Understanding Religious Freedom | Fall 2015

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C E N T E R F O R T H E S T U D Y O F R E L I G I O U S F R E E D O M

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FA L L 2 0 1 5

Mending Broken Relationships Kintsukuroi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer, increasing its value and enhancing its beauty.

The Canterbury Tales

Stories in Quilts by artist B. J. Elvgren Entangled Identities: Legacies of 1619

What constitutes contemporary identity in America?

SEASON IN REVIEW

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Santa Muerte: The Fastest Growing Religious Movement in the Americas

One of the most popular and powerful saints on the Mexican and American religious landscapes.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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CENTER AFTER DARK

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FALL 2015

The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.

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M. SCOTT PECK

Mending Broken Relationships

P R O G R A M M I N G & PA RT N E R S H I P S

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ach semester, the Center sponsors educational initiatives that both engage the campus community and reach beyond the College to invite the larger public into its ongoing exploration of religious freedom. Many programs are arranged in partnership with local organizations or faith communities, among them interfaith discussions; semester-long symposia; and student, faculty, and guest presentations.

Here’s a look at the activities planned for the fall 2015 semester.

ALL CSRF EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Becket

(film) Wednesday, September 2 8-10 PM | FINE ARTS 9

A showing of the film Becket will provide the backdrop for why the Canterbury Pilgrims made their journey to Canterbury.

The

Canterbury Tales S TO R I E S I N Q U I LT S Co-sponsored with the VWC Art Department

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ractured relationships that lead to mistrust, fear, and alienation are at the heart of many of today’s most complex social problems. Cultural issues associated with religion, race, sexuality/gender, and politics are tearing at the seams of civil society and are overshadowing efforts to solve many of our most pressing problems.

Please join us throughout this year’s events, as we engage each other, get to know one another, and work together to repair broken relationships. Help us discover the beauty in our splintered world and create a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient community.

The Canterbury Tales: Stories in Quilts

September 3 - October 23 | NEIL BRITTON GALLERY Six Canterbury Tales quilts by internationally respected fabric artist B. J. Elvgren, representing each of the five stories dramatized in Chaucer’s work, plus the addition of an “Arrival” ending.

OPENING RECEPTION

Thursday, September 3 | 6-8 PM | NEIL BRITTON GALLERY An opening reception with remarks by the artist B. J. Elvgren,

and a Readers’ Theatre performance featuring Dr. Gillette Elvgren as Chaucer, and other pilgrims played by VWC professors Kellie Holzer (English), Rebecca Hooker (English), Terry Lindvall (communication and religious studies), Travis Malone (theatre), Adam Ruh (English), and Jennifer Slivka (English).

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P R O G R A M M I N G & PA RT N E R S H I P S

P R O G R A M M I N G & PA RT N E R S H I P S

NEXUS

Thursday, October 15

From Africa to America: Reconstructing the African American Musical Past

1619 AMERICA

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE

Entangled Identities: L E G AC I E S of 1619 An interdisciplinary series of twelve events, hosted by VWC, building on a collaborative, region-wide initiative.

As part of these discussions of what constitutes contemporary identity in America, in spring 2016 the CSRF will host a series on religion and race in Virginia and Hampton Roads.

Sponsored by the Center for Sacred Music 11-11:50 AM | HOFHEIMER THEATER | FINE ARTS

The African American Spiritual: Symbol of Religious & Cultural Identity Sponsored by the Center for Sacred Music

7 PM |

HOFHEIMER THEATER

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FINE ARTS

Dr. Mellonee Burnim, Professor of

Interfaith Dialogue S E R I E S This hallmark CSRF program is co-sponsored with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. The fall 2015 series, “Religion in the Public Square,” will discuss conflicts that arise when the expression of faith intersects with public space.

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Monday, October 12

Ethnomusicology, Indiana University

Church Bells, the Muslim Call to Prayer, and Negotiating Religious Sound in Society

Tuesday, October 27

The Sounds of Africa

Sponsored by the Center for Sacred Music

Anthony Hailey, Founder/Executive Director,

The Mosaic Steel Orchestra 11-11:50 AM | HOFHEIMER THEATER |

The Fastest Growing Religious Movement in the Americas

FINE ARTS

Saturday, November 7

Swinging Down the Red Road: The Native Presence in Jazz, Blues, and Pop Music Dr. Ron Welburn, Professor of English

University of Massachusetts Amherst 7 PM | PEARCE HOSPITALITY SUITE BATTEN STUDENT CENTER

