2A
Tuesday, March 5, 1996
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Lecture extols expanding mind
Professor talked of Western Civilization
By Heather Kirkwood
Kansan staff writer
It disturbed Elaine Marks, a professor of French, Italian and women's studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, when one of her undergraduate students objected to reading about Freud's theories concerning penis envy. The student was afraid that if she read such material, she might begin to believe it.
It is an extreme example, but a real one, Marks said at a lecture attended by about 70 people last night at Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union.
The lecture, titled Confessions of a Eurocentric Francophile, is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Western Civilization program.
Marks used this example and others to illustrate the importance of how students read and why certain texts are read while others aren't.
"I do try to convince people that it is important for them to know exciting ideas," Marks said. "But it is very
difficult when the students will answer that these are patriarchal concepts."
Marks said that it was difficult to have provocative classroom discussion if such texts were excluded.
"What is it that excites us as we read and prepare for class?" Marks asked the audience. For her, it has been French literature. But she feels that it has gotten an elitist reputation in some circles.
"I began to feel as though I was hiding a secret liaison from my colleagues," Marks said.
Marks read several samplings of writings that referred to classical texts to illustrate how much more meaning they held for those who understood the classical references. She then read selections from Survival in Auschwitz by Pico Levi. In the book Levi and another prisoner form a friendship by discussing Dante.
The example resonated with Marina Jaffe, Kansas City, Mo., junior.
"It was hard for me to understand, but she made me want to read more of the stuff we are reading in class," Jaffe said. "There is definitely a point to reading this stuff."
Israeli victims mourned
Kansan staff report
The KU Hilch Foundation will hold a memorial service at 12:30 p.m. today on Wesco Beach to commemorate the victims of three recent terrorist bombings in Israel.
Hillel will provide information at the service about recent events in Israel and will give KU students an opportunity to sign a banner that will be displayed in Lawrence before being sent to Israel.
"It is to show why we care so much, as well as why anyone with a conscience or who cares about peace should care," said Steven Jacobson, Hillel director.
Jacobson said he knew of five KU students who were studying in Israel.
The latest bombing took place yesterday at the Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv during a prime shopping time for Israeli citizens.
Susan Elkins, University Information Center director, has been traveling in Israel this semester. She sent Jacobson e-mail explaining that except for a last-minute change of plans, she would have been in the market area when the blast occurred.
ON CAMPUS
The foundation will accept contributions for the bombing victims at the memorial service.
The KU Hillel Foundation will sponsor a vigil in response to recent bombings in Israel at 12:30 p.m. today at Wescoe Beach. For more information, call Hillel at 864-3948.
Andrew Taubki will sponsor KU Ki-Ailkdo Club at 6 p.m. today at 207 Robinson Center. For more information, call Matt Stumpe at 864-6592.
KU Environs will meet at 6 p.m. today at the International Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Sarbpal Hundal at 864-7325.
African Studies Center will sponsor a movie screening of "The Gods Must Be Crazy II" at 7 tonight at the Kansas Union. For more information, call Akin Ajayi at 864-3054.
KU Bahai Club will sponsor a meeting on the history of the Bahai faith in Kansas at 7 tonight at Alcove D in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Crista at 865-1642.
Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center will sponsor a panel with Kathleen Sebelius in honor of Women's History Month at 7 tonight at Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Melissa Barr at 864-3552.
KU Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law will hold elections at 7 tonight at the English Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Gwenn at 865-5184.
AIESEC, International Association of Students Interested in Economics and Business Management, will meet at 7:15 tonight at 2023
KCBT Student Ministries will sponsor a Bible study at 7:30 tonight at the Regionalist Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Adam Decatur at 841-1683.
Haworth Hall. For more information, call Brian Buckley at 841-7675.
Lupus Foundation of America will sponsor a Lupus support group meeting at 7:30 tonight at the Gallery Room in the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. For more information, call Gretchen Huber at 832-9789.
Christian Science Organization will sponsor a meeting on "What is Christian Science?" at 9 tonight at Alcev B in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Mark Maurer at 864-6262.
Office of Study Abroad will sponsor an informational meeting on studying in Golfft, Costa Rica for the summer at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at the English Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Ellen Strubert at 864-3742.
■ KU Karate Club will practice at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at 215 Robinson Center. For more information, call Jon Sides at 832-1771.
Kansas University Gamers and Role-players will meet at 6 p.m. tomorrow at Parlors A,B and C in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Isaac Bell at 843-9178.
ANAD will sponsor an eating disorders support group at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Curry Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Ruth at 843-3074.
The University Daily Kansan (USPS 650-640) is published at the University of Kansas, 119 Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 66045, daily during the regular school year, excluding Saturday, Sunday, holidays and finals periods, and Wednesday during the summer session. Second-class postage is paid in Lawrence, Kan. 66044. Annual subscriptions by mail are $90. Student subscriptions of $1.86 per semester are paid through the student activity fee.
Postmaster: Send address changes to the University Daily Kansan, 119 Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 66045.
Weather
Source: Kim Friedrichsen and Jeff House, KU Weather Service
ON THE RECORD
About $27 in cash was stolen from a KU student's purse between 3 and 4:45 a.m. on Feb. 24, Lawrence police reported.
A KU student's vehicle was burglarized between 7:20 and 9 p.m. Sunday. The driver's side window was damaged during the burglary. Compact discs valued at $150 were reported stolen from the vehicle. Damage to the window was estimated at $100, Lawrence police reported.
A KU student's Chinese-English dictionary was stolen between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Thursday in Watson Library, Lawrence police reported
The KU student housing department reported that a window was damaged between 4 and 7 a.m. Saturday in the 1300 block of Louisiana Street. The damage was estimated at $60, Lawrence police reported.
A KU student was the victim of an alleged battery on Friday afternoon at Robinson Center. The victim was reportedly punched in the face while participating in a basketball game. Police are trying to locate the suspect.
Snow Hall was burglarized between 6 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Four Apple Power Mac computers valued at $7,500 were stolen from the electrical and computer engineering department in room 415. The theft of $302.50 cash was also reported from room 405. Two wooden doors were found damaged, KU police reported.
IT'S IMPORTANT
Vote, Suckers!
Don't let this year's presidential candidates
IGNORE YOU...
MARCH 6,1996·8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Location of the polling sites on your campus: Wescoe Beach and the Kansas Union
Let your student voice be heard in the NATIONAL STUDENT PRIMARY and get REGISTERED TO VOTE at the same time.
This is a Youth Vote '96 event