University Communications and Marketing

September 9, 2014 

Contacts:

Brent Roberts, MSUB Library, 657-1655
Carmen Price, University Relations, 657-2269

Free and open to the public, the lecture series begins on Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m with an opening reception immediately following. Visit msubillings.edu/ww1 for a complete lecture listing.

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Montana State University Billings will host a series of public lectures beginning Sept. 23, commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Scholars from the fields of history, science, international studies, Native American studies, English and music will consider the diffuse influence and legacy of what was supposed to be “the war to end all wars." Sponsored by the MSUB Library, the eleven-part series will span over the fall and spring semesters, beginning with professor Dr. Brian Dillon’s “If Memory Serves: Writers Who Challenge How We Think About World War One.” Some authors from the WWI-era challenged the master-narrative that the war was futile. Dillon, who teaches in the university’s English department, will talk about how even writers whose literary works fit the master-narrative express a sense of futility in a variety of engaging ways.

Dillon’s presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. in the library building, room 148. A reception celebrating the start of the lecture series will be held immediately following and will feature WWI-era food. The series continues every Tuesday following with a closing fall semester lecture on Oct. 28. The spring portion of the series will commence Feb. 10.

Brent Roberts, library director, said the library is pleased to coordinate faculty lectures, spotlighting the expertise of MSUB faculty.

“MSUB faculty are top scholars in their fields, and we always look forward to highlighting their research and accomplishments,” Roberts said. “Community members are well-rewarded for attending these programs.”

The series will feature presentations ranging from Montana’s complex history during the war and the anti-German hysteria that gripped many communities, to women’s involvement in what contemporaries called the Great War.

The lecture series is free and open to the public. Presentations begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held on the university campus, 1500 University Drive, in the library, room 148, with the exception of the final lecture Music of WWI, which will be held in Cisel Recital Hall, room 135.

For more information and a detailed list of lectures and receptions, visit msubillings.edu/ww1 or call 657-1655.