Arts and Entertainment

Spring Film and Discussion Series to celebrate diversity and inclusion

LEHMAN, Pa. — The Department of Continuing Education at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, along with the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and NEPA Rainbow Alliance, is proud to announce the spring personal enrichment film and discussion series schedule.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre is partnering with R/C Wilkes-Barre Movies 14 in Downtown Wilkes-Barre to host a film and discussion series, "Join Us As Penn State Celebrates Diversity & Inclusion," featuring "Before Stonewall," "Children’s Hour," "Boys In The Band," "But I’m A Cheerleader," and "The Danish Girl."

Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s Spring ’17 Film Series will follow the development of the LGBTQ movement in America through a combination of Hollywood films and independent productions. Certified practitioners will lead discussions on areas related to LGBTQ issues following each week’s film screening. The series will begin with the documentary "After Stonewall," and weekly topics will range from the changes Stonewall brought, stereotypes in film and internalized homophobia, and the stigma, fear and perceptions of main stream society about the LGBTQ community.

The Spring ’17 Film Series is a Penn State "All In" event. What is All In? All In is an ongoing commitment to spotlight the importance of diversity at Penn State, demonstrate the University’s commitment to inclusivity and inspire all members of the community to take an active role in promoting respect and embracing diversity.

“Penn State has a strong, storied history of diversity, inclusion, breaking barriers, pushing boundaries and standing together.” explains Director of Continuing Education Jane Ashton. “All In is a call for every member of our University community to build on those efforts by playing an active role in creating a climate of acceptance and inclusion. Everyone has a role to play. By showcasing the Spring Film Series as part of this effort, we’re hoping to come together and energize the community in order to make a difference!”

All film screenings will be held at R/C Wilkes-Barre Movies 14 in Downtown Wilkes-Barre on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., beginning March 16th and running through April 13th. Pre-film lecture notes and stimulating post-film discussion will accompany each screening in the series.

This film series is not only open to the public, but to educators as well. The Film Series is offered as a 1-credit course — approved for 30 Act 48 hours — and a noncredit course. The University is not offering Act 48 hours for the noncredit course; however, the program may be eligible for Act 48 hours pending the approval of your school district or intermediate unit. The process for each school district or intermediate unit may vary, so you may want to check with your district or unit prior to registering for the program.

Continuing Education is pleased to have Bill Bachman as the instructor for the spring movie series. Bill has taught a variety of communications course offerings on the Wilkes-Barre campus since 1986. He currently teaches basic public speaking, public speech writing, mass media and society, propaganda and persuasion, and media affects.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre Continuing Education brings all the resources of a world-class, Big Ten, research-oriented university right into the northeast corner of Pennsylvania. We strive to be the partner of choice by providing superior customer service, recognizing that our growth depends upon establishing and maintaining satisfied relationships. We serve individuals, companies, and organizations in Luzerne, Wyoming, Bradford and Sullivan counties offering quality programming to support the workforce development needs of companies and the professional and personal development needs of individuals.

For more information or to register, please contact Continuing Education at 570-675-9253, email at wbce@outreach.psu.edu, or visit online at wilkesbarre.psu.edu/ce.

Last Updated January 24, 2017