From Global to Local: An Intellectual Exchange, a series of talks scheduled for this spring at Coastal Carolina Universitys Waccamaw Higher Education Center in Litchfield, features four CCU professors who will offer fresh perspectives on topics ranging from local history to Christian-Muslim relations, folk songs to new technologies in art history.

The series, sponsored by the Board of Visitors of Coastals Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts, offers the following events, which are free and open to the p/ublic:

Ashes to Art: A First-Hand Look at Antiquity

Wednesday, February 16, 7 p.m.

Professor Arne Flaten, an art historian, employs sophisticated software to generate three-dimensional animated re-creations of ancient monuments. This approach enables the viewer to enter a virtual Gothic cathedral and tour the structure from an unlimited number of viewpoints. Users can zoom in on details and click on items such as stained glass, mosaics, choir stalls, etc., to link to discussions of iconography, artistic process and materials, historical summaries, etc.

Remembering the Crusades: a Historians Perspective

Wednesday, March 2, 7 p.m.

Professor Eliza Glaze, a historian of medieval culture, examines the broad historical context underlying Christian-Muslim violence and the continuing hostility of Muslim radicals toward the West. The complex legacy of the Crusades, Europes earliest colonial venture, will be considered from both occidental and oriental perspectives.

Cross d Water: The Story of Sandy Island

Wednesday, March 23, 7 p.m.

English professor and Gullah expert Veronica Gerald talks about Sandy Island, the unique water-bound community situated in the Waccamaw River near Brookgreen Gardens. Based on information from her oral history project, Gerald describes the islands rich cultural heritage, originating in the days of the rice plantations, and the folkways, burial customs, religious practices, education system, and other traditions relating to living cross d water.

How Can I Keep from Singing?: Legacy of the American Art Song

Wednesday, April 13, 7 p.m.

How Can I Keep from Singing features a discussion and recital of American Art Songs by music professor Patti Yvonne Edwards. Often overlooked by professional singers, the American Art Song has a long legacy in classical music. With its basic form derived from European sources such as German lied and French melodie, it combines the rich history of American folk songs and hymns.

For more information, call 349-2421.