The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have sparked a lot of debate - and a series of discussions will encourage students to voice their opinions further.

The first of three sessions to explore national issues while facilitating discussion about the attacks will be held Tuesday.

This all-university symposium will give faculty the opportunity to present information about the topic and allow people to express their opinions afterward.

The first symposium, “Responding to Terrorism: Are We At War? Should We Be?” will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in B104 Wells Hall.

The second, “Target America: Putting Sept. 11 in Context - Why Is This Happening To Us?” will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 in 206 Old Horticulture Building.

The third, “How Will Our World Be Different?” will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in C107 McDonel Hall.

Professor Lewis Siegelbaum, chairperson of the Department of History, will discuss central Asia from a historical perspective Oct. 30.

He said symposiums are beneficial for faculty and students.

“I think it’s a nice way of combining whatever specialization and expertise there are among faculty and giving students a chance to pose questions and express views and find some informative sources about what’s going on,” he said.

On Nov. 14, Judith Collins, an associate professor of criminal justice, will present facts about events that facilitated the terrorist attacks.

She said she thinks the symposium will be well received.

“I think it’s really important to have an informed public,” she said. “I am pretty excited about being a part of it.”