Virginia Tech Humanities Week focuses on 'Debating Democracy'
Anderson photo courtesy of BrightSight Group. Other photos courtesy of faculty, or by Leslie King for Virginia Tech.
This year’s Virginia Tech Humanities Week will highlight essential work happening in the humanities, both at the university and around the world. All are invited to attend panel discussions, lectures, and other activities, focused on the theme of "Debating Democracy," from Oct. 14-18.
Paul Quigley, director of the Center for Humanities and Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, said the goal of this year’s Humanities Week is to “zoom out from today’s headlines and explore the ever-changing meanings of democracy.”
“With almost half the world’s population experiencing national elections in 2024, there’s no better time to reflect on the past, present, and future of democracy," he said.
Carol Anderson, the week’s keynote speaker, will discuss voter suppression and the history of American democracy during her Oct. 15 address at 7 p.m. in Owens Hall Banquet Room. Anderson is the Charles Howard Candler Professor of African American Studies at Emory University and a New York Times bestseller. A reception will follow the event, and Anderson will sign copies of her book, "One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying Our Democracy."
Humanities Week is sponsored by the Center for Humanities and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Oct. 14
Transforming Democracies
Explore the changing meanings of democracy across time periods and world regions. Four experts from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences will examine the wide-ranging history of democracy.
- Speakers: Karin Kitchens, Gonzalo Montero, Philip Yaure, Bettina Koch
- Moderator: Paul Quigley, director of the Center for Humanities and Virginia Center for Civil War Studies
- Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Newman Library, Goodall Multipurpose Room
Tuesday, Oct. 15
One Person, No Vote: Voter Suppression and the History of American Democracy
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Speaker: Carol Anderson
- Location: Owens Hall Banquet Room
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Banned Books Panel
This panel will explore the significance of challenged and banned literature. Discussions will focus on the cultural, political, and social implications of book censorship, highlighting the importance of freedom of expression and intellectual diversity.
- Speakers: Ed Gitre, Donna Fortune, Courtney Thomas
- Moderator: Jenny Boone, director of marketing and communications for the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
- Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
- Location: Christiansburg Public Library, 125 Sheltman St., Christiansburg
Thursday, Oct. 17
Center for Humanities Open House
- Time: 10 a.m.-noon
- Location: 210 War Memorial Hall
Monday, Oct. 21
Post-Humanities Week event: The Unofficial Constitution
Explore the involvement of ordinary people in U.S. constitutional law and politics.
- Time: 12:15-1:15 p.m.
- Location: Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Building, Room 005
- Speaker: Wayne Moore
Visit the Humanities Week page to see all events and to RSVP.
