On Being American: A Community Dialogue, a series of public forums presented by Coastal Carolina University faculty members, will explore the topic Politics, American Style, a participatory investigation of Americans political landscape (past, present and future) as the nation approaches the 2004 elections. The lectures are free and open to the public.

The On Being American series, created in 2003 by the Board of Visitors of Coastals Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts, is designed to involve area citizens and Coastal faculty members in discussions about the basic tenets of American life and culture. For more information, contact the Edwards College at (843) 349-2421.

The following events are scheduled:

American Politics in Art, Literature, and the Media

Tuesday, March 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Prince George Parish Hall, Screven & Highmarket streets, Georgetown

Politics in the Theater Greg London

Political Rhetoric in American Literature Steve Hamelman

Televisions Effects on Campaigns Lee Bollinger

Parties and Partisanship

Wednesday, March 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 65th Ave. N. and Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach

The Emergence of Party Politics John Navin

The Rise of the Republican Party in the South Eldred Wink Prince

Politics in 20th Century Horry County Roy Talbert

The U.S. and the U.N.

Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m., Prince George Parish Hall, Screven & Highmarket streets, Georgetown

Wednesday, March 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Temple Emanu-El, 65th Ave. N. and Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach

History of the U.N. and U.S. Involvement Fred Newby

A Case for Multilateralism Jim Henderson

A Case for Unilateralism Pam Martin

American Elections and Representation: Fact or Fiction?

Tuesday, March 16, 7 p.m., Prince George Parish Hall, Screven & Highmarket streets, Georgetown

Wednesday, March 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Temple Emanu-El, 65th Ave. N. and Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach

Do Campaigns and Elections Matter? Jack Riley

How Do You Vote When Both Sides Are The Middle? Michael Ruse