FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 19, 2008
Contact: Sheila M. Humphrey
(662) 329-7119

MUW International Series to delve into issues of the world

COLUMBUS, Miss. - Mississippi University for Women’s 2007-2008
International Series continues with its spring events Wednesday, Feb. 20
with a visiting speaker from the University of Mississippi.

The subject for this semester’s series, “Peoples of the World” focuses on various cultures and issues of the world.

For two weeks in March and April, MUW will host a scholar in residence,
Dr. Richard Pacholski, professor emeritus from Millikin University in Decatur, Ind. In addition to giving a lecture for the series, Pacholski will speak at an honors forum and coordinate activities with the residential honors program students.

This semester’s series features three visiting speakers, which Dr. Tom Velek, International Series director, credits the university for its continued support in worldwide studies. “The mission of any university should be to encourage and enhance international and cultural understanding and education to the entire community, not just its students,” he said.

Velek is particularly excited about this semester’s events because of
the number of visiting speakers it has to offer. In coordination with the fifth anniversary of the United State’s involvement in Iraq, there is also a week of events concerning the war.

Lunchtime Lecture and Film Series:

The lunchtime lecture series takes place in room 113 in Painter Hall at noon unless otherwise specified. Lectures are free and open to the public, and attendees are welcome to bring lunch.

Feb. 20:
Aesthetics of Creolization: The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians -- Dr. Annette Trefzer, associate professor of English, University of Mississippi

March 10:
Film: “Control Room” 6 p.m. at the Southern Women’s Institute -- A view into what the world thinks of the war in Iraq. As seen through the eyes of Al Jazeera, the most popular Arabic news outlet.

March 11:
Film: “Why We Fight” 6 p.m. at SWI -- Examines American war making policies, specifically the Iraq war, “the Bush doctrine” and pre-emptive strikes. Includes individuals being asked “Why we fight?” This film also glimpses at the United State’s military and industrial complex.

March 12:
Panel Discussion: “Iraq Five Years Later,” Dr. Brian Anderson, Dr. Velek and audience participation

Film: “Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers” 6 p.m. at SWI -- Takes a glimpse at U.S. corporate contractors involved in the Iraq war. Interviews with companies such as Halliburton, CACI and KBR suggest apparent “sweetheart” deals between the United States and the contractors. Survivors of employees killed in Iraq also give their perspective on the way they were treated by the companies.

April 2:
“Why the Holocaust Should Matter to Americans, And Why It Shouldn’t” -- Dr. Pacholski, visiting scholar.

Special Event:

March 27, 6 p.m., Nissan Auditorium: 
“Literary Approaches to Human Mortality: How Great Books Provide Insight and Consolation” - Dr. Pacholski

The lunchtime lectures, film series and special events are free and open to the general public. For more information, contact Dr. Velek at tvelek@muw.edu or 329-7386.