Wednesday, November 11

Dr. Isaac Weiner

Assistant Professor of Religious Studies Ohio State University 7-8:30 PM | SHAFER ROOM | BOYD DINING HALL Monday, November 16

Wearing My Religion: A Look at the Hijab, Kippah, and Accessories in American Life Dr. Kathleen Casey, Professor of History, and Teddy Wansink, CSRF Student Fellow 7-8:30 PM

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SHAFER ROOM

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BOYD DINING HALL

7-8 PM |

PEARCE HOSPITALITY SUITE BATTEN STUDENT CENTER

Thursday, November 12

Black Music and the Construction of American Identity: Blues, Jazz, and Hip-Hop

Dr. Dontraneil Clayborne,

Assistant Professor of History, Santa Monica College and Tamanika Ferguson, Ph.D. candidate, Howard University 7 PM | PEARCE HOSPITALITY SUITE BATTEN STUDENT CENTER

Constitution Day Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. Join us as we reflect on the First Amendment through discussion and displays of banned books.

Thursday, September 17

Burning Books, Banning Books, and Religion: Free Speech and Free Libraries

Dr. Susan Larkin, Associate Professor of English, and Dr. Craig Wansink, CSRF Director, and students in ENG 286 Banned Books.

11-11:50 AM PEARCE HOSPITALITY SUITE |

Soup on Friday

Friday, September 11

LIFE MATTERS

Featuring Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert

In “Life Matters,” members of the Wesleyan community offer autobiographical reflections on their emotional, intellectual, and spiritual experiences. All programs are in the Shafer Room of Boyd Dining Center from 12-12:50 p.m. If you wish, you may bring a bag lunch or purchase lunch in the dining center.

Remembering 9/11: Rethinking Religion

C E L E B RAT I O N S

Friday, October 16

faculty, staff, students, and members of the broader community to come together for food and fellowship.

Take action against hunger on World Food Day! Any cash and non-perishable food donations will support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM CSRF OFFICE SUITE | CLARKE HALL

What is WFD?

Co-sponsored with the Center for Experiential Learning

Friday, November 6

Satyagraha and Mulligatawny Commemorating Gandhi’s November 6, 1913 arrest, launching his legacy of nonviolent resistance. In collaboration with Dr. Kellie Holzer, Assistant Professor of English with expertise in Colonial India.

Friday, December 4

BATTEN STUDENT CENTER

September 17 – October 3

Banned Religious Books and Books Banned for Religious Reasons This series has been funded in part by a grant from Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.

FOOD for THOUGHT Opportunities for VWC

African Music to American Music Dr. Daniel Margolies, Professor of History

Wednesday, October 28 7-8:30 pm, Blocker Auditorium Dr. Andrew Chesnut, Bishop Walter Sullivan Chair in Catholic Studies, Professor of Religious Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University School of World Studies

anta Muerte, a skeleton saint who is believed to be the most effective miracle worker, has attracted the devotion of millions of Latin Americans and immigrants in the U.S., including drug traffickers. Although condemned by mainstream churches, her statuettes and paraphernalia outsell those of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Saint Jude, iconic giants of Mexican religiosity. Chesnut will discuss how Santa Muerte has become the patron saint of drug traffickers and one of the most popular and powerful saints on the Mexican and American religious landscapes.

In honor of 2015 National Banned Book Week, an interactive book display will take place inside Hofheimer Library.

A Celebration of Student Art A display of artwork created for the Center by photography and graphic arts students from Professor Sharon Swift’s courses.

The series is co-sponsored with the Chaplain’s Office, and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL).

Thursday, October 1

Dr. Sharon Payne, Professor Emerita of Social Work Thursday, November 5

Dr. Terry Lindvall,

C.S. Lewis Endowed Chair and Professor in Communication and Christian Thought

Saturday, September 26 10TH ANNUAL

One Love Festival

Free activities for all ages, including drumming, music, poetry, and much more. For a complete schedule of events visit: onelovefestivalva.org Noon - 9:30 PM | VWC COLLEGE CAMPUS

Town Hall Discussion: The Flag is Down: Now What? Moderated by Barbara Hamm Lee,

host of “Another View” heard on WHRV 89.5 FM 2–3:30 PM | BOYD DINING CENTER

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N E W S T U D E N T I N I T I AT I V E S AT T H E C E N T E R

As students mature by learning knowledge, developing skills, and nurturing dispositions, their growth in those three areas creates broader opportunities for the Center’s impact in the community, region, and nation.

