Themester

The College of Arts and Sciences’ fifteenth and final Themester is underway. This year’s theme, “Light and Truth | Lux et Veritas,” is inspired by the Indiana University motto. Throughout the fall, Themester will host a series of lectures, films, and lunches to discuss “Light and Truth” from a variety of academic perspectives, including astronomy, history, political science, and cinema.  

“The concept of truth has taken center stage and come under fire in many parts of political and social life, nationally and internationally," IU senior Joelle Jackson said. "Grappling with how truth is represented and misrepresented has become a crucial civic task." Jackson is majoring in Folklore and Ethnomusicology and Anthropology and serves as a member of the Themester 2023 advisory committee.

“This Themester will provide opportunities to engage with the ideas of truth and light through interdisciplinary and diverse lenses, something we can all apply in many different facets of life,” said Jackson. 

Highlights from the fall Themester calendar include: 

• Sonia Shah, science journalist and prize-winning author of critically acclaimed books on science, politics, and human-animal relations will visit Indiana University on September 19. Her talk will be on “Science Journalism in a Moving World.” 
• Dr. Travis A. Rector, astrophysicist, professor, and author of the book, “Color the Universe,” will share his stunning images of deep space as well as an insider’s perspective from the people who make those pictures. This event will take place at IU Cinema on September 20.  

•  Themester Lunch Series will be held on Fridays throughout the fall semester. Undergraduate students are invited to engage in small, informal discussions with faculty members while enjoying lunch as guests of Themester. Faculty members will represent a variety of disciplines in the College, including Criminal Justice, Mathematics, Gender Studies, and Art. Registration is required. Space is limited.  
• IU Global Gateways will hold two virtual roundtable discussions in conjunction with Themester. The first discussion, “Truth, Lies, and Facts across Cultures,” will occur on September 20, and the second discussion, “Vox Populi? Democracy, Science, and Solving the World’s Problems,” will occur on October 18.  

Films 

Themester will partner with IU Cinema to present a series of three films. The first film will be the science-fiction dramedy The Truman Show. This film tells the story of Truman Burbank, a man who unknowingly lives on a 24/7 reality TV show and is unaware that everyone else is acting. This event will be on September 19 at IU Cinema.    

In collaboration with the Political and Civic Engagement and IU Cinema, Themester will present a second film series, “Leadership, Truth, and Justice.” This series captures the stories and journeys of various leaders in their search for truth in the face of adversity. Films include Free Angela Davis and All Political Prisoners, The Times of Harvey Milk, and The Unknown Known.  

Exhibition 

“Truly, in All Sincerity,” open October 13 through November 11 at Grunwald Gallery of Art, features contemporary art that explores the multifaceted nature of the truth. Featuring works in photography, video, and installation, the exhibit will present artwork that draw upon truth's subjective and relative qualities. The Grunwald Gallery of Art is open from 12 to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  

More information 

For more Themester 2023: Light and Truth events and details, visit the Themester News + Events page. Most events are free and open to the public; however, some require registration or tickets. 

Themester 2023 events and programs complement College of Arts and Sciences courses. Courses are available at all levels and in a dozen College programs, departments, and schools, including Astronomy, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Linguistics, English, French, Folklore and Ethnomusicology, Religious Studies, and History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine. For a complete list of courses, visit Themester courses. 

Themester is an initiative of the Indiana University Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences. 

Contact 

Tracy Bee 
Phone: 812-856-7183 | Email: tbee@iu.edu