AZTEC AND MAYAS BALLGAME: The Sainsbury Gallery at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, is exhibiting a selection of 70 central American indian paintings and drawings from the collection of Howard Hodgkin. "Object in Focus - The Ballgame of the Aztecs and Mayas" will be on show until June 4 in the Special Exhibition Area. Details: 01603 456060.

RACE AND DEATH SENTENCING

Michael Radelet, professor of sociology at the University of Florida at Gainesville give a lecture series organised by the Centre for Capital Punishment Studies at the University of Westminster which includes: March 14 - "Race and Death Sentencing: the Practice in Florida" chaired by Andrew Rutherford (University of Southampton); March - "Involvement of Mental Health Professionals in Capital Punishment" chaired by Vivienne Nathanson (British Medical Association). Lectures start at 5.45pm in the School of Law, Red Lion Square, London WC1. Details: Peter Hodgkinson on 0171 911 5000 ext.2501.

ETHNIC CONFLICT

The Association for the Study of Ethnicity and Nationalism will hold the first in a series of public lectures entitled "Nations and Nationalism" on March 20 in the Old Theatre, Main Building, London School of Economics and Political Science (5.30-6.30pm). The first lecture "Ethnic Conflict and International Security" will be given by Sir Michael Howard.

MINNA CANTH

The radical feminist Minna Canth (1844-97) was the first Finnish woman playwright to write in the Finnish language. The Finnish Institute will hold an interactive exhibition setting her public achievements against her colourful private life from March 6 to April 7 (open Mondays-Fridays, 10am-4pm). Details: Jaakko Rusama, Finnish Institute, 35-36 Eagle Street, London WC1R 4AJ. Tel 0171 404 3309/fax 0171 404 8893.

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UTOPIA AND AMERICA

The Utopian Studies Society at the University of Central Lancashire will hold the 6th annual meeting on Saturday March 11. The title meeting "Utopia and America" will feature sessions on communities, fictions and Utopian margins.Details: Dr George McKay, Department of Cultural Studies, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE. Tel 01772 893020/fax 892824 or e-mail g.mckay@uclan.ac.uk.

A WOMAN'S BUSINESS

A conference on women's writing will be held on March 10 and 11. Speakers will include: Margaret Drabble, Elisabeth Bronfen, Marilyn Butler, Kate Fulbrook, Shirley Chew, Clare Hanson, Helen Wilcox, Claire Tomalin, Maggie Gee, Carmen Callil and Lisa Appignianesi.

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The venue is City Campus, Sheffield Hallam University. Details: Judy Simons on 0114 253 2256 or Clare Rowntree-Jones on 0114 253 2519.