N E W S T U D E N T I N I T I AT I V E S AT T H E C E N T E R

Look for RELIGIO & LEX: A Student Journal

Distinguished Character Award

This coming year the Center will oversee the creation of a student-managed online journal, RELIGIO & LEX. Under the guidance of CSRF Fellow Eric Mazur and an advisory board including scholars of religion throughout the United States, the annual journal will publish works by undergraduate and graduate students from around the country. The works will explore issues of religion and law, broadly conceived to include not only the laws of government but also the legal systems functioning within religious communities.

On May 1, 2015 at the College’s Honors Convocation, the Center presented to Riley Conrad – a first-year religious studies major from South Riding, Virginia – its first Distinguished Character Award. The award recognizes her service to others, her emphasis on justice, and her concern and involvement in building inclusive community.

Servant Leadership Internship

Here are a few of our distinctive, new initiatives.

Starting in fall 2015, students will have the opportunity to take an internship through the CSRF to gain field experiences with government agencies, non-profits, or religious organizations. The end result of the internship is described well through two questions from Robert Greenleaf ’s The Servant as Leader:

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Lobbying and Religious Advocacy Skills In January 2015, Dr. Eric Mazur offered a new annual course that will introduce students to the purposes and strategies of lobbying and religious advocacy. During the course, students addressed the Norfolk City Council (advocating the removal of religious bias in municipal yard-sale ordinances), state legislators in Richmond (advocating the removal of religion-based restrictions for those applying for an absentee ballot), and met with Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott.

Do those served grow as persons?

D o they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?

Facilitation Skills 101

Extreme Religion and Religious Freedom Course Self-flagellation, polygamy, serpent handling, and genital surgery all have been seen as unacceptable by mainstream society. Yet, societies differ in how they approach these issues. Starting in January 2016, students in a new course, RELST 365: Extreme Religion and Religious Freedom, will explore the relationship between the physical body and the law across religions and cultures.

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In early September, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities will lead students in a course on “Facilitation Skills 101.” Participants will learn how to create effective dialogue across lines of differences.

CSRF Student Fellows: Nurturing a New Generation of Leaders As we seek to equip and deploy a new generation of leaders, we are honored to have Jasmine Burrell (pictured right), Teddy Wansink, and Riley Conrad serve as our first three Student Fellows. Please join us as they present their work and research this fall and in spring 2016.

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SEASON IN REVIEW Signs featuring the phrase “You Are Now Entering Your Mission Field” are popping up at the exits to an increasing number of church parking lots around the country.

Similarly, the work of the Center may begin on the VWC campus, but that is certainly not where the mission ends.

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Students increasingly recognize that they have the vision and the means to be leaders and change agents in a world that needs them.

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DR. CRAIG WANSINK

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s the Center’s Vision 2020 statement reads, “Through high-impact learning experiences, the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom informs, transforms, and equips VWC students and others to be engaged leaders and citizens, as they increasingly understand why religious freedom is a basic human right of daily significance.”

During the first half of 2015, that vision led the Center off campus (presenting regularly both in a senior center and in the Bayside community), it resulted in some unusually timed programs (starting at 9 p.m.), it took students abroad (to Germany, France, and Switzerland), it brought people together to see the connection between religious freedom and soup, it created an opportunity for meditation, and it resulted in intergenerational conversations.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

PAT H WAY S F O R YO U R E N G AG E M E N T

ideas WELCOME

Your support, ideas, and inspiration are important as the Center becomes increasingly vibrant in ways that are applicable and meaningful to the world today.

AUGUST Rape, and the Challenges 27 Randace,Dark Side of Humor: From Key

jango Unchained (film) 27 DCENTER AFTER DARK movie and discussion Co-sponsored with RELST 238/338 African American Religious Experience and the Black Student Union

Moderated by Jasmine Burrell ’16, Black Student Union Thursday, 9-11 PM, Blocker Auditorium

Here are some ways you can contribute to the Center’s success.

Have a seat at VWC and invite others. Our strongest events are characterized by good numbers, much give-and-take, and intergenerational audiences. At VWC we want to create the kind of process, dynamics, and atmosphere that will be replicated by others around the country. Come join us at events and be part of that.

Don’t give wine or chocolate. Looking for a gift for a birthday, anniversary, Hanukkah, Christmas, Ramadan, Diwali, or another holiday? Honor a friend or relative by giving a donation to the Center. We will even send them a nice card.

Tell us where to go. We love sharing our vision or specific programs with civic groups, senior centers, synagogues, churches, masjidas, and temples, and we love getting our students engaged in doing the same. Invited into the community this year, we have spoken on Hampton Roads’ interfaith challenges, the Bible, and specific social issues and challenges with religious freedom. Tell us– kindly, please–where to go.

