GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College, a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania, hosts Baba Brinkman, a renowned Canadian rapper, science communicator, and award-winning literary hip-hop artist.
Brinkman will lead a discussion on consciousness on Monday, March 19 from 2-3 p.m. in the Stamm Lecture Hall of the James Pedas Communication Center. He will also present his “Rap Guide to Climate Chaos” at 7 p.m. in Stamm Lecture Hall as part Thiel College’s Earth Week celebration.
“Mr. Brinkman will be talking with psychology, neuroscience and DHI students in an afternoon session on consciousness,” Associate Professor of Neuroscience Greg Q. Butcher said. “He presents an interesting combination of performance art and science that will be new to most students. I’m also intrigued by his ‘peer-reviewed rap’ approach in which he seeks feedback on his lyrics from actual scientists.”
Brinkman found his acclaim for his “Rap Guide” or literature rap productions featuring science themed plays. His early career was launched with his solo performance “The Rap Canterbury Tales” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2004. Followed by later hip hop adaptations of Beowulf, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Finnish Kalevala.
In 2008, Brinkman was commissioned to create a scientific rap show about evolution. Following that effort, he began an album series of rap guides covering: Human Nature, Business, Wilderness, Religion, Medicine, Climate Change, and Consciousness. Many of which, he has performed at several TEDx conferences, the SoHo Playhouse in New York City, and the World Science Festival.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.