The Center for Women's Studies and Programs at USC Upstate will offer the "Women In..." series this fall. Each session is an informal presentation followed by discussion. Guests are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch. The series schedule is:

• Sept. 5 "Women in Love: Feminism and the 'Problem' of Romance," noon-1 p.m. Lisa Johnson, director of the Center for Women's Studies and Programs at USC Upstate, will discuss the efforts of feminist theorists to make sense of this overwhelming emotion. The women's movement has launched sustained critiques of marriage, romance, and the fantasy of "happily ever after," so what place can love occupy in the life of a feminist?
• Sept. 28 "Women in Nonprofit Leadership: How to Change the World," noon-1 p.m. Mary Thomas, vice president of programs at the Spartanburg County Foundation, will be the speaker. The world of nonprofit organizations is heavily populated by women activists, leaders, and volunteers. Thomas will discus this gender imbalance in the field, as well as the opportunities it provides for the aspiring female activist.

  Daphne Gottlieb

• Oct. 26 "Women in Horror Films: Scream, Run, or Slash Back," noon-1 p.m. From Texas Chainsaw Massacre to Scream 1, 2, and 3, the horror film positions female characters both as victims and as survivors. The last person left alive in horror films is typically female, what Carol Clover has called the "final girl." Daphne Gottlieb, author of Final Girl, will discuss the gender imagery of the horror film as part of the Center for Women's Studies and Programs' celebration of Halloween.
• Oct. 27 "Women in Orchestra Leadership: A

  Sarah Ioannides

  Maestra Among Maestros," 2:30-3:30 p.m. Maestra Sarah Ioannides, music director of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, will discuss her work as conductor of several nationally- and internationally-known orchestras, addressing the challenge of being a woman in this traditionally male-dominated field. The New York Times sees in her performances "unquestionable strength and authority." Another newspaper notes her "beauty and competence."
• Nov. 30 "Women in Chinese History: The Infamous Lady Yang," noon-1 p.m. Lady Yang was chief concubine to Emperor Ming Huang of the Han Dynasty, China. She is still heralded as the most beautiful woman ever to have lived. And she was executed as a traitor. Kitty Rickert, adjunct instructor of history at USC Upstate, will discuss gender, power, and a compelling moment in the history of China.

All sessions are held in the G.B. Hodge Building, Room 155, USC Upstate campus.

For more information, contact Johnson at 864-503-5724 or mjohnson@uscupstate.edu.

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