Morning with the Professors

September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1 (Fridays)
9:30-11:30 am

REIMAGINING LIVING: NAVIGATING LIFE IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

September 27

This session will explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and humanity. Magnuson will examine the transformative potential of AI as well as the ethical, social and moral questions adopting this technology brings. How will recent advances in AI technology affects human interaction? Discover current uses of generative AI technology, increase your AI knowledge, learn about some challenges and benefits of AI as well as what to anticipate in the future.

Roy Magnuson, Associate Professor of Music Composition, ISU

BIOGRAPHY AND COLONIAL HISTORY: HOW TO RESPONSIBLY WRITE THE HISTORY OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

October 4

By the end of the 19th century Britain ruled over the largest empire in the world. How did this happen, and how should we write and remember this history? Oftentimes, history is told through the lives of famous politicians, important activists or cultural leaders. But what about the everyday people who made the empire possible? This lecture considers the complexities of telling history through a different kind of biography – the stories of ordinary men, women and families who shaped and were shaped by history.

Taylor Soja, Assistant Professor of History, Affiliate Faculty in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, ISU

ELECTION 2024: IS AMERICAN DEMOCRACY AT A PRECIPICE?

October 11

Is the fate of democracy on the ballot? What are the races, issues and trends to watch? These and related questions will be examined in what is being dubbed an “election for the ages.” As American voters face a hotly contested presidential election and intense battle for Congress in 2024, come learn of factors that will shape the context for the upcoming election and the future of our nation. 

Robert Bradley, Professor Emeritus, Politics and Government, ISU

MCHISTORY: THE PODCAST PARTNERSHIP OF THE PAST 

October 18

How does the history museum staff go about selecting topics and readings for each McHistory installment? What are some common challenges faced when tracking down sources and highlighting stories? Kemp will look back on some of his favorite characters and subjects featured over the decade-plus run of McHistory.

Learn how McHistory was conceived, methods of production and audio editing, the creation of narrative flow without a reporter inside the story and music selections. Schlenker will share clips from a couple 
of his favorite episodes.

Bill Kemp, Librarian, McLean County Museum of History
Charlie Schlenker, Senior Reporter, WGLT

A MORNING WITH SKELETONS

October 25

The field of Forensic Anthropology has gone mainstream with shows like Bones and books such as The Body Farm, but what can you actually learn from a human skeleton? During this lecture, you will be introduced to the biological profile which includes assessing age, sex, ancestry and stature of an individual. Driscoll will also discuss trauma, pathology and estimating the postmortem interval.

Kathryn Driscoll, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology, ISU

HARMONIE AND YOU

November 1

Perhaps you have not thought about Harmonie or Harmonie Musik. Why should you? Have you ever watched a football halftime show and enjoyed the marching band? Have you played in a marching or a concert band? If you answered yes to either question, then you will enjoy delving into Harmonie which has everything to do with the development of our modern bands. Take a look back in time to the beginning of the 18th century and learn about the development of wind instruments and wind band music until the present day, including the music of several composers.

Michael Dicker, Professor Emeritus of Bassoon, ISU