ORONO – The fall semester’s Socialist and Marxist Studies Luncheon Series at the University of Maine will focus on topics including war in Iraq, the U.S. Patriot Act, Cuba, poverty, globalization and the world economy.

Discussions are held 12:30-1:45 p.m. Thursdays in the Bangor Lounge of Memorial Union.

The Sept. 18 luncheon will feature “Nation” correspondent Peter Davis and NEWS writer Alicia Anstead with a presentation titled “Back from Iraq: The War Zone Reported.”

Veterans Al Larson, Kim Hawkins and Mel Burke will present “Veterans for Peace and the Gulf Wars” Sept. 25, followed by “Who Turned out the Lights in both Baghdad and New York on Aug. 14?: A Look at the World Economy and Capitalist Contradictions,” presented by author Wadi’h Halabi on Oct. 2. Employees of the University of Maine System will speak Oct. 9, with a presentation titled “Is UMS Giving Fair Contracts?: Employees’ Perspectives.”

Speakers do not necessarily present socialist or Marxist viewpoints. For information, call 581-3861.