UNI Speakers Bureau - Literature
Please call the Office of University Marketing and Public Relations at 319-273-2761 or email stacey.christensen@uni.edu, to request a speaker. Speakers do not charge fees, unless otherwise noted. Upon request, we will provide background information to introduce the speaker. When the topic or event warrants, the Office of University Marketing and Public Relations will send a news release to media serving your area.
HARRY POTTER AND CHRISTIAN FAITH FORMATION
Places Harry Potter in the fairy tale genre and addresses the fears and concerns of some members of the Christian community who believe Harry Potter promotes witchcraft/occult/wicca. Speaker will point out Christian parallels in the books and offer ways to be in meaningful Christian conversations with children that actually teach Christian lessons and values. Speaker will also discuss how parents can use the books to foster healthy moral development. Also speaker can present her book "A Parent's Guide to Harry Potter" and offer it for purchase and signing.
LITERATURE AND CULTURAL STUDIES.
What is the place of the burgeoning field of Cultural Studies in the field of literature, and how do these fields complement each other? By bridging the gap between literary study and "real life," what does Cultural Studies have to say to us about our own experiences in the world?
LITERATURE AND THE BIBLE.
Christian leaders and educators are concerned that children have no interest in the Bible and do not know its content. This presentation shows how literature can be used to lead children to the lessons and stories of the bible. Excerpts from popular children's literature titles will be used to demonstrate how lessons of the Christian faith are woven into stories and can be used as a teaching tool for faith formation. Additionally, speaker can present her book "A Parent's Guide to Harry Potter" and offer it for purchase and signing.
TEACHING EROTIC LITERATURE AND FILM: ISSUES, TABOOS, AND CHALLENGES.
Explanation regarding students' struggles to understand sexuality through these media.