Spartans, Trojans and Hobbits

The study of mythology typically focuses on works by Homer and Virgil, but Centre College's Lee Patterson is also incorporating hobbits, Star Wars and "The X-Files." Patterson, a visiting professor of classics, says many contemporary authors incorporate mythological narrative patterns that are centures old, but which still resonate for audiences across the globe.

'Turn Down the Volume' on College Sports

The educational and life experiences of young people in the college sports system are impoverished across the board by our year-round focus on athletic performance, says Centre College president John Roush. He says most athletes fail to graduate in four years - if they graduate at all - and even those who do have no time for developmental experiences like student-faculty research, internships or study abroad. But Roush, a former football coach and a lifelong supporter of athletics, says the solution is not to throw the radio out the window, but, in the words of NCAA president Myles Brand, to "turn down the volume."