Green Worlds
August 26
6 - 7 p.m.
Lara Farina, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
What’s it like to be a plant? Humans have asked this question for a long time, and this class will offer a history of ideas about vegetal life as found in natural philosophy, literature, art, medicine, and built environments. We will consider how plants have been used to define the human and yet have profoundly challenged human ways of perceiving and knowing. Subtopics include human/nonhuman relations; botanic fantasies; responses to ecological crisis; plant horror; human vegetality; the social life of green space; and speculative ecologies.
Register to Attend Lara's SeminarSocial Deduction Games
September 2
6 - 7 p.m.
Ron Reaser, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Students play and spectate games with hidden roles or team allegiances, discuss their rules and themes, then create and publish their own games.
Register to Attend Ron's SeminarVisual Math & Data Science
September 9
6 - 7 p.m.
Ryan Hansen, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Wonder what math and data science concepts look like to mathematicians? An exploratory course exploring visualization methods understanding and demonstrating mathematical and data science concepts. Topics include sports streaks and slumps, “random or not?”, predicting the future, understanding AI and machine learning, fractals, the fourth dimension, and knots.
Register to Attend Ryan's SeminarHeritage Tourism
September 16
6 - 7 p.m.
Meridith Balas, John Chambers College of Business and Economics
Discover how World Heritage Sites, like Machu Picchu, Yellowstone National Park, and the Acropolis of Athens, connect history, culture, and tourism in this engaging course on the impact of heritage tourism. Explore how these iconic landmarks drive the global tourism industry while promoting sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Through real-world case studies, discussions, and creative projects, you’ll gain a global perspective on the business strategies behind heritage tourism and its impact on communities. This course offers valuable insights and practical skills for careers in tourism, business, or DEI-focused organizations.
Register to Attend Meridith's SeminarThe Appalachian Other
September 23
6 - 7 p.m.
Jayme Scally, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Appalachia is a region often misunderstood by outsiders and insiders alike; it is home to unique cultures and traditions yet is often perceived to be a backward society with few prospects for the future. If we were to ask AI to create a picture of an Appalachian, it would be a straight, White, middle aged, Christian man. This course will focus on the human element of Appalachia that is often neglected, those who are othered by the traditional stereotypes of Appalachia. We will pull from disciplines including sociology, cultural studies, political science, and psychology to understand power, difference, and otherness to explore the experiences of diverse Appalachian communities and how they interact and impact each other.
Register to Attend Jayme's Seminar