![\"game](\"http:\/\/news.utoledo.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/game-of-thrones-flyer-share1.jpg\")
<\/a>Dr. Joel Voss, UT assistant professor of political science, will speak about international relations theories in the fictional world of Westeros at the event. <\/p>\n\u201cI want to take these international relations theories and use them to explain why things happen in \u2018Game of Thrones,\u2019\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
He cites the example of balance of threat theory, an idea that traditionally opposing groups align together when faced with a greater threat. This theory could be applied to the character Jon Snow\u2019s decision to ally with his people\u2019s enemy, the Wildlings, when they are both potentially threatened by White Walkers \u2014 a mythological race known to kill everything in their path. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a fun way to understand complex phenomenon,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t a new style of teaching for Voss; he uses it all the time in the classroom. <\/p>\n
\u201cI like to use pop culture as much as possible, and \u2018Game of Thrones\u2019 is probably about as pop as you can get right now. I think it helps explain complex phenomenon in a way students are willing to grasp; they see how they can use \u2018Game of Thrones\u2019 to explain international relations theory, and how they can use international relations theory to explain what’s going on in \u2018Game of Thrones.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Voss will be speaking on behalf of the Humanities Institute in The University of Toledo\u2019s College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences. The institute serves as an advocate and support for the study of human culture at UT.<\/p>\n
In addition to Voss\u2019s talk, the free, public event will feature a live weapons display by the Society for Creative Anachronism and hair braiding demonstrations by the Salon Hazelton, a photo booth, games, and \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d themed refreshments. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes as part of the fun.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Game of Thrones\u2019 has seemed to capture the public\u2019s attention, both the show and the Martin series \u2014 people love to talk about it, share theories, and champion for their favorite character,\u201d said Natalie Dielman, programming specialist for the library. \u201cWe have had two similar fandom parties \u2014 a \u2018Doctor Who\u2019 holiday party and a \u2018Sherlock\u2019 party.\u00a0 I\u2019d love to do more of these; it\u2019s a lot of fun and gives people the chance to dress up and revel in their love for a series.\u201d <\/p>\n
Attendees must be 18 years or older to register for the event. <\/p>\n