Schemel Forum Courses Offer Nourishment for the Mind

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum returns this spring with three nighttime courses focused on everything from prominent African American entertainers to contemporary culture war issues to one of the great comedic minds of the 20^th century.

Taught by three University faculty members, the courses begin Monday, Jan. 29, and will be presented in six weekly sessions in the Weinberg Memorial Library.

“These three topics are all very timely, and I expect rich discussions to accompany each session,” said George J. Aulisio, dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library and director of the Schemel Forum.

Melissa Anyiwo, Ph.D., associate professor in the University’s Department of History, will present “Hidden Figures of Black History” Mondays Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 4 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

During the course, Dr. Anyiwo will discuss the contributions of some of the most noteworthy Black entertainers in American history, with an emphasis on those who used their artistry to “shine a light that inspired change.” The list will include such luminaries as Sammy Davis Jr., Nina Simone, Beyonce and Lisa Bonet.

“My background is in American studies and visual media, so I have always wanted to teach a narrowly focused course on inspiring Black lives to celebrate rather than mourn the Black experience,” Dr. Anyiwo said. “I already teach a class called ‘Black Success on Screen’ that does a similar thing.  So that’s what I want to get out of it – that and teaching to an older, more willing and hopefully engaged audience.”

Dr. Anyiwo also wants those taking the course to appreciate that social activism is “as much about everyday acts of bravery and simply acting as if you are free and equal.”

“The people who effect the greatest change are not necessarily politicians but Black citizens with the same dreams as white Americans and the strength to refuse to give up in the face of seemingly insurmountable prejudice and racial violence,” she said.

Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Philosophy, will present “Identity Politics” Wednesdays Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 and March 6 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Dr. Meyer will use the seminar to examine contemporary identity politics, which have become an increasingly corrosive aspect of American political discourse and have even driven recent policies like Florida Governor – and Republican presidential candidate – Ron DeSantis’ controversial “Stop WOKE Act.”

Through looking closely at topics like critical race theory, wokeism, intersectionality, structural discrimination, systemic injustice and privilege, Dr. Meyer hopes students get a better sense of the ideas driving these debates.

“Questions about race, gender, sexual orientation and identity have taken center stage in our contemporary political landscape, even rivaling the importance of economic issues,” Dr. Meyer said. “Attacks on critical race theory, ‘wokeism’ and identity politics are frequent, but few understand what they are or what they mean. I felt that such a course would serve an important civic function with the hope that it will make a small contribution to having better informed and more engaged citizenry."

Charlie Cino, instructor in the Department of English and Theatre, will present “The Sitcoms of Norman Lear” Mondays March 25 and April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cino will use the course to take an in-depth look at the career of the highly influential TV writer and producer, who recently passed away at age 101. Lear did nothing less but redefine American television during the 1970s with his hit sitcoms “All in the Family,” “Sanford and Son,” “The Jeffersons” and “Maude,” all of which challenged societal norms with their groundbreaking portrayal of contemporary issues.

In addition to Lear’s biggest hits, the class will delve into and review some of his lesser-known works via screenings and discussions. Meanwhile, actors and producers who worked with Lear will join the class via Zoom, providing a unique glimpse into the world of a man who continued to make an impact in television well into his final years.

To register for the courses, or for more information on the Schemel Forum, call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu. Registration is free for University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members; and $100 per person and $150 per couple for non-members. To pay for courses online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

Dean Aulisio spoke about the spring Schemel Forum schedule of events with WVIA’s Erika Funke on ArtScene.