Share wild ideas. During our first year, we started programs that went until midnight. We had thoughtful discussions about topics ranging from UFOs to religious freedom and sibling rivalry. We were able to take 17 students to Wittenberg, Germany, and the heart of the Reformation. We even linked religious freedom to the eating of soup on Fridays. We are always looking for creative and thoughtful ways we can reach out to others. Share your thoughts and ideas at kjackson@vwc.edu or cwansink@vwc.edu.

Be our friend. Please “Like” the Center on Facebook to stay informed and to comment on ongoing developing news in the world of religious freedom. If you are known by the friends you keep, we would like to believe that our friendship is a meaningful and good one.

Redeem financial resources. Your financial support is important to us in so many ways, and your gift does make a difference. In addition, if you would be open to sponsoring a specific program or initiative, please let us know.

Thank you for your support.

Craig and Kelly

and Peele to Amy Schumer Dr. Leslie Caughell, Professor of Political Science, and Dr. Rebecca Hooker, Professor of English Thursday, Noon-12:50 PM Batten Convocation Center

SEPTEMBER ecket (film) 2 B Co-sponsored with RELST 335 Christian Theology and Film

Moderated by Dr. Terry Lindvall, C.S. Lewis Endowed Chair and Professor in Communication and Christian Thought

Wednesday, 8-10 PM, Rm. 9, Fine Arts he Canterbury Tales: Stories in Quilts 3 TCo-sponsored with VWC Art Department

Opening reception, Artist Talk by B. J. Elvgren, and a Readers’ Theatre of Chaucer Thursday, 6-8 PM, Neil Britton Art Gallery Exhibition open from Sept. 3 - Oct. 23

Remembering 9/11: Rethinking Religion 11 FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Soup on Friday Celebration Friday, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM CSRF Office Suite, Clarke Hall

acilitation Skills 101 (by invitation only) 12 FTraining led by Jessica Hawthorne, Youth Program Coordinator, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

urning Books, Banning Books, and 17 BReligion: Free Speech and Free Libraries CONSTITUTION DAY Dr. Susan Larkin, Associate Professor of English, and Dr. Craig Wansink, CSRF Director Thursday, 11-11:50 AM Pearce Hospitality Suite, Batten Center

B anned Religious Books and Books Banned for Religious Reasons BOOK DISPLAY Hofheimer Library, Sept. 17-Oct.3

he Mission (film) 21 TSponsored

by RELST 335 Christian Theology and Film

Moderated by Dr. Terry Lindvall, Professor of Communication and Religious Studies Monday, 8-10 PM, Rm. 9, Fine Arts

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It’s Not Your (Founding) Fathers’ U.S. Constitution: Do “We the People” Steer It? DEAN’S DISCUSSION Dr. Timothy O’Rourke Vice President for Academic Affairs Brown-bag discussion (bring your own lunch) Thursday, Noon-12:50 PM Shafer Room, Boyd Dining Center

0th Annual ONE LOVE FESTIVAL 26 1Saturday, Noon-9:30 , VWC Campus PM

Town Hall Discussion: The Flag is Down: Now What?

Moderated by Barbara Hamm Lee 2-3:30 PM, Boyd Dining Center

OCTOBER

1 Co-Sponsored with the Chaplain’s Office, Life Matters: Dr. Sharon Payne

Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL), and the Social Work club

Thursday, Noon-12:50 PM Shafer Room, Boyd Dining Center

Mockingbird (film) ToCENTER Kill a AFTER DARK movie and discussion

Co-sponsored with ENG 250 American Women Writers and Theta Alpha Kappa

Moderated by Adam Ruh, Lecturer in English Thursday, 9-11 PM, Blocker Auditorium

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Church Bells, the Muslim Call to Prayer, & Negotiating Religious Sound in Society NEXUS Interfaith Dialogue: Religion in the Public Square Dr. Isaac Weiner, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Ohio State University Monday, 7-8:30 PM Shafer Room, Boyd Dining Center

NTANGLED IDENTITIES: LEGACIES OF 1619 15 EFrom Africa to America: Reconstructing the African American Musical Past

Sponsored by the Center for Sacred Music

Thursday, 11-11:50 AM

T he African American Spiritual: Symbol of Religious & Cultural Identity Sponsored by the Center for Sacred Music

Thursday, 7 PM

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ffside (film) is WFD? 10 OCENTER 16 What AFTER DARK movie and discussion FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Soup on Friday Celebration Co-sponsored with the Center for Experiential Learning

