EVENTS: Мay 2007

Three Speakers Mark 3^rd Anniversary of American Corner in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

May 14, 2007 marked the three year anniversary of the American Corner at the University of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. To celebrate this milestone, three guest speakers were invited to impart their wisdom and wit with Plovdiv University students and staff in a series of lectures held at the American Corner during the month of May.

On May 10, 2007, Ms. Jean Lee, Fulbright teacher exchange participant from New York City, delighted American Studies students with tales of diversity in suburban California and big city Manhattan. Next, Professor Kathleen Dixon, senior Fulbright scholar at Sofia University, enraptured students and professors alike on May 14,  2007 with a preview of her coming book The Global Village Revisited: Art, Politics, and Television Talk Shows. Her book analyzes and compares the role television talk shows play in American, Belgian, and Bulgarian society. Professor Dixon’s talk focused on ways the Oprah Winfrey Show reflects the values of a sector of the American public; a lively discussion ensued among students, professors, and Professor Dixon about the controversial Slavi Talk Show in Bulgaria. Last but not least, Professor Jeffrey Smith, Fulbright scholar at the American University of Bulgaria in Blagoevgrad, delivered two lectures on American and Film Studies on May 15, 2007. His first lecture examined the intersection of 9/11 media reports with fictional storytelling conventions and his second lecture looked at the portrayal of American presidents in popular films of the 60’s.

Jointly organized by American Corner coordinator Milena Katsarska and Bulgaria ELF Sunnia Ko, the May guest speaker series brought over 80 members of the Plovdiv University community to the American Corner. Students and professors responded enthusiastically to the guest speakers and appreciated the “live” perspective that the speakers brought to American culture.

Ms. Jean Lee offers tales of diversity to American Studies students

 at Plovdiv University’s American Corner.

Professor Kathleen Dixon gives students and professors at PU’s American Corner a preview of her coming book The Global Village Revisited: Art, Politics, and Television Talk Shows.

Jeff Smith shares insight on American and Film Studies

at the American Corner at Plovdiv University.