Women and politics are mixing more than ever, with high profile leaders like Hilary Rodham Clinton and Sarah Palin blazing the way toward shattering that glass ceiling.

Associate professor of communication studies Janis Edwards will be giving the lecture “(What) Can Sarah Palin Teach Us About Women in Politics” in Manly Hall Room 308 at noon Wednesday to take an in-depth look at female politicians who seem to be defying every stereotype. The hour-long event is free for students, and everyone is invited to bring a sack lunch.

“I’m not necessarily focusing on Sarah Palin, but pursuing her as an example of change in the so-called typical woman candidate and leader in politics,” Edwards said. “The model has always been along the lines of liberal women, while Sarah Palin and others represent a more conservative view. That representation requires a new look at women in politics.”

Edwards said this is an important topic for democracy at this time, following Clinton’s near-successful run for the White House and Palin’s high profile in the media. The press attention currently surrounding Palin about her statement in the aftermath of the Arizona shootings may spark even more interest in attending the lecture, Edwards said.

This lecture is the first installment of the Brown Bag Lecture series for the semester. The series, co-sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center and Women’s Studies, is designed to bring the UA community together on the first Wednesday of every month to discuss issues that are relevant to women.

“This is not your typical classroom lecture,” said Shannon Langan, education and communication graduate assistant for the Women’s Resource Center. “The beauty is that it’s very unique and personal based on firsthand research by Dr. Edwards. She is very knowledgeable on women’s studies and political communication.”

Edwards said the lecture is a great way to spend an afternoon.

“[It] provides an opportunity for networking with different people on campus,” she said.