SAVANNAH — The Learning Center of Senior Citizens Inc. announced that its annual “One Big Question” event will be held Thursday and Friday at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah.

Each year, the event focuses on one important question. This year, the “One Big Question” is “What, then, is the American?” and features a diverse lineup of educational and inspiring lectures from distinguished local and regional speakers. The seminar is open to the public.

The schedule is:
• The Andrew J. Vaught Lecture in American Literature: “In Search of the Great American Novel”; lecturer, Roger Smith; 5 p.m. Thursday; $15 members, $25 visitors.
Does the “Great American Novel” really exist? Historic and modern, white and black, male and female — American novelists and their casts of characters come to life. A reception in memory of Vaught follows the program.

• “American Dream, American Nightmare: Captains of Industry in the Gilded Age”; lecturer, Byron Boyd; 9:30 a.m. Friday; $10 members, $20 visitors.

“Rags to riches” tales of immigrants becoming captains of industry turn nightmarish through the exploitation of workers and manipulation of market forces. But fortunes by ruthless means often translate to philanthropy, prompting the question: American Dream, or something else?

• “Melting Pot or Salad Bowl: Redefining Diversity”; lecturer, Bertice Berry; 11 a.m. Friday; $10 members, $20 visitors.

Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m., $6.

• “The Battlefield of the Classroom: Teaching American History Today”; lecturer, Monica Hunt; 1 p.m. Friday; $10 members, $20 visitors.

• “The Oldest Democracy in a Brand New World”; lecturer, José da Cruz; 2:30 p.m. Friday; $10 members, $20 visitors.
Registration and advanced payment are required. Go to www.seniorcitizensinc.org or call 912-236-0363.