The modern university besieged by requests (or demands) to do many things—among them, to stimulate economic productivity, to foster social justice and to provide training for lucrative careers. In his Nov. 30 talk, distinguished historian and classicist Christopher S. Celenza will argue that a response should begin by asking a foundational question: What are the arts and sciences and why do they matter?

Celenza will suggest some answers that arise from considering the history of the liberal arts, medieval and early modern universities, and the rise of the arts and sciences in the modern era. The talk will be at 5:30 pm on Thursday, Nov. 30 in room 198 of Statler Hall on the Cornell University campus. Informal and aimed at non-specialists, it is designed to stimulate thinking about current issues in contemporary U.S. research universities. The event is free and open to the public. It will also be live-streamed; register to participate online.

“Christopher Celenza is a distinguished scholar, a true humanist with enormous breadth and great wit. He is committed to engaging with thoughtful members of the general public,” said Barry Strauss, the Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies in the Departments of History and Classics and Director of the Program on Freedom and Free Societies in the College of Arts and Sciences. Strauss will introduce Celenza and moderate the following Q&A.

Read the full story on the College of Arts and Sciences website.