Lecture

Join historian and sociologist Carole Reynaud-Paligot for a compelling discussion on the paradox of racism. Specializing in the history of ideas, race, and identity in Western societies, Ms. Reynaud-Paligot holds a doctorate from EHESS and has authored several influential works, including Parcours politique des surréalistes 1919-1969, De l'identité nationale, and L'Ecole aux colonies. Dr. Reynaud-Paligot will explore why racism persists despite the scientific invalidation of the concept of "human races."

This talk summarizes the results of genealogical research done by the author – a linguist and academic from Hungary – which she has conducted in the past five years to uncover her own family’s history of mostly peasant ancestors in 18th-19th century rural southern Hungary. These results are then discussed in terms of the micro-historical, social-historical, and epigenetic contexts of modern (Central European) identity. Anna Fenyvesi is Associate Professor and Director of the Institute of English and American Studies, University of Szeged, Hungary.

In occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Fosse Ardeatine massacre in Rome, oral historian Alessandro Portelli will lead a discussion of his book, The Order Has Been Carried Out (2003), a seminal work that challenged long held assumptions about the event. On March 23, 1944, during the Nazi occupation of Rome, a partisan unit detonated a bomb in Via Rasella that killed thirty-three German police officials. In the span of a day, the Germans retaliated by killing 335 Italian civilians in an abandoned quarry outside of Rome known as the Fosse Ardeatine.

The history of Poland seems to be one of ancient glory and tolerance, lost uprisings, and an endless struggle for independence. Based on his scholarly work, Brian Porter-Szücs questions this very narrative, discussing new approaches, and how they have changed our idea of Polish history

Hosted by the Humanities Center and visiting fellow, Finbarr Barry Flood. This event will be hybrid, so you can attend it either in person in 602 CL or via Zoom as you prefer. The image of Islam in the West has been consistently informed by the idea that the religion fosters distinctive attitudes towards the image. Recent controversies about Islam, aniconism and iconoclasm are typical in this respect, often taking the idea of an Islamic Bilderverbot (image prohibition) as a given.

Hosted by the Humanities Center and faculty fellow, Bridget Keown. Respondents include Alexander Tough (Hispanic Languages and Literatures) & Susan Grayzel (History, Utah State University). This event will be hybrid, so you can attend it either in person in 602 CL or via Zoom as you prefer. The “shell-shocked soldier” remains one of the most enduring images of the First World War, and often serves as a symbol for the anguish of combatant soldiers across time and space.

The broad rubric of identity is the single most dominant research agenda in academic scholarship, and Eurasian history is no exception. When it comes to questions of ethnic identity, scholars most often focus on groups that can boast some kind of institutional backing - such as a nation-state. Yet, historically, there were many ways that people integrated into collectives - whether or not they were conscious of doing so - that did not lead to a modern nation-state.

Considering the war in Gaza, this seminar will explore other possibilities for regional engagement than those being pursued by the United States. The session will be led by Prof. Khaled Al Hroub who has spent the last two decades studying Hamas. As preparation for the discussion with Prof.

Integrating languages and cultures across the curriculum is an innovative approach that fosters a holistic educational experience. By intertwining diverse linguistic and cultural elements into various subjects, students gain a deeper understanding of cultural competence and global perspectives relevant to their disciplines. This method not only enhances language proficiency but also promotes empathy, cross-cultural communication, and a nuanced appreciation for the rich tapestry of human expression.

WHAT ARE KINGS MADE OF? RETHINKING THE ROYAL BODY IN EARLY MODERN FRANCE Dr. Anna Rosensweig University of Rochester Anna Rosensweig is Associate Professor of French and the Director of the Graduate Program in Visual & Cultural Studies at the University of Rochester. Rosensweig’s scholarship and teaching focus on early modern literature and culture, the intersections of literature and political theory, and performance studies. Dr. Rosensweig's lecture will address civic endurance in France through fountains, statues, coins, and royal bodies.