The fifth annual interdisciplinary panel discussion presented by Jacksonville University’s College of Arts and Sciences, titled “The Walking Dread: Society, Plague, and Zombies,” promises a provocative blend of discussion on scientific and medical discoveries, societal fears, literature and even viruses spread through social media.
The free public event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Terry Concert Hall is an annual convening of JU experts in various subject areas. It will include a display of student artwork that is informed and inspired by the topics and the presenters. A 5 p.m. reception with hors d’oeuvres will also be held to meet the faculty presenters or catch-up with old classmates.
Presenters and topics at the event, which will be moderated by Douglas M. Hazzard, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, include:
- Ed McCourt, Associate Professor of English: “Fear and the American Zombie Zeitgeist”
- Rose Borkowski, Associate Professor of Biology & Marine Science: “Zombies and Disease: Are there Links?”
- Andy Ouellette, Associate Professor of Biology & Marine Science: “From Yellow Fever to Ebola: Disease and Fear Mongering”
- Sarah Parker, Assistant Professor of English: “What Does Poetry Have to Do with Plagues?”
- Keith Saliba, Assistant Professor of Communication: “A Virtual Virus: Social Media and the Spread of Radical Ideology”
For more information on the event, contact Suzy Foxwell at sfoxwel@ju.edu, (904) 256-7100.