Frieze Lecture: 'Sophie's Choice'

Dr. Paul Olsen, professor of English, will present "Sophie's Choice." Responding to the recent surge in book banning, this talk will focus on the "truths" of iconic American author Styron. Styron made two separate speaking weekends to Augustana, packing Centennial Hall first and later returning to the Carver Center for a commencement address. Two of Styron’s works have been the subject of book challenges.

In the series, Augustana faculty will discuss books that mark significant artistic, scientific or political movements. Dr. Youngberg will discuss how, without the publication of the First Folio, many of Shakespeare’s most recognizable plays might have been lost.

The series, a partnership between the Rock Island Public Library and Augustana College, will offer faculty presentations on Thursdays at 2 p.m.: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, and 10.

October 27: "The 1619 Project," edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones, and presented by Dr. Lauren Hammond, associate professor of history. The long-form journalism project reframed the country’s history around the perspectives and contributions of Black Americans.

November 3: "Cosmos and the Work of Alexander von Humboldt," presented by Dr. Stephen Hager, professor of biology. Considered by some as the first environmentalist, von Humboldt’s work is a holistic observation of all of nature.

November 10: "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, presented by Dr. Ashley Burge, assistant professor of English. Morrison’s literary masterpiece has faced multiple banning attempts for its frank depiction of the horrors of slavery.