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K-State Today

September 28, 2017

Lecture Series on 'Curious Incident' begins Thursday, Sept. 28

Submitted by Karin Westman

Curious Incident by Mark Haddon

On Thursday, Sept. 28, the K-State Book Network launches its faculty/staff lecture series for the 2017 common book, "Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime."

"Curious Incident: A Public Lecture Series" draws upon the collective knowledge of the campus community to help everyone understand more about the issues raised in Mark Haddon's novel. All events are free and open to the public.

"Our campus experts will help our community consider connections between the characters and themes of 'Curious Incident' and our local experience at K-State," said Karin Westman, PR/Event Committee chair and department head of English.

"We're glad that we can provide a venue for conversations about key themes in Haddon's book."

The lecture series will include the following three presentations:

"Understanding Christopher's Math Problems" 
Thursday, Sept. 28, 7-8 p.m.
Faculty/staff expert: Natalia Rojkovskaia, associate professor, department of mathematics
Hemisphere Room, Hale Library

Rojkovskaia will discuss how the mathematical component of Haddon's novel is not only amazingly intertwined in the storyline, but is remarkably deep and accurate, which is not that common in literary work.

Moreover, with the presented mathematical content, the author successfully raises the plot above the common stereotype that a math genius is a person who just can quickly multiply big numbers: Christopher's culture in logic and scientific reasoning is of a very high intellectual level. In the presentation we will discuss examples of math questions and proofs mentioned in the book, providing them with comments, illustrations, historical background.

"Exceptional Students in Higher Education: A Panel Discussion"
Faculty/staff experts: Marilyn Kaff, associate professor of special education, counseling and affairs; Lindsay Kubina, access advisor and outreach coordinator, Student Access Center; and Molly McGaughey, director, Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Thursday, Nov. 2, noon to 1 p.m.
Location TBA

This panel of K-State faculty and staff will share their experiences and thoughts on exceptional students in higher education, from admissions to graduation.

"Creativity and Craft in Mark Haddon's 'Curious Incident'"
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 4-5 p.m.
Faculty/staff expert: Traci Brimhall, assistant professor, department of English
Wildcat Chamber, K-State Student Union

Through a combination of lecture and interactive exchange, Brimhall explores how creativity informs the narrative structure, reading experience, and themes of Mark Haddon's award-winning novel.

Visit the K-State Book Network for more information about Haddon's book and the KSBN program.