*Walk-in for Mornings with the Professors, $15.00 for individual session pay at the door.

September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20 (Fridays)
9:30 - 11:30 am

Drinking Water: Sources and Concerns  

Friday, September 22

While Normal uses groundwater as a public water supply, Bloomington uses surface water.  What are the differences between the two? How are they connected? What are potential challenges or concerns associated with each source?

Eric Peterson, Professor of Geography-Geology, ISU

Why Danes Are Happier Than Americans

Friday, September 29

The United Nations annually publishes a “World Happiness Report” and almost every year Denmark is ranked as the world’s happiest country. What makes Danes happy? This talk will explore answers to this question by discussing Danish social democracy and comparing it to the American political and economic systems.

Andrew Hartman, Professor of History, ISU

The Power of Nine: Understanding the Supreme Court

Friday, October 6

Explore the evolution of the Court from the least powerful branch to possibly being the most powerful. How can this non-democratic branch be perhaps the best protector of democracy? Discussion will focus on the procedures used by justices to decide what cases to hear and the factors that influence their rulings on cases.

Robert Bradley, Professor Emeritus of Politics and Government, ISU

Film Noirs: Visual Style and Fortune 

Friday, October 13

From '40s Hollywood, film noir is disillusionment, alienation and nihilism painted with German expressionism’s shadows, canted frames and weblike venetian blinds that scar the walls, richly juxtaposed by European Neo-Realism. McBride will attempt to develop eyes and ears attuned to noir style, learn the language with which to describe it, and apply that knowledge as we ask “Is film noir a genre?” like the Western or gangster film?

William Thomas McBride, Associate Professor of English, ISU

Overcoming Past Victimization for Successful Reentry into Society 

Friday, October 20

Most incarcerated women in the USA have endured trauma and abuse throughout their lifetimes and have attempted to repress their experiences with alcohol and illicit substances. This lecture examines narratives of incarcerated women and their experiences with addressing their pasts as a means of successful reentry to society post-incarceration. 

Dawn Beichner , Professor and Co-Director of Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, Criminal Justice Sciences, ISU