August 10, 2004

Boise State's Renaissance Institute Announces Fall Schedule

The Renaissance Institute at Boise State University has announced the fall 2004 lineup of seminars and lectures. In its third year, the organization brings mature learners together to expand their intellectual horizons and enrich their lives. Renaissance Institute serves the adult community with continuing learning opportunities through college-level lectures and short courses chosen to stimulate intellectual discussion and deepen understanding. This fall, six Boise State professors will teach classes or give lectures. Topics will range from the religions of Eastern civilizations to the geology of the American Northwest (with a field trip for participants). A highlight this season is a special lecture open to the public by visiting Frank Church Scholar Keith Allred from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. In addition, one class and a lecture features China, and participants in that course and lecture meet the eligibility requirements for enrolling in a credit-bearing spring break workshop taught in China. Working in conjunction with community organizations, Boise State University's Division of Extended Studies offers the Renaissance Institute. Annual membership is $50; $35 for a second family member. One-season memberships are also available for $30. Membership assures seating at the lectures in the lecture series. Because of the added costs to the Institute, there is an additional fee for each course. A scholarship program is available that provides potential members with annual membership fees and half the cost of classes. For additional information or to request a scholarship application, call Extended Studies at 426-1709. Information is also available on the web at www.boisestate.edu/extendedstudies/renaissance .   The fall 2004 Seminar Series includes: China Through the Eyes of Faith. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29. The Flicks, 646 Fulton. (Parking is available next to The Flicks.) One of Boise State and Renaissance Institute s favorite lecturers, Dr. Shelton Woods, will illustrate the influence of major religions in Chinese culture and history. Woods will provide one lecture each on the role of Confucianism/Taoism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity in the history of China. If interested, participants in this class qualify to enroll in a one credit workshop journey to Suzhou and Shanghai, China, in March. Woods, associate dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs and professor of history at Boise State, was born in Southeast Asia. He came to the United States for college. He has published five books and won numerous teaching awards at Boise State and at the University of California Los Angeles. Written in the Rocks the Geology of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. The Flicks, 646 Fulton. (Parking is available next to the Flicks.) Oceans come and go, continents collide, volcanoes explode, catastrophic flooding covers the area, faults move and uplift mountains and all in the valley. Explore the geologic history of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest and learn to read the rock record of events long past. This course will examine the present-day distribution of various rock types and land forms in the region and teach participants to interpret their significance within the context of large-scale tectonic processes that have shaped the planet. In addition to the lecture series, the class will include an optional field trip to some of the world-class geologic features present in southern Idaho. C.J. Northrup, chairman of the Department of Geosciences, and Karan Viskupic, professor in the Department of Geosciences, will present the seminar. Both Northrup and Viskupic received their doctorates from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Northrup specializes in structure and tectonics and Viskupic in geochemistry. Ideas, Ideals and Conflict in the Middle East. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 3, 10, 17 and Dec. 1. Log Cabin Literary Center, 801 South Capitol Blvd. (Parking is available beside the building with overflow available in the adjacent Boise Public Library lot.) This series will examine current events in the Middle East in the context of contemporary international relations theory. The course will explore the evolution of liberalism, realism and neo-conservatism and how ideas and ideals shape policies and actual events in the Middle East. Participants can anticipate more discussion than lecture, and plan on completing advanced readings in preparation for discussion, questions and group dialogue. Robert Dayley, associate professor of international political economy at Albertson College, will be the presenter. Dayley teaches courses on international politics and American foreign policy and frequently leads overseas study tours. This season's special event, Bridging the Divide Over Western Environmental Conflicts, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, in the Business Building, Room 105. Keith Allred, visiting professor from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, will discuss conflict dynamics in western environmental conflicts. Specifically, he will focus on how to keep extremists from preventing reasonable resolutions that are broadly supported by the public. Allred will present this lecture in his role as the Frank Church Distinguished Professor of Public Policy at Boise State. This lecture will be presented in collaboration with the Alumni Association as part of the morning activities on Homecoming Saturday. Allred teaches and conducts research on negotiation and conflict resolution. As a professional mediator, he has helped resolve a wide range of disputes including conflicts over public lands and hydroelectric dams and conflicts between tribes and local governments. Parking is available in the paid lot in front of the Administration Building on University Drive. The Business Building is behind the Administration Building in the center of campus. The fall 2004 lecture series schedule is as follows: The Nature of the Boise River: A Historical Walking Tour. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14. The meandering Boise River hasn t always followed its current course. Learn of the engineered changes and the efforts to protect and preserve this waterway from noted environmental historian Todd Shallat, professor of history, while walking the greenbelt. Meet at the Boise State side of Friendship Bridge that connects the center of Boise State to Julia Davis Park. (Parking will be best in Julia Davis Park.) The Decline of Values in America and What We Can Do About it. 11a.m-1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30. The Flicks, 646 Fulton. (Parking is available next to The Flicks.) What do we mean by the term values and how and why are they changing? Join philosopher Andrew Schoedinger, chair of the Philosophy Department, as he discusses shifting culture and values in contemporary American society and sorts out related causes, impacts and solutions. He has recently published a book that carries the same title as this lecture. Chinese Scholar Gardens. 10 a.m.-noon. Thursday, Oct. 7, The Flicks, 646 Fulton. (Parking is available next to the Flicks.) History itself is entwined in the rocks, structures, water and plantings of the ancient, beautiful and culturally significant Chinese scholar gardens. Influenced by Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, they date back to the fifth century when scholar officials were at the pinnacle of government. Presented by Carole Schroeder, adjunct history professor. Participants can enroll in a one credit study journey to Suzhou and Shanghai, China, which will focus on the scholar gardens, from March 18-27, 2005). Life s Kitchen. 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, 1025 North Capitol Blvd. in what was formerly the Ramada Inn. (Limited parking available next to and behind the facility, more available street parking one block south.) What is this kitchen? Why does it exist? How does it operate? Who does it serve, what is needed to encourage its success, and best of all, what s cooking there currently? Learn about this innovative educational venture from its founder, Rory Farrow, and sample the results with lunch at the Kitchen. Participants who plan to stay for lunch should reserve a space by calling 426-1709 by Thursday, Nov. 4. -30- Contact Ellie McKinnon Division of Extended Studies 208 426-2047 emckinno@boisestate.edu Media Contact Sherry Squires communications and marketing 208 426-1563 ssquires@boisestate.edu