Friday, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM CSRF Office Suite, Clarke Hall

ransexuality, the Church, Broken 19 TRelationships, and Reconciliation: Personal Reflections

Co-sponsored with the Social Work Club

Adam Plant, Student, Wake Forest University School of Divinity Monday, 7-8:30 PM, Blocker Auditorium

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The Sounds of Africa ENTANGLED IDENTITIES: LEGACIES OF 1619 Sponsored by the Center for Sacred Music

Anthony Hailey, DMA, Founder and Executive Director of the Mosaic Steel Orchestra Tuesday, 11-11:50 AM Hofheimer Theater, Fine Arts anta Muerte: The Fastest Growing New 28 SReligious Movement in the Americas

Dr. Andrew Chesnut, Bishop Walter Sullivan Chair in Catholic Studies, Professor of Religious Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of World Studies Wednesday, 7-8:30 PM Blocker Auditorium

NOVEMBER ife Matters: Dr. Terry Lindvall 5 LCo-Sponsored with the Chaplain’s Office, and Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL)

Thursday, Noon-12:50 PM Shafer Room, Boyd Dining Center

atyagraha and Mulligatawny 6 SFOOD FOR THOUGHT: Soup on Friday Celebration In collaboration with Dr. Kellie Holzer, Assistant Professor of English with expertise in Colonial India

Friday, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM CSRF Office Suite, Clarke Hall

winging Down the Red Road: The Native 7 SPresence in Jazz, Blues, and Pop Music ENTANGLED IDENTITIES: LEGACIES OF 1619 Dr. Ron Welburn, Professor of English, University of Massachusetts Amherst Saturday, 7 PM Pearce Hospitality Suite, Batten Center

Dr. Mellonee Burnim, Professor of Ethnomusicology, Indiana University Hofheimer Theater, Fine Arts

ALL CSRF EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Co-sponsored with RELSTDS 116 World Religions and VWC Women’s Soccer Team

Tuesday, 9-11 PM, Blocker Auditorium

frican Music to American Music 11 AENTANGLED IDENTITIES: LEGACIES OF 1619

Dr. Daniel Margolies, Professor of History Wednesday, 7-8 PM Pearce Hospitality Suite, Batten Center

lack Music and the Construction of 12 BAmerican Identity: Blues, Jazz, and

Hip-Hop ENTANGLED IDENTITIES: LEGACIES OF 1619 Dr. Dontraneil Clayborne, Assistant Professor of History, Santa Monica College, and Tamanika Ferguson, Ph.D. candidate, Howard University Thursday, 7 PM Pearce Hospitality Suite, Batten Center

My Religion: A Look at the 16 Wearing

Hijab, Kippah, and Accessories in

American Life NEXUS Interfaith Dialogue: Religion in the Public Square Dr. Kathleen Casey, Professor of History Teddy Wansink, CSRF Student Fellow Monday, 7-8:30 PM Shafer Room, Boyd Dining Center

dvertising Virtues and Values for 19 ASociety

Dr. Linda Ferguson, Professor of Business, and the students of COMM 326 Thursday, Noon-12:50 PM Blocker Auditorium

DECEMBER A Celebration of Student Art 4 FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Soup on Friday Celebration Friday, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM CSRF Office Suite, Clarke Hall

Understanding Religious Freedom is published twice a year by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College

Craig Wansink, Ph.D. Joan P. and Macon F. Brock Jr. Director Kelly Jackson, Associate Director Eric Mazur, Ph.D. Center Fellow for Religion, Law, and Politics 757.455.3129 csrf@vwc.edu | www.vwc.edu/csrf

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Norfolk, VA Permit 27

1584 Wesleyan Drive Norfolk, VA 23502-5599

Center After Dark

Thursday, AUGUST 27

Django Unchained

Moderated by Jasmine Burrell ’16, Public Relations Coordinator, Black Student Union

Co-sponsored with RELST 238/338 African American Religious Experience and the Black Student Union

Thursday, OCTOBER 1

Tuesday, NOVEMBER 10

To Kill a Mockingbird

OFFSIDE

Moderated by Adam Ruh, Lecturer in English Co-sponsored with ENG 250 American Women Writers and Theta Alpha Kappa

A 2006 Iranian film inspired by director Jafar Panahi’s daughter, Offside is about girls who try to sneak into the stadium to watch a World Cup qualifying match.

Co-sponsored with RELST 116 World Religions and the VWC Women’s Soccer Team

Oriented to students, these late-night events stimulate informal discussions with meaningful themes — and even include popcorn with M&Ms! ALL EVENTS ARE HELD 9-11 PM

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IN BLOCKER AUDITORIUM