1.17.11 Pulitzer-Prize winning Professor of English and Poet Laureate at the University of Virginia Rita Dove joins Coy for a special discussion of poetry. Dove offers a reading of a couple of her own poems- “Testimonial” and “Black Billy Waters, at His Pitch”- amongst an explanation of her words and the roots of her career. Her love of poetry is explored, as are her affinities for music, movement, and dance. Also, in honor of the Martin Luther King holiday, today’s conversation recaps the wonder of King’s ability to galvanize an audience. Dove’s list of honors and accolades is truly remarkable, and here is a chance to hear one of the most notable members of the Charlottesville community speak at length on her career.
1.12.11 Author and Professor of English at the University of Virginia Jennifer Greeson joins Coy to discuss her new book Our South. The conversation first touches on Thomas Jefferson’s true identity (American, Virginian, but not necessarily Southerner) before traveling through the history of the U.S. South from a literary approach beginning with the Revolutionary War. In what ways was the Mason-Dixon line viewed as a barrier between worlds from both inside and outside of the South? How can the fantasy world of literature help us to understand the relationships between South-North and South-World? Professor Greeson’s book Our South: Geographic Fantasy and the Rise of National Literature, addresses these questions and much more.
1.11.11 Director of Special Programs at the UVA School of Continuing Studies Jennifer Oppenheimer joins Coy to discuss what is on tap for the spring semester. Oppenheimer previews what courses are being offered, including the very popular history of “Thomas Jefferson and Monticello.” In addition, a new course will be offered on the “slow foods movement.” The program is no grades- and no hastles- and you can hear all of the details here.
1.10.11 Professor of Astronomy at the University of Virginia Ed Murphy joins Coy to discuss breaking news out of UVA today. Research astronomers in Murphy’s department at Mr. Jefferson’s University discovered a black hole in a far away galaxy. First, Professor Murphy explains exactly what a black hole is. He then details the process of how one “discovers” such a region in space.
1.6.11 Author and Associate Professor from the University of Virginia Ervin Jordan, Jr. joins Coy to discuss the recent PBS documentary seriesThe American Experience studying Robert E. Lee. Professor Jordan was featured prominently in the piece, and today he paints a full picture of General Lee’s life. Still a hero today in the Old Dominion, Lee was viewed in his time as the pinnacle of what a Virginian should be, but Jordan is also able to humanize the historical figure pointing out a few of his flaws. In addition, Professor Jordan places the remembrance of the Civil War in the context of commemoration rather than celebration. For further reading from a local perspective, check out Ervin Jordan’s book Charlottesville and the University of Virginia in the Civil War.
1.5.11 Best-selling author and local historian Rick Britton joins Coy to begin their conversational series of the lifetime contributions of Thomas Jefferson. Today’s discussion offers an overview of the topics to come in the series which Coy has aptly titled “TJ’s Greatest Hits.” Also, be sure to check out Britton’s lecture series at Michie Tavern coming up at the end of the month, and for more details call [(434) 977-1234].
Dec 202010
12.20.10 Jerry Ratcliffe of The Daily Progress joined Coy to discuss University of Virginia Athletics and Academics.
12.15.10 Professor of History at the University of Virginia J.E. Lendon joins Coy to discuss his new book Song of Wrath: The Peloponnesian War Begins
. The new release details the decade of clashes between Athens and Sparta known as the Peloponnesian Wars. Lendon explains the title of the book, then touches on the process of studying the battle tales of Thucydides before plunging into recreating the bloodshed that was Ancient Greece in the 5th century B.C.
12.2.10 Professor Herman Schwartz from the University of Virginia’s Woodrow Wilson Department of Politics joins Coy discuss a variety of current events. Among the issues addressed in the conversation are the extension of the middle class tax cuts, the fundamentals of unemployment insurance, and a whole lot more. Coy calls this guest “one of the smartest men to ever enter the studio,” and today he lived up to the title. Be sure to check out Schwartz’s most recent book Subprime Nation: American Power, Global Finance and the Housing Bubble.
12.2.10 Professor of Painting and Drawing in the University of Virginia Studio Art Program Richard Crozier joins Coy to discuss his retirement. UVA will celebrate the event with a special gallery at First Friday’s tomorrow night. The conversation covers Crozier’s career in the fine arts, from realizing the sciences were not for him to getting into teaching at the collegiate level. Also included are the professor’s favorites: peices of art, places to paint, and much more.
12.2.10 Professor of Astronomy at the University of Virginia Ed Murphy joins Coy to discuss NASA’s discovery today of new space life. The bacteria in question is able to survive on arsenic, a substance poisonous to humans. While the breakthrough does not confirm the presence of extraterrestrial life, it does prove the existance of life forms which can thrive in ways atypical to life on Earth. Hear the subject broken down by a local expert here.
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