From science to the humanities, and music to religion, Gustavus students are exposed to the interdisciplinary nature of classes.
Students are encouraged to understand how each discipline is connected to another. One of the campus events that emphasizes this is the Lefler Lecture.
The Lefler Lecture is a series of lectures that occur sporadically throughout the year to introduce the general public to a variety of different topics.
According to Betsy Byers, an assistant professor in Art and History, the Lefler Lecture was started in 1993 by Mary Jane Lefler, whose daughter Jane graduated in the Gustavus class of 1975, in memory of her husband Herbert. The purpose of the lecture series is, “to carry forward the Lefler tradition of inquiry and learning,” Byers said.
Over the years, the Lefler Lecture topics have been expanded from their original focus on political science and history, the majors of Jane Lefler. Lectures now include discussions with a much broader focus.
“It’s a way of bringing different people and perspectives to campus. Everything from religion to music, one year ago the Lefler Lecture was a jazz combo,” Associate Professor in religion, Sarah Ruble, said.
On April 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall, the Lefler Lecture hosted theologian, Dr. Willie Jennings. Dr. Jennings is an associate professor of Systematic Theology and African Studies at Yale University Divinity School. He wrote The Christian Imagination, a book that has gained popularity in academia.
“The book looks at how racialized thinking or thinking about race has really distorted the way Christians see the world and see other people,” Ruble said.
“It’s a way of bringing different people and perspectives to campus.” — Sarah Ruble
The religion department here at Gustavus endorsed Dr. Jennings.
“Dr. Jennings studies Christian theology with an interest towards race. It looks at how racialized thinking has really distorted the ways Christians see the world and other people,” Ruble said.
This was one topic Dr. Jennings discussed during his lecture at Gustavus.
Sophomore Chrissy Dornon, political science major, attended the lecture.
“It was interesting to hear about geographic whiteness, meaning that whiteness is actually a choice. The Irish or the people who come here integrate themselves into this ‘ideal’ white culture,” Dornon said.
However, one of the most interesting and important aspects of the lecture was how it integrated religion with a heavy focus on geography, and racism.
“Our space, where we live, affects our relationships with people. It was interesting how he incorporated Christianity. It makes people more aware of the privilege they have,” Dornon said.
The lecture emphasized how seemingly independent actions are largely influenced by unrelated factors.
The Lefler Lecture provides an space for students to hear firsthand how interconnected all of their majors truly are.
“We have had a lot of amazing speakers come in as a result of the lecture. It shows great interdisciplinary collaboration. It’s an opportunity for more than one department to bring somebody together,” Byers said.