Timothy Dixon, associate professor in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ Division of Humanities and coordinator of history and politics, will present “Good and Evil in the Arab Spring” as part of the Faculty Lecture Series on Oct. 17 at noon in the Cotilla Gallery of the Alvin Sherman Library.
The lecture reflects Farquhar’s 2013-2014 theme of “Good and Evil” and is the second of 10 lectures in the Faculty Lecture Series.
Dixon, who has presented as part of the series previously, chose this year’s topic because he follows the developments closely.
He described the Arab Spring as “the series of revolutionary movements that has taken place across North Africa and into the Middle East where populations have turned against authoritative or totalitarian governments and seek changes.”
Although Dixon believes that many people who follow the Arab Spring see the revolutionary changes as positive, it’s actually much more complex.
“People like to see things as black and white, good and evil … but there are shades … there are deeper matters going on and some are starting to surface.”
James Doan, literature and history professor in the Division of Humanities, has organized the Faculty Lecture Series since 2006. He said that Dixon’s lecture will explore the various sides of the Arab Spring — the causes for it, how it’s developed and what it may potentially lead to.
Dixon said, “If you really have a concern for human rights, the events of the Arab Spring impact human rights across the Mediterranean area and the Middle East and these events aren’t going to stop with a change of government.”
Doan said that Dixon is very enthusiastic about bringing his many years of teaching experience to the lecture and sharing his passion for the Arab Spring with students.
Some students, who, admittedly, didn’t know much about the topic, were interested in attending.
Danielle Pollard, senior psychology major, said, “I would definitely be interested in going because a lot of people aren’t informed about what is going on over there. It will be a good way to get students more knowledge and information on worldly events other than just NSU and the small NSU community.”
Dixon and Doan want everyone, especially students, to attend the lecture series.
Doan said, “It’s a chance to hear their professors outside the classroom setting on a topic that really impassions them.”
The lectures are free and open to NSU students, faculty and staff. Registration is not required and light refreshments will be served.
For more information on his lecture, call Dixon at 954-262-8203. For more information on the Faculty Lecture Series, call Doan at 954-262-8207.
