EVENTS: Opening

The American Corner at the University of Plovdiv was opened on May 13 2004 in the presence of Mr. Matthew Lussenhop - the Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs at the US Embassy in Sofia, Associate professor Dr. Zapryan Kozludzhov - Vice-Rector of Plovdiv University, representatives of US Embassy, Plovdiv Municipality, town and local libraries, the media, Plovdiv University Deans, faculty, students and guests. Opening speeches were delivered by Mr. Matthew Lussenhop, Associate professor Dr. Zapryan Kozludzhov and Assistant professor Milena Katsarska.

The Opening of the American Corner at Plovdiv University was accompanied by a rich academic and cultural program May/June 2004 with the support of the Fulbright Commission in Bulgaria, the US Embassy and the University of Plovdiv. All the events enjoyed vast interest on behalf of students, faculty and wider public in Plovdiv.

 Guest lectures for university students and faculty:

  • Prof. Jane Barstow, a Fulbright Scholar at Veliko Tarnovo University, "Women Studies / Women's Issues."
  • Prof. Jay Halio, a Fulbright Scholar at Sofia University, "Eros and Death in the Later Works of Philip Roth"
  • Alan R. Velie, a David Ross Boyd Professor at Oklahoma University on "American Indian Studies." & "Structuralism, Poststructuralism and After"

Guest lecturers were invited on behalf of the American Corner at Plovdiv University and discussions were moderated by prof. Chianese and prof. Iordan Kosturkov.

Lectures for university students, faculty and wider public:

  • Prof. Robert Chianese, a lecture with slides on "Postmodernism Through Architecture"
  • Prof. Robert Chianese, a lecture with slides on "American Modernist Art"
  • Prof. Robert Chianese, a lecture with slides on "Nature, Environmentalism and Art in America"

The slide collections accompanying these talks were donated by prof. Chianese to the American Corner for future educational use.

Film screenings for university students, faculty and wider public:

  • David Lynch 2002 film MULHOLLAND DR. a postmodern pastiche of film noir mysteries.
  • Julian Schnabel 1996 film BASQUIAT about an unknown graffiti artist who became a famous figure in the 60's New York pop art scene surrounding Andy Warhol.
  • Spike Lee's JUNGLE FEVER and a discussion based on excerpts from theoretical and creative work of African-American intellectuals and writers of the 20th century

Discussions were lead and handouts prepared by prof. Robert Chianese and Milena Katsarska