The Department of Sociology and Communication at Texas A&M University-San Antonio will be screening the documentary “Join or Die” followed by a Q&A community discussion with a panel of A&M-San Antonio professors. The screening is from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 30 in the university’s auditorium.
“Join or Die” follows the work of Robert Putnam’s book “Bowling Alone,” which vividly portrays the experience of life in isolation and not being involved in community or social groups.
Panelists include sociology professor Dr. Joseph M. Simpson and political science professors Dr. Daniel Braaten and Dr. Emily Naasz.
“It can be really easy to get isolated, ” Naasz said. “TAMUSA is kind of an isolated campus already”.
The film highlights the significance of belonging to social groups and the empowerment it could have on an individual’s life.
Naasz encourages students to ask questions after the screening.
“We welcome all kinds of questions, the more questions we get the less awkward it will be,” Naasz said.
Dr. Sarah Pollock, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Communication said students should attend the screening to get a sense of community.
“When we are together, we are embodying a space and giving a space a life of its own”.