Category Archives: What’s New @ UMW

Mary Talk: Farnsworth to Discuss Political Humor, Sept. 25

Join us online for the first Mary Talk of the season!

Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor of political science and the director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at UMW. In this Mary Talk, Dr. Farnsworth will discuss how political humor has become an increasingly important part of U.S. political communication, particularly regarding presidents and presidential elections. Research shows that consumption of late-night comedy in the wake of the 2020 election led to decreases in viewers’ levels of cynicism and political negativity. And increasingly, political humor provides an important way to challenge the disinformation present in much of our contemporary political discourse.

Wednesday, September 25
7:30-8:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Online (via Zoom)

Register to watch the Talk. You will receive a link to the streaming video, which can be watched live or at a later time. You also will have the opportunity to submit questions.

Mary Washington ElderStudy Encourages Lifelong Learning

As each August rolls around, University of Mary Washington students are getting ready for the new school year.

But they’re not the only ones heading back to class. Fredericksburg area seniors are gearing up for a new season of Mary Washington ElderStudy, or MWES. The lifelong learning program, celebrating its 30th year, offers exciting lectures, book discussions, gallery tours, performances, and

This fall’s events include lectures on the history of education in colonial America, virtual reality, the issue of food waste, and the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House and the contributions UMW students made to the project. Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth will provide an overview of the midterm elections.

The post Mary Washington ElderStudy Encourages Lifelong Learning appeared first on EagleEye.

Virginia Schools Receive Largely Positive Marks for COVID Response

Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively, a new University of Mary Washington statewide survey reveals. Asked to rate COVID policies in their local school districts on an A-to-F scale, where A is excellent, C is adequate and F signifies a failure, 12 percent of respondents gave their local districts an A, [...] The post Virginia Schools Receive Largely Positive Marks for COVID Response appeared first on EagleEye.

Gubernatorial Candidates Locked in Close Contest, UMW Survey Shows

Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin remain locked in a tight contest for governor of Virginia, a University of Mary Washington statewide survey shows. The poll, conducted by Research America Inc. Sept. 7-13, included 1,000 Virginia adults. Of those, 885 were registered voters and 528 were likely voters. Among likely voters, [...] The post Gubernatorial Candidates Locked in Close Contest, UMW Survey Shows appeared first on EagleEye.

UMW to Host Public Debates for House of Delegates Seats

The University of Mary Washington will host a public political debate between candidates for Virginia’s 28th District House of Delegates seat on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. Incumbent Del. Joshua Cole (D) will face off against opponent Tara Durant (R) live via Zoom, with public viewing accessible through YouTube. Viewers may submit questions for consideration via an online link. “While COVID has forced us to debate online this fall, we can look forward to vigorous discussions about the path forward for Virginia,” said moderator Stephen Farnsworth, UMW professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. UMW to Host Public Debates for House of Delegates Seats

Understanding the 2020 Election (UMW Forum)

UMW professor Dr. Stephen Farnsworth will reflect on the November 2020 election and provide an analysis of the results of key races. Dr. Stephen J. Farnsworth is Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and the Director of the UMW Center for Leadership and Media Studies. Sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement and UMW Votes.