Coe Thursday Forums explore topics from arts to values — and beer

CEDAR RAPIDS — Ever wonder what birds are in your own backyard, or how airplanes take flight? How about a lesser-known ancient Mediterranean civilization or social challenges in general and a political showdown across The Pond? Maybe your tastes run more toward the arts and beer.

The public is invited to explore these topics and more in Coe College’s annual Thursday Forum, a weekly series in which faculty share their expertise on a variety of subjects. Coe has been providing this community educational opportunity for more than 30 years.

Sessions will be held in Kesler Auditorium on the first floor of Hickok Hall, 12th Street NE. Each session begins with registration and refreshments from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m., followed by the program until 11:30 a.m. Presentations feature a lecture; media such as film and music; and discussion.

Admission to each four-week series is $40. Cost for individual lectures and one- and two-week forums is $12 per week. Fees include the lecture, as well as refreshments. Payment can be made in person on Thursday mornings by cash or check. For information or to pay in advance by credit card, go to coe.edu/thursday-forum.

Topics

• Heroes of Aviation: Beyond the Wright Brothers: Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Discover the aviation contributions of innovators like Sir George Cayley, Otto Lilienthal and Alberto Santos-Dumont. Engage in discussions about the definition of the first true airplane and learn the fundamental physics principles that make flight possible. Presented by Caio Bragatto, associate professor of physics.

• The Etruscans: Oct. 3 and 10. Drawing from Greek and Roman literary sources and archaeological evidence, learn about the structure of Etruscan government, their pantheon of gods and the reasons behind their eventual disappearance. Presented by Angela Ziskowski, provost and dean of the faculty.

• Understanding and Learning the Birds of Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa: Oct. 17, 24, 31 and Nov. 7. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or a curious beginner, this series will enhance your understanding of local avian life and provide tools to identify and appreciate the birds in Eastern Iowa. Presented by Jesse Ellis, associate professor of biology.

• The Dalai Lamas: Nov. 14 and 21. Explore the world of Tibetan Buddhism and its most revered spiritual leaders. Discover the unique process of identifying reincarnated lamas and the history of this centuries-old institution. From powerful political figures to poetic rebels, each Dalai Lama has left an indelible mark on Tibetan culture and world history. Presented by Chris Hatchell, Stead Family associate professor of religion.

• Harsh Realities Drawn in Pictures: (Children’s?) Literature and Social Problems of the World: Jan. 23 and 30. Re-imagine the boundaries of children’s literature and gain perspective on some of the world’s most pressing social problems. This forum will resonate with book lovers, social activists and anyone interested in the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of complex realities. Presented by Laissa M. Rodríguez Moreno, associate professor of Spanish.

• How Bad Ideas Spread: Shaping Values by Claiming the Conventional Wisdom: Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Ever wonder why certain ideas become “common knowledge,” even when they’re not entirely accurate? This series will unravel the mystery behind the spread of popular misconceptions and their impact on society. This forum isn’t just about identifying misconceptions — it’s about understanding how and why they persist, and how new, more accurate ideas can take root. Led by associate professors Allison Carr (rhetoric) and Drew Westberg (economics).

• Soaring: Staging a Historical Dance Through Dance Notation: March 6 and 13. Uncover the secret world of Labanotation, the intricate system that captures the ephemeral art of dance on paper. Learn how this tool preserves choreography across generations and continents. Audience members will be treated to a live performance of “Soaring,” as well as an after-performance discussion with its dancers. Presented by Carol Maxwell Rezabek, instructor of dance and theater.

• Scotland and the United Kingdom: Breaking Up is Hard to Do: March 27. Imagine a 300-year-old marriage on the brink of divorce. That’s Scotland and the United Kingdom right now. This one-week forum will plunge you into the heart of a nation divided, where history, identity and future aspirations clash in a dramatic political showdown. Presented by Lynda Barrow, professor of political science, and get exclusive insights from Barrow’s interviews with Scottish parliament members.

• Beer: History and Appreciation: April 3 and 10. This isn’t your average happy hour — it’s a journey spanning 7,000 years of human civilization, through the bottom of a beer mug. Globe-trot through beer history, from Irish pubs to Belgian monasteries, German beer halls to American craft breweries. Includes an optional tasting session for those of age. Presented by Ben Chihak, associate professor of psychology.

• Taking the Longview: How Long-Term Studies Shape Our Future: April 17 and 24. Gain insights into how long-term research continues to shape our understanding of the natural world and informs our approach to future challenges. Presented by Daniel Hughes, assistant professor of biology.