Exploring the ties that bind: Humanities series focuses on community engagement, social bonds
Mississippi State University’s Institute for the Humanities is launching its fall series with a new theme: “Building Community -- the Humanities as Social Glue.” The series will explore how humanistic activities foster social connections and democratic engagement.
“By cutting across disciplines and drawing on insights from our campus and the Starkville community, we’ll examine how everyday practices -- whether choir rehearsals, football tailgates or reading the local paper -- help strengthen communication and collaboration at local, national and even global levels,” said Morgan Robinson, institute director and an associate professor of history.
The series kicks off with a special screening of the documentary “Join or Die” at 7 p.m., Oct. 24, Fowlkes Auditorium in MSU’s Colvard Student Union. Inspired by Robert Putnam’s book “Bowling Alone,” the film explores the decline in Americans’ participation in community organizations and its impact on democracy. Viewers are invited to reflect on how these losses affect civic life.
A follow-up discussion, “Are We Still Bowling Alone? Finding Community and Democracy in Unexpected Places,” will take place Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. in Old Main Academic Center, Room 2180.
Featuring Brian Shoup, head of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, and Dana Dillard, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Sociology, and Brandi Herrington, executive director of Starkville Strong, the conversation will explore community formation in unconventional spaces. From bowling leagues to other unexpected venues, the panel will invite attendees to reflect on how such interactions can strengthen social bonds.
The event also will be streamed live via the Institute’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/msu.humanities.institute.
The final series event is an open tailgate Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.
The institute will join with the College of Arts and Sciences for a pre-game tailgate at the northeast corner of Lloyd-Ricks-Watson Building before the MSU vs. UMass football game. This celebration will highlight Starkville’s tradition of fostering community through SEC football.
For more information, contact Robinson at humanities@msstate.edu.
Part of MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Institute for the Humanities promotes research, scholarship and creative performances in the humanistic disciplines and raises their visibility, both within Mississippi State University and the wider community.
For more details about the College of Arts and Sciences or the Institute for the Humanities visit www.cas.msstate.edu or www.ih.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.
Sarah Nicholas | College of Arts and Sciences
