Press Release:
Oregon State University event pits Star Wars against Star Trek
Trek-Wars: Visions of/for Humanity starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in the Memorial Union Horizon Room at OSU, 112 Memorial Union, Corvallis.
The event is free and open to the public. Cosplay costumes, especially tied to the theme, are encouraged. Pizza will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
Star Wars and Star Trek have an equally ardent fan base, but in geekdom’s biggest battle, who really comes out ahead? Join Oregon State University faculty members Randall Milstein (College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science and Honors College) and Joseph Orosco (College of Liberal Arts) as they explore the Star Wars and Star Trek universes and the intellectual, spiritual and political visions created in those franchises.
Milstein is an instructor and astronomer-in-residence for the Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium at Oregon State University. In his spare time, he photographs cosplayers (costumed attendees) at ‘Comic Con’ style conventions. He is also an ardent Star Wars fan.
Orosco is a professor of philosophy and peace studies at OSU and has taught two philosophy-based Star Trek courses, including a course this term titled “Great Ideas in Philosophy: Star Trek and Philosophy.”
Milstein and Orosco will take turns describing their favorite universe and what it offers in terms of visions of and for the future of humanity, focusing on the role of technology, spirituality, social development and political vision. An audience discussion will follow.
The event is cosponsored by Allied Students for Another Politics. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/169601323738482/