Samford University’s English department and related groups will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility with a series of events Nov. 1-3.
A panel discussion, a screening of the 1995 Sense and Sensibility film, and a session for small group interaction will explore various aspects of the British author’s life and works. The public is invited to any of the events free of charge.
“Over the last decade no classic English novelist has enjoyed more popularity than Jane Austen,” notes Samford junior English major Steven Thomas, who is president of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society. “Since 1990, 23 film or television adaptations of her works have been produced.”
Austen’s work also inspired the popular 2009 parody novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
The honor society is teaming with the Samford English department and University Fellows program to sponsor the three-day event. The schedule includes:
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 5 p.m. in Brock Forum, panel discussion of Austen’s life, works and scholarly criticism led by French professor Dr. Mary McCullough and English professors Dr. Stephen Epley and Dr. Bryan Johnson.
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. in Brock Forum, the screening of Ang Lee’s 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. After the showing, Samford film studies professor Dr. Geoffrey Wright will lead an academic discussion.
Thursday, Nov. 3, 6 p.m., small group discussions led by Dr. Johnson, retired Howard College of Arts and Sciences dean and English professor Dr. Rod Davis, and University Fellows staff member Caroline Williams. This event is by reservation only. R.S.V.P to Thomas at sthomas2@samford.edu.
For information on the series, contact Johnson at (205) 726-4036 or bmjohnso@samford.
