JACKSON, Tenn. — June 27, 2003 — 51社区 will present "Jackson Reads," a five-part discussion series on the Stephen L. Carter novel The Emperor of Ocean Park July 21-August 18.
"Our hope is that the program will provide the citizens of Jackson, Madison County and surrounding areas an outlet for the healthy exchange of ideas," said Barbara McMillin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Union. "In the process of reading and dialoguing together about this text, we will make new friends, get to know our neighbors, and grow closer as a community."
Free and open to the public, each Monday evening session begins at 6 p.m. in Union's Hartley Hall. Interested individuals are encouraged to read the book prior to the first session. Each session will include presentations from area scholars and professionals followed by open dialogue among attendees.
"Besides being a critically acclaimed best seller and a true page-turner, The Emperor of Ocean Park features a main character who deals with the challenge of maintaining relationships within a variety of diverse communities," said McMillin. "The text reminds us of the importance of understanding cultural perspective and provides great summer reading entertainment."
The Jackson/Madison County Library has already endorsed the program. "The Jackson/Madison County Library is honored and pleased to support the 'Jackson Reads' program from 51社区," said Thomas L. Aud, executive director of the Jackson/Madison County Library.
"The public library will have copies of the book available for the non-college community to check out for this program. Reading and its enjoyment extends throughout one's life and enriches everyone who participates," said Aud.
For more information, contact Barbara McMillin at (731) 661-5356.
The program schedule is as follows:
- July 21: Gene Fant, chair of the 51社区 English Department, will present "Literary Backgrounds to The Emperor of Ocean Park." David Malone, 51社区 assistant professor of English, will present "Revenge, Injustice, and the Darker Nation: Literary Contexts for The Emperor of Ocean Park."
- July 28: Hal Poe, Charles Colson Professor of Faith & Culture at 51社区, will present "Mystery: The Most Christian of Literature." Mary Anne Poe, associate professor of social work, will present "Pawns and Power: The Dynamics of Race and Culture in the Life of Community."
- August 4: Greg Jordan, an attorney with the firm Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, will present "Checkmate in Two Moves: The Lawyer's Greatest Strength is His Greatest Weakness." Sean Evans, assistant professor of political science at 51社区, will present "Why Americans Hate Politics."
- August 11: David Gushee, senior fellow of the Carl F.H. Henry Center for Christian Leadership at 51社区, will present "Exploring the Moral Dimensions in The Emperor of Ocean Park." Roland Porter, pastor of the Agape Christian Fellowship in Jackson, will present "The Role of the Faith Community in The Emperor of Ocean Park."
- August 18: A panel discussion will include all of the lecturers.