Lecture Series: The World of Ideas
Posted: 06/09/2010

THE WORLD OF IDEAS LECTURE SERIES

Tuesdays, 12:10-1:00 pm
June 29 - August 3, 2010
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
645 NW Monroe, Corvallis

LBCC Benton Center, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library and Benton County Historical Museum present a collection of history, culture and ideas. These lectures are free and open to the public. Bring a friend and your lunch and enjoy!

June 29 Trees: An Arboreal Tour of Oregon and Beyond
Drawing on the disciplines of biology, history, literature, popular culture, and art, horticulturist, Nancy Appling, presents an interactive program that discusses why trees have earned a place of high esteem and worship throughout the world and illustrates their importance to Pacific Northwest Native Americans and the culture of Oregon. Presenter: Nancy Appling

July 6 Abraham Lincoln and the American West
This presentation draws on the speaker's recently completed book on Lincoln and the American West and shows how much Lincoln was actually linked to the West. Subjects covered include slavery, western politics, Lincoln and Indians, and Lincoln and the Civil War in the West. A concluding section of the talk deals with Lincoln's interesting connections with Oregon. Presenter: Richard Etulain

July 13 Plowman Poet: The Life and Songs of Robert Burns
With guitar accompaniment, Jeni Foster sings songs written by Burns and places them in the context of his life. Audience participation is encouraged with sing-along choruses, providing a delightfully entertaining way to learn about a fascinating literary personality. Presenter: Jeni Foster

July 20 Raza Sin Fronteras: Mexican American Cultural History
Jim García performs corridos (ballads), reviews artwork, and recites poetry to capture the voices of the Mexican American community and illuminate the uniqueness of Mexican American cultural and intellectual heritage. This presentation explores the diverse Iberian, Mexican, and indigenous influences that shape the character and history of Mexican Americans. Presenter: Jim Garcia

July 27 Language and Legends of Flowers
Flowers, herbs, and trees are woven into the fabric of the religion, mythology, and folklore of every culture. We use them for food, medicines, and potions. Historian and folklorist, Twilo Scofield, presents the language, legends, mythology, and folklore of plants through songs and stories. Presenter: Twilo Scofield

August 3 Trickster at the Crossroads of the World
The trickster is a central character in stories told around the world, and in the religions of many cultures. The trickster is the original boundary crosser who traverses physical and social barriers, and blurs distinctions between right and wrong, male and female, the living and the dead. Curt Yehnert analyzes trickster tales from around the world to show how in making fun of social values they reinforce those values and in profaning sacred beliefs they focus attention on the nature of such beliefs. Presenter: Curtis Yehnert

Linn-Benton Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Persons having questions about or requests for special needs and accommodations should contact the Disability Coordinator at Linn-Benton Community College, RCH-105, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, Oregon 97321, Phone 541-917-4690 or via Oregon Telecommunications Relay TTD at 1-800-735-2900 or 1-800-735-1232. Contact should be made 72 hours or more in advance of the event.