Associate Professor of Communication Studies Janice Edwards discussed Sarah Palin and the effect she’s had on politics Wednesday as a part of the Brown Bag Lecture Series.

The Brown Bag Lecture Series is sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center and Women’s Studies and Wednesday’s lecture was the first of the spring series.

The lecture, “(What) Can Sarah Palin Teach Us About Women in Politics Now?” focused on Palin and her self-defined image as a maverick and a grisly mom.

Edwards said it’s possible that an allegory might fit or help explain Palin. One possible explanation is the allegorical woman warrior.

With so much attention given to former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton due to her embodiment of the issues that define the inner section of gender studies, Edwards called for the “post-Hillary Studies” to begin.

Shannon Langan, coordinator for the series, said the crowd was incredibly strong.

“We had one of the best discussions I’ve ever participated in today,” Langan said. “I liked the diversity we had here today — people from different races and genders as well as students, faculty and staff were represented.”

The group of about 20 people was not shy. Edwards allowed time after the lecture for questions, and the group debated over whether Palin’s goals and viewpoints are clear.

Jennifer Davidson, a freshman in New College, said she thought the lecture was interesting, informative and insightful. She said she found it easy to understand where Palin stands, but she enjoyed the different opinions.

“I feel like I now have a more objective view of feminism and politics and how these two areas are studied,” Davidson said.

Edwards explained that Palin was worth studying because she is such an influential figure.

“Maybe we all wish she would go away, but she’s not going to,” Edwards said.

She also offered some insight into Palin’s future in politics.

“After her response to the shooting in Tucson, many important people did not hesitate to criticize her,” Edwards said.