University of New England

Historian Paul Burlin to discuss 'Empire and the American Way of Life' Sept. 20th

“Empire and the American Way of Life” is the subject of a lecture by Paul Burlin, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of history at the University of New England at noon on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 in the Simard-Pettapiece-Wescott Rooms of the Campus Center, UNE campus, Hills Beach Road, Biddeford.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Burlin will investigate the ever-evolving American posture in the world since September 11th. Specifically, he will discuss the issue of whether or not the United States is an empire and, if so, what that means for good or ill.

His lecture is part of UNE’s Core Connections Lecture Series. This year the series’ speakers will explore the concept of “empire” from political, historical, citizenship, scientific and environmental perspectives.

Burlin’s specialty is 19th-century American diplomatic history. He has published a number of articles in this area and recently published a book titled Imperial Maine and Hawai'i: Interpretative Essays in the History of Nineteenth Century American Expansion that traces connections between Maine and Hawai’i as a way to explore large issues related to American imperialism in the 19th century.

He also has an interest in the perceptions and insights “foreigners” have about U.S. history, culture and society. In addition, he is interested in questions dealing with contemporary American culture.

(Press release issued Sept. 11, 2006)