Stories this week at WFU

WAR COVERAGE ONLINE, OVERSEAS – Headlines from around the world interpret developments in the war with Iraq in different ways, says a Wake Forest communication expert, and the Internet makes them available instantaneously. Ananda Mitra, an associate professor of communication who specializes in international communication and the Internet, has studied closely how domestic and international media — especially Internet news sites — have covered the war. A native of India, he has written numerous articles about the Internet as a means of communication. He is available for comment on how technology and ubiquitous media coverage is shaping perceptions around the world. To arrange an interview, contact Sarah Mansell at manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

LOCAL CARDIAC PSYCHOLOGIST’S BOOK LOOKS AT HEART DISEASE – Of the 61 million Americans living with heart disease, who will survive and go on to lead long and robust lives? Those who manage the emotional sides of their illness, says Wayne Sotile, the country’s leading cardiac psychologist and director of psychological services for Wake Forest’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Sotile has written a new book, “Thriving with Heart Disease: A Unique Program for You and Your Family: Live Happier, Healthier, Longer.” The Wake Forest Cardiac Rehab program was one of the world’s first comprehensive mind/body center for living well with heart disease and has served as the model for programs around the world. Sotile has worked with the program since 1979. He will be traveling during the next month, but will have some time for interviews. To arrange an interview with Sotile, contact Sarah Mansell at manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

HISTORIANS TO DISCUSS THOMAS DIXON, WHOSE BOOK WAS BASIS FOR ‘BIRTH OF A NATION’ – To examine issues of race, religion, gender and the power of popular fiction and film, Wake Forest will hold a symposium on ‘Thomas Dixon Jr. and the Making of Modern America’ April 10-12. Dixon is known best as the author of ‘The Clansman,’ the book upon which D.W. Griffith based his pioneering and controversial 1915 film ‘The Birth of a Nation.’ Organized by Randal Hall, associate director of merit-based scholarships, and Michele Gillespie, associate professor of history, the symposium will feature a screening of ‘The Birth of a Nation,’ and lectures by leading scholars on topics such as ‘Southern Reaction to ‘The Clansman’ on Stage and Screen.’ ‘Dixon’s life demonstrates how deeply racism and conservative views of gender penetrated American culture,’ Hall said. ‘In this symposium, we will evaluate Dixon’s dual roles as not only a creator of cultural attitudes regarding race and other issues, but also as a reflection of the biases of his time.’ To arrange coverage, contact Cheryl Walker at walkercv@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237. See the schedule of events

WFU CHOIR PERFORMS ŒLOST’ ORATORIO – The Wake Forest University Concert Choir will perform an oratorio written by Daniel Bollius in the early 1600s on April 4. The performance of “Harmonic Representation of the Conception and Birth of St. John the Baptist” is the first complete presentation of the piece since the 17th century. Bollius’s manuscript, housed in a Breslau library, was lost during World War II. Once it resurfaced in Berlin’s City Library, Wake Forest professor Stewart Carter obtained a copy and prepared a modern performing edition. The performance is part of the Conference of the Society for 17th Century Music, which will bring more than 60 17th century music scholars to campus April 3-6. Broadcast media are invited to tape portions of the performance. To arrange coverage, contact the News Service.

WFU GUEST LECTURER TO DISCUSS MEDIA AND NATIONAL DEFENSE – Robert Entman, professor of communication at North Carolina State University, will give a free, public lecture, “Media and the National Defense After 9/11,” at Wake Forest at 7 p.m. April 10 in the law auditorium, Room 1312, of the university¹s Worrell Professional Center. Entman¹s research and teaching have focused on political communication and communication policy. He has taught at N.C. State since 1994 and is the author of several award-winning books including “Democracy Without Citizens: Media and the Decay of American Politics,” “Mediated Politics: Communication in the Future of Democracy,” and “The Black Image in the White Mind: Media and Race in America.” To arrange coverage of the lecture, contact Jacob McConnico at mcconnjn@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM OPENS PERUVIAN TEXTILE EXHIBIT – The Wake Forest University Museum of Anthropology will open a new exhibit April 4 featuring ancient Peruvian textiles. The weavings, fabrics and clothing reflect social status, gender, age, wealth, ethnicity and town of origin of its maker or wearer. Keith Richards, assistant professor of Romance languages at Wake Forest, will present an opening lecture titled “Andean People and Cultures” April 3 at 7:30 p.m.