The topic for the 2009 University Lecture Series at The Commons is Creativity and the Human Condition.  This topic will dovetail with the Commons course designed for Honors Program students, taught in Spring 2009 by Dr. Beverly Mack, Professor of African and African American Studies.  Students in this course will attend the University Lecture Series; however, the goal is for all programs in the series to attract a diverse audience from inside and outside the University.

The University Lecture Series at The Commons is sponsored by the University of Kansas Honors Program in association with The Commons, a partnership among the Biodiversity Institute, the Hall Center for the Humanities, and the Spencer Museum of Art.  The Commons fosters the exploration of nature and culture across the sciences, arts, and humanities.

All lectures are free and open to the public.  For more information call 785-864-4225

Tuesday, February 3rd, 7:30 p.m., Spooner Hall
Chakaia Booker, Artist
Lecture title—When does the Fun Begin: Overview

Wednesday, February 25th, 7:30 p.m., Spooner Hall
Dr. Janetta McCoy, Associate Professor of Interior Design at Washington State University
Lecture title—Where Creativity: First Places, Second Thoughts, Third Places

Monday, March 9th, 7:30 p.m., Spooner Hall
Dr. Tara McPherson, Associate Professor of New Media, Television, and Popular Culture at the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California
Lecture title—Transforming the Scholarly Imagination

Wednesday, April 8th, 7:30 p.m., Woodruff Auditorium, Kansas Union
Bruce Mau, Designer
The Kenneth A. Spencer Memorial Lecture sponsored by The Commons
Lecture title—Massive Change: The Future of Design and Life on Earth

Thursday, April 23rd, 7:30 p.m., Spooner Hall
Dr. R. Keith Sawyer, Associate Professor of Education at Washington University
Lecture title—Group Genius: The Creative Power of Collaboration

2008 Common Course