Visiting Scholars to Talk About Provocative Politics
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 15, 2006
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Stephanie Hamel
530-898-4478
Visiting Scholars To Talk About Provocative Politics
Two scholars from the University of Texas who would like to replace public cynicism with political engagement are lecturing on March 6, 7:30 pm, Harlen Adams Theatre, as part of the President's Lecture Series, California State University, Chico.
The speakers, University of Texas College of Communication Dean Roderick Hart and Professor Sharon Jarvis, will give a public lecture on "Marketing Citizenship," which will address their work at the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Participation in Austin, Tex.
How did "liberal" become a dirty word in American politics? How did "compassionate conservative" become a viable campaign theme? When did the "independent voter" become the most sought-after prize in modern campaigns? And why haven't "third-party candidates" enjoyed similar acclaim? Hart and Jarvis will answer these questions about the language of party politics and its effects on citizenship in their public lecture.
The Annette Strauss Institute's mission is to attempt to create and sustain a counter-marketing campaign encouraging civic engagement and participation in an era in which cynicism is being professionally marketed by cultural forces. Institute projects include developing a social studies curriculum for high schools to encourage civic participation in local political campaigns and debunking myths about young voters. Their Chico lecture will touch on the influence of religion on political campaigns, youth voting trends and the dynamic political landscape in California.
Both speakers have gained national acclaim for their provocative books on political language. Hart's "Campaign Talk: Why Elections are Good For Us" and "Political Keywords: Using Language That Uses Us" address the important role of elections in stimulating political discourse and take a fresh look at the language of American politics. Similarly, Jarvis' "Talk of the Party: Political Labels, Symbolic Capital, and American Life" looks at how the language of partisanship has been used over the past 50 years and how it has created or limited political opportunities.
"We are fortunate to bring to campus these two distinguished authors and commentators on the American political scene,” said CSU, Chico President Paul Zingg. “Developing students' attitudes about civic engagement is an important task of the University, and this lecture certainly enhances that effort."
For more information about the speakers, contact Stephanie Hamel, 898-4478, shamel@csuchico.edu.
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