2005 programs and events

Two American Studies Specialists Lecture in Minsk

Dr. Gerald Pomper, Professor of Political Science, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University, conducted an American Studies course May 17 -28 for faculty and undergraduate students at the International Relations Department, Belarusian State University, in Minsk. His lectures covered a range of topics including up-to-date issues linked to U.S. constitutional principles, civil liberties, the electoral process and public policy. Pomper is author of the book, Ordinary Heroes and American Democracy, published in 2004 by Yale University Press. He presented a lecture based on his book that examines eight individuals, each representing a major institution of American government and politics, who made major contributions to the U.S.

His spouse, Dr. Marlene Pomper, also affililiated with Rutgers, addressed the 15th International American Studies Conference sponsored by the Belarusian Association of American Studies. It focused on the theme, "Transatlantic Connections: the USA and Europe Redefining Each Other." A scholar in English Literature and History, she also was head of the panel that evaluated students who entered the English language competition conducted each year at the conference in Minsk.