What are they about?

Conversations in the Liberal Arts happen Wednesday Afternoons (4:10pm-5:10pm) in Ellis Hall. Informal discussions include a variety of topics such as politics, literature, social issues, scientific questions, as well as religion and philosophy.  

Spring 2025 Schedule

Upcoming Discussion: February 26th, "Hunting as Going Home", see below for more information.

April 2nd

Race and The Environment: A History of LULU's and NIMBY in Little Rock, Arkansas

Abstract

Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Little Rock Nine have a prominent and well-known place in the history of race and civil rights in the US. But racial discrimination has deep roots in the city and remains an ongoing source of inequity and discrimination against people of color. This discussion will present some of that history and how it continues to expose people of color to disproportionate environmental hazards long after the civil rights movement hoped to have achieved racial equality

March 7th

LOCATING YOURSELF IN THE STORY: Finding Yourself in the History of American Dispossession of Indigenous Land, ft. Rebecca Clarren

Abstract

This discussion is part of a special lecture series led by Award Winning Author, and Visiting Altheimer Lecturer, Rebecca Clarren. More info can be found on the Steel Center Lectures and Special Events tab.

February 26th

Hunting as Going Home, ft. Nathan Kowalsky, Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta

Abstract

"Why hunt? This question is not often asked of hunters. Rather, the more common question is why hunting is not immoral. In this presentation, then, I want to explore some of the positive reasons why I, a religious and environmental philosopher, hunt. Broadly, I hunt to go home. But I do not mean this in a literal sense (although that sense is also true). I mean it in ecological, anti-industrial, anthropological, and anti-colonial senses. Each of these have religious dimensions, but in this talk I will focus on the philosophical dimensions and how I might tie them together." - Dr. Nathan Kowalsky

February 5th - CANCELLED, TO BE RESCHEDULED, MORE INFO TO COME SOON

Transgender Issues in Sports, ft. Terri Bonebright, Professor of Psychology

Abstract

Transgender athlete participation in sports competitions is a controversial topic that highlights the issues of fairness, injury, and discrimination in women’s sports. One recent example involves Lia Thomas, a transwoman swimmer, who won the NCAA swimming championship in 2022 and who recently lost a legal battle to participate in the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024. Another example occurred in November of 2024, when five athletes filed a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference due to a transwoman volleyball player on the San Jose State University women’s volleyball.  These athletes claim that their Title IX rights are being violated. Additionally, congress has been wrestling with the issue when the House passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports if their sex assigned at birth is male. It would withhold funding from schools that violate this rule under Title IX. However, these issues have been evident in women’s sports much earlier through women athletes who have disorders of sexual development. Our discussion will focus on understanding the different perspectives about transgender athletes and evaluating the current proposals to address these issues in women’s sports. 

January 29th 

Essential Competencies and How to Thrive @ the UALR Bowen School of Law

Abstract

Join us for an engaging panel discussion with representatives from the Bowen School of Law. All are welcome! Whether you're considering a career in law, already on the pre-law track, or just curious about the legal profession, this discussion will provide you with key information and offers an opportunity to connect with legal scholars on campus. And... you can enjoy some refreshments in Ellis Hall. 

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/NrjxJegI6_E