If you’ve ever wondered how books will survive the digital age, why slavery still matters or what a three-stringed lute says about Japanese identity (and admit it—you have), check out UNLV’s University Forum lecture series, a delightful hodgepodge of free talks centered on all things social, historical and cultural. No subject is too niche or too taboo, as guests speakers and professors from home and abroad share their expertise on topics ranging from political extremism and modern-day propaganda to Ethiopian art to pornography’s role in everyday life. Sponsored by UNLV’s College of Liberal Arts, the first-come, first-served lectures run through early May, taking place weekdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Barrick Museum Auditorium. For details, visit unlv.edu/liberalarts/events.