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SHERMAN, TEXAS—Dr. Robert Cape, Austin College professor of classics, will present “Why Go ‘Back to the Future’? The Centrality of Classical Greece and Rome for Visions of the Future in American Literature and Film” on Wednesday, September 23, at 4:30 p.m. in Wright Campus Center, Room 231. A 4 p.m. reception in the Johnson Gallery will precede the presentation. The reception and lecture are free and open to the public.
While his previous sabbatical work focused on Cicero and ancient Roman culture, Cape’s recent sabbatical focused on the roles of Greek and Roman cultures in modern science fiction. He is building a foundation for a book and other projects on the topic.
His Sabbatical Series presentation will look at how science fiction and classics have worked together in history, such as in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, to modern day in works such as Jo Walton’s books on Plato’s Republic, set in the future, titled The Just City [2015] and The Philosopher Kings [2015]. Cape said the lecture also will bring to light how classics have helped science fiction to become the mainstream literary and cinematic genre it is today, and in turn how science fiction has helped the classics stay relevant to younger generations with works such as The Hunger Games and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.
The lecture is presented by Austin College’s Robert and Joyce Johnson Center for Faculty Development and Excellence in Teaching, directed by Randi Tanglen, associate professor of English. Within the mission of the center is the encouragement of “bold exploration of intellectual frontiers” and “fostering lively intellectual dialogue within and across academic disciplines.”
The Johnson Center schedules a number of events throughout the year, with presentations by Austin College faculty and guest lecturers.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book College’s That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 36 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of 1,250 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates and inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
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