WCC arts and humanities schedule
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 20, 2017 1:45 AM
A little Scarlett O'Hara, a little football, World War I and II, and a timely program on Russia, are just a few of the offerings for the fall line-up of the arts and humanities from the Foundation of Wayne Community College.
Kay Cooke, director of the program, enthused about the variety and always hopes there will be something to spark someone's interest.
"That's what the arts and humanities are about -- the cultural and the historical," she said. "W.B. Yeats said that education is not filling a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
"I like that because what I try to look for are things that make you think and have pertinence and that our community has a track record of showing an interest in."
She praised her committee with faithfully working to secure interesting speakers and worthwhile topics, often planning six months to a year or more ahead.
That was the case with the 2017 William S. Brettmann lecture, on the topic of "Russia: Then and Now."
"We have been trying for two years to get this, long before any of this happened with Russia being prominently in the news," she said. "Finally (the program) came to fruition and now it couldn't be more topical."
Another asset has been the addition of a partnership with the UNC humanities program at its college of arts and sciences, sharing some of its vetted speakers to the eastern part of the state.
"It brings such wonderful speakers that the triangle has access to all the time, but it's wonderful that they're willing to get on the road and come here," she said.
The following is the list of programs on tap for the fall. Unless otherwise indicated, events are free and do not require registration.
WWII Remembered: The Battle of Guadalcanal, Monday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. in Walnut 101 with Dr. Roy Heidicker, military veteran and adjunct faculty member of University of Mount Olive.
It is part of the continuing World War II anniversary series, featuring lectures on pivotal battles and significant turning points in the war.
The Southern Experience, in Walnut 101, all start at 7 p.m.
*All Deliberate Speed: College Football in the 20th Century South, on Monday, Oct. 9 Dr. Matthew Andrews, lecturer and advisor for the UNC-Chapel Hill department of history, focuses on ways the sports reflect and affect American politics, race and social reform.
*The Scarletts of Southern Literature, on Monday, Oct. 16. Dr. Margaret Bauer, Rives Chair of southern literature and distinguished professor of arts and sciences at East Carolina University. The lecture, based on her recent book, "A Study of Scarletts: Scarlett O'Hara and Her Literary Daughters," examines the oft-misundertood character and explore societal attitudes about strong women in such novels as "Cold Mountain."
*God in Southern Story and Song, Monday, Oct. 23. Susan Ketchin, tutor and workshop leader at Duke Divinity School's Center for Theology, Writing and Media, is author of "The Christ-Haunted Landscape" Faith add Doubt in Southern Fiction."
One trip is planned this fall, Nov. 3-5, Shakespeare in Staunton, going to the historic Virginia home of the American Shakespeare Center. Margaret and Phil Baddour are leading the trip. The $90 ticket includes plays, theater tour and transportation. Hotel is extra. Registration deadline is Sept. 27.
In advance of the trip, the Baddours along with Allyson Daly will lead a preparatory workshop, "Staunton Preview" on Monday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in Walnut 101. The event will include play reviews, brochures, restaurant information and information on the town of Staunton. Non-trip participants are also welcome to attend the free preview.
Russia: Then and Now will take place on Monday, Oct. 30, 4-7:30 p.m. in Walnut 101. Cost is $30 per person, which includes a light supper and lectures. Registration and payment due by Oct. 23.
Presented by Carolina Public Humanities and the Foundation, featured presenters are Dr. Don Raleigh, Jay Richard Judson Distinguished professor of history at UNC-Chapel Hill and Dr. Michele Rivkin-Fish, who has done research on health and gender in Russia.
They will speak on why the Romanov dynasty collapsed and the Bolsheviks came to power and how market economics changed family formation in Russia.
On Wed., Nov. 15, former arts and humanities Bill Brettman will head up a day trip to the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh and introduce the exhibit on "North Carolina and World War I." Cost is $30 per person, which includes lunch, tour and transportation.
For more information on the arts and humanities program, call 919-739-7017, email wcc-foundation@waynecc.edu or visit the website, waynecc.edu/foundation.