Luther College announces “Texts and Issues Lecture Series” speakers

Mark your calendars for a series of public talks by Luther faculty

A Luther College tradition continues this year with the return of "Paideia Texts and Issues Lecture Series." Since 1983, Luther faculty have presented research from a variety of disciplines, centered on a common theme. This year the focus is on "Resistance and Resilience."

            Each year the Paideia Governing Board selects four to five presentation proposals that provide a range of perspectives from the liberal arts.  

"In contemplating responses to oppression, this year's widely varying topics offer us inspiring models of individual courage and creativity, and collective strength," said Kathy Reed, Paideia program director.

            All lectures will take place at 7 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall with receptions to follow in Qualley Lounge. Sponsored by the Paideia Endowment, these events are always open to the public with no charge for admission.

Here are the lectures for the 2019-20 academic year. For more information, visit the Luther events calendar at luther.edu/events.

Sept. 24 - Martin Klammer, professor of English, presents "Steve Biko: Black Consciousness as Resistance to the Apartheid State"

Drawing inspiration from liberation movements across Africa and from Black Power and black theology in the United States, Black Consciousness inspired a generation of South African blacks to create community centers, clinics and other self-help organizations, and to stand up to the apartheid regime, often at the risk of their lives. Biko himself died while in police custody, but his life, writing and legacy lived on, helping bring about the end of apartheid and a new South Africa in 1994.

Nov. 12 - Anna Peterson, assistant professor of history, and David Faldet, professor of English, presents "Education and the Ho-Chunk: Resistance and Resilience"

Peterson and Faldet will explore the intersection of their individual research on the Winneshiek/Ho-Chunk people who resided in northeast Iowa.  Peterson focuses on the Bethany Indian Mission School near Wittenberg, WI. Founded in 1883 by Luther College alumni, it served Native American tribes of Wisconsin, mostly Oneida and Winnebago (Ho-Chunk), as both a mission and a school until 1955.  Faldet looks at the nature of "survivance" in the face of forced removals in the mid-19th century.             

March 10 - Anita Carrasco, associate professor of anthropology, presents "Culture as Resistance in the Chilean Andes: An Indigenous Community's Struggle for Rights and Recognition"

Carrusco will present her research on Likantatay, an indigenous community that, in 1991, intentionally relocated from marginal conditions in rural pasturing land to the outskirts of Calama, Chile. Carrusco will explain that their main objective was to reproduce what they viewed as their "traditional" Atacameño community, but in an urban space.

Luther College is home to 1,900 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.