Sonoma State University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is offering a unique and informative on Wednesday evening lecture series from 6:30-8:15 p.m. in the Cooperage at SSU.
For the Oct. 5 discussion, instructor Elizabeth Martinez, will focus on the early fictional contributions of Elena Poniatowska, recognized today as one of Mexico's greatest writers, and a leading voice on Mexican culture for five decades.
Elena Poniatowksa lives in Mexico City, and is the author of some fifty books. Poniatowska has excelled in several genres - as a journalist, novelist, short story writer, and essayist. She is admired today as a feminist, though in 1954 feminism didn't have broad appeal and only men were considered great writers, leaving the bright and talented Poniatowska on the intellectual periphery.
"When I read Elena Poniatowska, I'm reminded why she's my hero, why I write, what kind of writer I aspire to be. She's not only an exquisite writer, she's an extraordinary human being. It's this humanity that makes her writing soar," says author Sandra Cisneros.
Elizabeth Coonrod Martinez is professor of Latin American and U.S. Latino Literature at Sonoma State University. She has published books and articles on 20th century Latin American and U.S. Latino writers, and her latest book is on Elena Poniatowska's work.
Other upcoming Wednesday evening lectures this fall include:
Oct. 12: "The Use of Space in Chinese and JapaneseLandscape Painting" with Zohra Kalinkowitz, M.A., who specializes in Asian art and has exhibited locally and nationally.
Oct. 19: "Art History in Western Civilization" with Bruce Elliott, Ph.D., who also teaches courses in European History at San Francisco State University.
Oct. 26: "What Happened to Classical Music in the Twentieth Century?" with Joann Feldman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Music at Sonoma State University.
Nov. 2: "Advertising in Contemporary Culture: Between Art and Commerce", with Inese Heinzel, M.A., a communications specialist and media producer.
For more information on the Osher Lifelong Learning Lecture Series and up-coming topics, contact Barbara Brooks at (707) 664-2691.
