The College of Arts and Sciences’ Meet the Professors series highlights the college’s research and cultural offerings during the first Thursdays of most months.

The 2011 luncheon talks begin at noon in the University Club. Reservations are required, with $14 payment in cash or check. To reserve a spot, contact Janna Tajibaeva at 502-852-2247 or janna@louisville.edu no later than the Monday before each event.

Here are the spring semester talks:

  • Jan. 13: Saints, Wizards, Generals and ‘The Lady’: Popular Buddhism and Political Power in Contemporary Burma, Patrick Pranke, humanities professor. He will discuss how politicians on both sides of Burma’s democracy debate have used Buddhism and its models of holiness and power to reinforce their respective views and causes.
  • Feb. 3: Babies, Bonding and the Brain: What’s Love Got to Do with It? Barbara Burns, psychological and brain sciences professor. She will talk about her research findings that show how early attachment relationships in infancy relate to brain development in children.
  • March 3: Staging Sacred Literature: Yoruba Praise Poetry as a Source for Theatrical Performance, Nefertiti Burton, theater arts professor. Focusing on the works of black playwrights throughout the African diaspora, she will present her research and writing that draws on the ancient spiritual and moral teachings of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
  • April 7: Bribes, Bullets and Intimidation: Drug Trafficking in the Bridge States of Central America, Michael Fowler, political science professor. He will talk about his forthcoming book with UofL professor Julie Bunck about drug trafficking throughout Central America and law enforcement efforts to counter the activity.