The story-telling tradition of nearly thirty years continues, highlighting World War II, classical Christmas carols and Dr. Who.  

The Then and Now presented by various professors in the Department of History and Political Science is held as a part of Fanfare. Fanfare’s Then and Now series started off last week with Dr. Michael Martin’s “Russell Long: A Life in Politics.”

“This recurring series brings together speakers who deal with issues in history, political science and philosophy in a way that is both educational and entertaining, and who appeal to scholars, students and members of the community,” said Dr. William Robison, head of the history and political science department.

Next in line for this series is Dr. Craig Saucier, professor of history and political science, and his lecture “The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Outbreak of World War I.” Saucier will talk about the family life of the archduke, the emerging conspiracy and the assassination itself.

Dr. Saucier chose to hold a lecture on this topic because the time period is his favorite, and his grandfather fought in it. He also finds WWI to be an event most people brush over.

“Most students, and even adults, are far more familiar with the second World War because the issues are more clear-cut, and it is all on video,” said Dr. Saucier. “With respect to the first World War, however, most people simply have no clue: why it broke out, how long it was fought, who fought it and how significantly it shaped the course of the world we live in, right down to this very day.”

Dr. Saucier’s lecture will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 8 in Pottle Auditorium.

Dr. Jeff Wiemelt, associate professor and graduate coordinator of language and literacy, will also participate in this series with a lecture entitled “J.R.R Tolkien, History and Mythological Imagination.” This will cover what has made Tolkien’s fiction last through the years by examining the history and mythology behind it.

Dr. Joe Burns, language and communication professor, will be presenting a lecture about classical Christmas carols called “Do You Hear What I Hear? Facts and History of Christmas Carols.” There will be free milk and cookies provided for attendants.

The last lecture to be held will be by Dr. Robison called “Doctor WhoDat Hatches A Halloween ‘Doctor Who’ Hapless Hortonless History Lesson.” Dr. Robison will tell how the television series Dr. Who uses history and why it has remained popular through the years.

For more information on the Archduke Ferdinand lecture, contact Dr. Saucier via email at [email protected].