BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sept. 9, 2009) — Six lectures and a field trip comprise the fall 2009 schedule for Bemidji State University’s Academy of Lifelong Learning, coordinated by the Center for Research and Innovation.
Speakers for the fall lecture series include members of the Bemidji State faculty, including Dr. Henry Flocken, assistant professor of languages and ethnic studies, and Dr. Kit Christensen, professor of philosophy.
Academy of Lifelong Learning lectures are held from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Center for Research and Innovation, located at 3801 Bemidji Ave. N. in Bemidji, unless otherwise noted. The lectures are open free to the public.
Tuesday, Sept. 29: “Pow Wows: History, Culture, and Symbolism”
Presenter: Henry Flocken, assistant professor of languages and ethnic studies, Bemidji State University.
When and where were the first pow wows? Is the purpose of these gatherings social or spiritual, or do participants only come to dance? Are all pow wows the same? Flocken will explore these questions and more while examining the interesting history and dynamic contemporary presence of the pow wow within American Indian communities. Flocken’s lecture will be sponsored by Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative.
Tuesday, Oct. 6: Forest History Center bus trip
Field trip: Forest History Center, Grand Rapids, Minn.
A full day of educational events including a museum tour, film, and multiple interactive, interpretive and hands-on activities. Please note that the trip has a $48 registration fee, which is due by Thursday, Oct. 1. This fee covers the cost of transportation, lunch, and center admission. For more information on the Forest History Center, visit it at http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/fhc/.
Tuesday, Oct. 13: “Fetal Alcohol: Costs to Our Community”
Presenter: Dr. Diane Pittman, family physician, member of Governor’s task force on fetal alcohol syndrome from 1997-98.
Fetal alcohol syndrome, better described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, is a set of neurologic and behavioral problems caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. Pittman will explore the costs of this common and preventable condition to individuals, families, communities and society at large. She will invite participants to engage in discussion as to how a community might meet the challenge posed by this difficult public health and social issue. Pittman’s lecture is sponsored by MedSave Pharmacy.
Tuesday, Oct. 20: “Recent Archeological Investigations in the Bemidji Area”
Presenter: Les Peterson, archeologist and environmental specialist, Red Lake tribal engineering department.
The Bemidji area has a rich and varied archaeological legacy. Recent pre-construction investigations on Highway 197 at the Mississippi River crossing, Diamond Point Park and Three Island Lake County Park have shed new light on the local archaeological record. Peteson’s lecture will examine the results of these recent studies in the context archaeological research in Minnesota dating back more than a century and will provide ample time for questions and discussion.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: “Coya Knutson: U.S. Congresswoman 1954 to 1958”
Presenter: Gretchen Urnes Beito, author of “Coya Come Home,” a biography of Coya Knutson.
Beito, a Minnesota regional historian, will explore the life of Coya Knutson, the first Minnesota woman elected to Congress. She will explore the circumstances surrounding her 1951 election to the U.S. House of Representatives and her 1958 defeat in a reelection bid following the publication of the famous “Coya Come Home” letter, and will explore the qualities that attracted voters to her. Beito will also discuss how motherhood and Knutson’s position as a wife in the 1950s affected her career.
Tuesday, Nov. 3: “Ethical Decisions-Making: A Philosophical View”
Presenter: Kit Christensen, professor of philosophy, Bemidji State University.
Christensen will explain the basic factors that go into making a rational, informed decision about moral right and wrong in particular circumstances and some of the philosophical controversies surrounding those decisions. From everyday interpersonal interaction to social policy analysis affecting millions, these factors can be seen as the foundation of justified ethical beliefs. Christensen will also explain why ethical decision-making matters in our lives.
Tuesday, Nov. 10: “Trials and Tribulations of a Playwright”
Presenter: Roy C. Booth, writer, journalist and comedian.
Booth, an accomplished playwright with more than 40 published plays, will explore the inspiration to write. Booth will encourage participants to consider their own personal experiences and to examine the message you want to deliver to your audience. The presentation may als include a world premier of a new 10-minute play by Booth.
The ALL lecture series is made possible in part through private donations and support from Bemidji State University. More information is available by contacting the Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900 or by visiting http://www.cri-bsu.org.
ON THE WEB
• Center for Research and Innovation: http://www.cri-bsu.org
• Forest History Center at the Minnesota Historical Society: http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/fhc/
• “Coya Come Home” at amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Coya-Come-Home-Congresswomans-Journey/dp/0938817027
• Roy Booth: http://www.roycbooth.com