The John Morton Center hosts "Current Issues" lectures, seminars, conferences, and workshops on the histories, societies, politics and cultures of North American nations.

The JMC strives to engage in dialogue with multiple academic, cultural, political, and ideological viewpoints. We welcome speakers from a range of different backgrounds and persuasions. The views of our guests do not represent those of the Center.

Upcoming Events

October 6-7, 2023: "30th American Voices Seminar"

Fulbright Finland organizes the 30th annual American Voices Seminar in cooperation with the John Morton Center and the Department of English at the University of Turku. 

Date: Friday–Saturday, October 6–7
Time: 14:00–17:30 & 10:00–13:00
Place: Tauno Nurmela Hall, University of Turku Main Building

The seminar consists of presentations by the current U.S. Fulbright grantees about various cultural and societal topics concerning the United States. NAMS students can get 1 ECTS for attending the seminar and writing a short learning journal.

The seminar is open to the public so everyone is welcome!

Seminar Program:

Friday, October 6

Tauno Nurmela Hall, University of Turku Main Building

14:00–14:20 Welcome to the 30th American Voices Seminar!
Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku
Piia Björn, Vice Rector, University of Turku
Terhi Mölsä, Chief Executive Officer, Fulbright Finland Foundation

14:20–15:10 Regional Stereotypes
Presenters: John Barton, Anezka Boyle, Xenabeth Lazaro, James Hawdon
Chair: TBA

15:10–15:20 Greetings from the Fulbright Finland Foundation

15:20–15:45 Refreshment Break
    
15:45–16:25 Reality TV in the U.S.
Presenters: Chase Friel, Claudia Partridge, Skye Pham
Chair: TBA

16:25–16:35 Break
    
16:35–17:25 Women in North American Sports
Presenters: Mujde Yuksel, Lucia Trimbur, Zhanel DeVides, Mia Filardi
Chair: TBA

End of program on Friday

Saturday, October 7

10:15–11:05 Desert Life in the US: Food Access and Foraging
Presenters: Sydney Erlikh, Casey O'Donnell, Iveta Silova, Bethany McGowan
Chair: TBA

11:05–11:30 Refreshment Break

11:30–12:00 Aspects of the U.S. Educational System
Presenters: Radha Jagannathan, Zhuming Bi
Chair: TBA

12.00–12:40 Sustainability in the U.S
Presenters: Peter Matthews, Venu Veeravalli, Anthony Hackney
Chair: TBA

12:40 Closing Words