Knowledge Shared
- The War in Ukraine: Past is Present - Christian Raffensperger
The Russian invasion in Ukraine of February 2022 surprised so many people throughout the West, but for the Ukrainians and some Russians and other eastern Europeans it was presaged by history in both word and deed. Christian Raffensperger will talk about the past of the region and how it impacts the present war, including analyzing the claims made by Vladimir Putin, and talking about where the conflict may end.
- Why Campaign Coverage is Terrible - Staci Rhine
Campaign coverage is terrible, but probably not in the way that you imagine. In an ideal world, we would learn about the policy differences between the parties and candidates. In reality, too much of the coverage ignores policy and just reports on polls. And in fact, most races beyond a few big ones receive little to no coverage at all. We will discuss how campaigns are covered and why many of us struggle to be good citizens.
- Why Always Jane? The Enduring Appeal of Jane Austen - Robin Inboden
If she could see the world today, two hundred years after her death, Jane Austen would probably be bemused (and amused) to see the entertainment empire that has sprung from her novels. For decades, her work has filled the silver screen (Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Clueless, etc.), as well as shelves of books imitating and adapting her Regency romantic plots, with no signs of stopping any time soon. Why does Jane Austen continue to fascinate after two centuries? And what does the ongoing stream of Austen adaptations, sequels, prequels, and other pop culture manifestations suggest about our own society鈥檚 values, desires, and anxieties?
- Environmental Collapse and its Aftermath: Some Lessons from our Ancient Past - Travis Proctor
In this presentation, Travis Proctor will explore how ancient societies changed in response to environmental disasters. The focus of the presentation will be on the ancient city of Ephesus, located in modern-day Turkey. Ephesus faced many environmental challenges, including a changing climate, flooding, over-silting of its harbor, the spread of disease, and earthquakes. These challenges threatened many of the city鈥檚 most valued cultural institutions, including its ancestral religions and political systems. The presentation will explore how Ephesians responded to these challenges both through technological innovations and cultural changes, while examining questions that have relevance for the environmental challenges we face today.
- "Conspiracy theories: Assessing Belief and Disbelief" with Kelley Annesley
Is the world full of hidden conspiracies? Or, are you wondering why a friend or family member thinks the world is full of hidden conspiracies? Conspiracy theories are only growing in popularity, and so many of us want to understand what is really going on. Join us to think more about conspiracy theories鈥搃ncluding a discussion about what that term even means. We will also engage with issues around the nature of evidence, rationality, and justified belief, all within a framework on belief in conspiracy theories that is equally critical and compassionate.
- "Over Here: Springfield & Clark County's World War II Homefront Efforts " with Natalie Fritz
Join Clark County Historical Society Archivist Natalie Fritz for a look at local history sources and stories to show the wide variety of support shown on the homefront during World War II. The people of Clark County came together to show their patriotism and support for the cause in many ways, by rationing, through collection drives, by buying bonds, by joining the workforce, by converting manufacturing in support, and so much more. Come prepared to learn more, ask questions, and share memories.
- "Desegregation and the path to integration of Major league Baseball: 1947-1972 " with Scott Rosenberg
In April of 1947 Jackie Robinson broke the color bar that had existed in Major League baseball since 1884. This talk will examine whether Jackie Robinson integrated or desegregated Major League Baseball using Martin Luther King's "Ethical Demand for Integration" to differentiate and discuss the difference between the two. The talk will then look at how African-Americans entered the Major Leagues from Jackie Robinson in 1947 to the last team to sign a black player in 1959 (the Boston Red Sox and Pumpsie Green). The talk will conclude with the Pittsburgh Pirates being the first team to field an all-black team during a game in 1972.