Whether we notice or not, rhythm affects us every day. From the rise and fall of our breath to the rise and fall of the sun, rhythm structures our lives, is a source of healing, and provides a framework for creativity. Take the opportunity to learn more about the importance of rhythm during a series of Saturday talks in February at Washington University in St. Louis.
Pat Matthews, the associate dean for academics at University College, said the lectures will explore the fundamental role of rhythm in the human body, the clinical applications of rhythm in song and dance, the power of rhythm in language, and rhythmic forms that drive French film. “In the best tradition of the MLA series, the audience will be able to reflect on faculty research on one subject examined across disciplines,” Matthews said. “We look forward to seeing how the conversation develops as our understanding of rhythm deepens throughout the month of February.”
Free and open to the public, the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) Lecture Series is sponsored by University College, the university’s professional and continuing education division in Arts & Sciences. The lectures begin Feb. 3 and are offered every Saturday in February from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in McMillan Hall, room G052. Now in its 37th year, the popular MLA series addresses a common theme from a variety of backgrounds.
Faculty speakers and their topics in this year’s series, titled “Rhythm,” are:
- Feb. 3: Gammon Earhart, professor of Physical Therapy, Neurology, and Neuroscience, and Elinor Harrison, professional performance artist turned graduate student who is working toward completion of a PhD in Movement Science, on “Not the Same Old Song and Dance: Rhythm and Parkinson Disease”
- Feb. 10: Colin Burnett, assistant professor of Film and Media Studies, on “Rhythm à la française: How French Filmmakers Reinvented ‘Musical’ Perception”
- Feb. 17: Brett Hyde, associate professor of Philosophy, Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology, and Linguistics, on “Rhythm in Natural Language”
- Feb. 24: Michael Hughes, assistant professor of Medicine, on “Tempo and Harmonics: Orchestrating Circadian Rhythms in Tissues throughout the Body.
Lectures can be attended individually or in the entire series, but RSVPs are requested. To RSVP, visit the MLA series website. For more information, call (314) 935-6700 or email ucollege@wustl.edu.
