Colloquium will explore 'Changing Environments of Latin America'


Thu, 11/08/2018

author

Gibette Encarnacion

LAWRENCE – This fall marks the 27th year of the Waggoner Research Colloquium, where KU Latin American studies faculty members and graduate students gather to celebrate the ongoing research and scholarship in the region.

The colloquium will take place from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the Malott Room of the KU Union, and a catered reception will follow. RSVP to clacs@ku.edu by Friday, Nov. 9.

The 2018 colloquium includes an interdisciplinary panel on “Changing Environments of Latin America: History, Conservation, Climate Change & Natural Disasters” and will feature the following presentations:

Santa Arias, professor of Spanish & Portuguese

“Post-Columbian Ruination: Reframing Bartolomé de las Casas’ “destruyción” in Hispaniola and Beyond”

Gregory Cushman, associate professor of history and environmental studies

“The Modern World’s First Gold Rush: Las Antillas, 1493-1520”

Peter Herlihy, professor of geography & atmospheric science

“Indigenous Territories and Forest Conservation in Central America”

Ward Lyles, urban planning, assistant professor of School of Public Affairs & Administration

“Disasters as Windows and Mirrors: What Should (And Shouldn’t) We Learn from Hurricanes Maria and Harvey?”

Jorge Soberón, university distinguished professor of ecology & evolutionary biology

“Changing Climate and Changing Countries: Biodiversity and Human Migrations”

A Q&A and a reception with refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will follow.

Inaugurated in 1992 by Elizabeth Kuznesof, former director of the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, the Waggoner Research Colloquium is a testimony to KU’s continuing commitment to international education and its promotion of international consciousness among students and faculty. Along with the exhibition of scholarly work, the colloquium provides an opportunity for fellowship among colleagues and graduate students taking part in Latin American research and scholarship.

This event celebrates the legacy of George Waggoner, in whose honor this colloquium was founded. Waggoner was dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences from 1954 until 1975, when he became the associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. During his tenure, Waggoner founded the College Honors Program and established educational ties with universities in the Caribbean and in Central and South America. He was presciently concerned with international programs and development and was instrumental in bringing to KU many of the Latin American studies researchers who have been instrumental in making the area studies programs so distinguished.

Thu, 11/08/2018

author

Gibette Encarnacion

Media Contacts

Gibette Encarnación

Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies