editing panel utilizing our resources with the SHR.

There were also suggestions to re-inquire with Wendell Berry and Jhumpa Lahiri.

The committee discussed revisions to the departmental notice seeking recommendations for next year’s speakers. Suggested revisions include asking about teaching topics and a brief survey that would gauge interests in different areas.

The final item was a resolution to make decisions in February and March about next year’s speakers so the inquiry process can begin as soon as possible.

Submitted by John Kwist

 

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Last updated February 7, 2005