This fall, four researchers from UBC Okanagan will each present a free public talk about their latest developments in research and teaching.
Taking place at the Okanagan Regional Library in downtown Kelowna, the third annual UBC Okanagan Deans’ Lecture Series explores a wide range of research questions ranging from why substance abuse prevention programs can fail to protect youth to why two people can have completely different interpretations of the exact same movie.
“This is a way for people in our community to connect with, discuss and contemplate the latest work being done at their local university,” says Tia-Maria Hoeller, Continuing Studies program leader. “We host the talks from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on Fridays, so people can bring their lunch with them, and enjoy a lively and vibrant conversation with our deans and researchers.”
The first in this season’s brown-bag lunch series is Faculty of Management professor Annamma Joy, who will discuss the culture behind luxury brands, and the differentiating views that people from around the world may have towards luxury items. Joy’s talk is on Oct. 9.
On Oct. 23, Marvin Krank, dean of the College of Graduate Studies, will present his work on Adolescence and Substance Abuse – Why Prevention Fails.
“Despite the best of intentions, prevention programs fail to protect many of our youth from the dangerous path ahead of them,” says Krank. “In this talk I will review some of the recent findings that explain why so many miss the point.”
The third presentation, titled Telling Stories: Narratives Are Us!, will be presented by Cynthia Mathieson, acting dean of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, on Nov. 6.
“We all tell stories to define who we are. But why stories? What advantage does a narrative provide?” asks Mathieson. “This talk will explore the power of narrative in relation to identities – our own and that of others.”
On Nov. 20, Robert Belton, dean of the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, presents an overview of some current research into the psychology of responses to works of art.
“Have you ever had one of those conversations about a book or a movie that ended in disagreement with words like, ‘I don’t think you were watching the same movie I was?'” asks Belton. “Why is that-especially when you’ve been watching exactly the same movie or reading the same book?”
There is no cost to attend any of the presentations, but registration is required. To reserve a seat email the Continuing Studies office at cs.ubco@ubc.ca or phone 250-807-8177.
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