Red River Women Studies Conference is Nov. 16 Get ready to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UND Women Studies Program by attending the seventh annual Red River Valley Women Studies Conference. Fifty-two presenters from seven institutions, coming from as far away as Pennsylvania, will converge at the Memorial Union Friday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Undergraduates, graduate students, lecturers, faculty, and independent scholars will present papers on a wide variety of topics, including Native American Women in the 1800s, literature, leadership, and the Virgin Mary, as well as interviews with local women and the wisdom they have to share. Pop culture topics covered will be a springboard to discussion about such timely topics as communication styles at the local Starbucks, the body image of female bodybuilders, pro-natalism in Russia (citizens are being offered $10,000 to reproduce), as well as an examination of the cybersex shop. The panel chair for the conference, Kathy Coudle-King, says, "This is not your typical conference -- it's a Women Studies conference. That in itself should tell you it is going to be exciting. There is much about women's lives which has not been given careful, academic analysis. Judging from the 30-plus students whose papers were accepted, it is clear to me that this generation of scholars believes that no topic is taboo and all are game for serious inquiry. Certainly, we welcome thought-filled reflection and academic analysis, but the whole world is a gendered world and there are all sorts of nooks and crannies of that world that these presenters will take us to." The organizing committee, made up of students, faculty and staff, hope that people will register for the whole day -- it's free for students, but lunch is extra ($15 will get you a hot meal, including dessert). During the luncheon in the Red River Valley room, undergrads Heather and Rachel Bengs will perform "Judith & Janey," an original play written by Kathy Coudle-King and directed by Nichole Quam, graduate student in theatre arts. Another special feature of the conference will be the photography and art exhibit in the Red River Valley room, titled "Through Her Eyes," organized by Mary Jo Titus, and including her incredible photography and that of others. You can find registration materials at http://www.und.edu/dept/women/rrwsconference07.htm . People can attend one panel or all four concurrent sessions. Lunch reservations and payment for the play are due Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the latest. Contact 777-2787 or kathleen_king@und.nodak.edu for more info. -- Kathy Coudle-King, Sr. Lecturer, English & Women Studies, kathleen_king@und.nodak.edu, 701-777-2787