November 4, 2020
November, 2020 EPIC News
This nail-biting pivotal moment in our history is the perfect time to come together to hear from Jim Shapiro, whose classes are in great demand, and who is known as a compassionate and caring teacher, concerned for the well-being of each of his students. He will share his perspectives through the lens of his new book. Lively discussion follows.
"Shakespeare in a Divided America"
James Shapiro, Larry Miller Professor of English and Comparative Literature.
Shapiro explained in a Columbia News article what prompted him to write his latest book (published March of 2020):
"In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election, I found myself struggling to understand this country. Since Shakespeare is what I know best, I thought I’d use his plays as a way of revisiting some of the issues that have riven America, including race, immigration, same-sex marriage and political assassination. What really catalyzed the book for me was advising a brilliant modern-dress production of Julius Caesar that was staged by the Public Theater in 2017 at the outdoor Delacorte Theater in Central Park—with a Trump look-alike playing Caesar." Read more.
"Door" Prizes
Autographed Copies "Shakespeare in a Divided America"
Five winners will be randomly selected. Registrants must be in attendance to win and share their contact information.
Professor Shapiro will autograph an EPIC bookplate for each winner!
Tuesday, November 10 , 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Online Event
Graduate Scholar Series
EPIC provides Columbia graduate and post-doctoral scholars the opportunity to address a multidisciplinary audience of EPIC members, who, in turn, can sample scholarship from among the University's outstanding emerging scholars.
"Howard Pew's Struggle for "Freedom": The Religious Roots of the Secular Non-Profit Family Foundation"
Andrew Jungclaus
Department of Religion, Columbia University

Jungclaus' research focuses on the evolution of philanthropic models within the history of capitalism, with a particular focus on the Howard Pew family. Jungclaus holds a Masters in Theology, Oxford (2011) and completed a research associateship at Harvard's DuBois Institute for African and African-American Research before coming to Columbia University.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Online Event
ONLINE EPIC Yoga: Every Thursday
10 am - 11 am and 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Professor Emerita Virginia Papaioannou, a registered teacher with the Yoga Alliance, leads EPIC Yoga.
No prior experience is required to join. Yoga can benefit people at all levels of physical training and health, but it is always wise to consult with a physician before undertaking any new exercise regime. Modifications will be offered to any participants with specific limitations arising from recovery from injury, arthritis, limited movement, or other causes.

Two one-hour classes are offered each week. The 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. class practices breathing techniques and moves through some basic yoga poses, concentrating on alignment, balance, and flexibility. Those with experience move more deeply into the poses. From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., we practice gentle/chair yoga, which is ideal for those of more limited mobility or flexibility. Classes include breathing, stretching, and yoga poses, done either seated in a chair or standing. No yoga mats are required for this class.
Need more info? email Lalla Grimes.
Do you have any questions about EPIC? Contact us.