Administration

Communications

Annual Sperry Lecture examines Homer, The Iliad and The Odyssey
Friday, March 25, 2011

CANTON, Mo. – Culver-Stockton College will host its annual John A. Sperry Jr. Lecture on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 7 p.m. in Merillat Chapel on the C-SC campus. The lecture, titled Not Homer Simpson: The real Homer and the Homeric Age, will focus on archaeological, historical and cultural understanding of Homer, The Iliad and The Odyssey.

The lecture is presented by Dr. C. Patrick Hotle, C-SC professor of history. Hotle has taught at Culver-Stockton College since 1993. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa, a Master of Philosophy in international relations and a doctorate in history from Cambridge University.

“Homer is a major cultural influence that is too often taken for granted; and, I think, it’s really worth looking closely at that influence. Also, recently, there have been some exciting archeological discoveries at the site of Troy, those discoveries could change the way we think about the Trojan War and about The Iliad. I’m looking forward to discussing those discoveries and their potential impact during the upcoming lecture. I invite everyone to attend what I hope will be an insightful and informative evening,” said Hotle.

Hotle was the first professor named to hold the college’s John A. Sperry Jr. Endowed Chair of Humanities in 2002. The endowed chair was named in honor of John A. Sperry Jr. (1926-2003). Sperry’s teaching career at Culver-Stockton College spanned 35 years from 1957-92 and touched thousands of developing lives and minds. Sperry was best known for his breadth of interest and knowledge within the humanities. He was a distinguished professor of humanities emeritus and his interests included history, political science, literature, astronomy, anthropology and languages.

The annual Sperry Lecture is offered as part of the college’s Academic and Cultural Events program and is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Hotle at (573) 288-6394 or photle@culver.edu.