ATHENS, Ohio (Oct. 18, 2004) – A lecture titled "History in an Age of Entertainment" by Professor Kevin Mattson, will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, in the 1804 Lounge of Baker University Center. The event is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and is free and open to the public.

Mattson, who became the Connor Study Professor of Contemporary History in 2004, will explore the ramifications of entertainment seeping into the interpretation of history as well as the deeper purpose of studying American history in relation to our civic and national identity.

"I'm delighted that Ohio University was able to attract a faculty member as accomplished as Kevin Mattson," says Leslie Flemming, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "His presence has enriched the educational experiences of students. Now the wider campus community has an opportunity to learn more about him and his scholarship."

Mattson's books include When America Was Great: The Fighting Faith of Postwar Liberalism(2004); Creating a Democratic Public: The Struggle for Urban Participatory Democracy During the Progressive Era (1998); Intellectuals in Action: The Origins of the New Left and Radical Liberalism (2002); Engaging Youth: Combating the Apathy of Young Americans towards Politics (2004). He has also edited two anthologies, Democracy's Moment: Reforming the American Political System for the 21st Century (2002) and Steal This University!: The Rise of the Corporate University and the Academic Labor Movement (2003). His articles and reviews have appeared in both scholarly and popular magazines.