Schedule: 2012-2013
Religion in the 2012 Election: What Difference Is It Making?
Jesse Covington, Assistant Professor of Political Science, and Telford Work,Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Thursday, October 11, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.
In an election season dominated by economic questions, this presentation will suggest that religious factors are actively—though perhaps less obviously—shaping the candidates, campaigns, commentary and voters in the current presidential election. The talk will explore the interrelation of religion and party affiliation in the electorate, the salience of religion-specific issues (such as the Health and Human Services mandate regarding insurance coverage of contraception), the way in which religious subcultures have shaped the the character and leadership of candidates, religious dimensions of foreign policy, and ways in which candidates’ theology relates to public policy.
Origins: A Biologist and a Biblical Scholar Discuss Genesis and Scientific Accounts
Tremper Longman III, Robert Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, and Jeff Schloss, Distinguished Professor of Biology and Recipient of the T.B. Walker Chair in the Behavioral and Natural Sciences
Thursday, November 8, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.
No topic in the relationship between science and religion has generated more prominent public attention and heated intellectual debate than creation/evolution, particularly the issue of scientific and biblical accounts of human origins. Some—both theists and atheists—assert that we must choose between evolution and the Christian faith. Others claim there is no conflict or even any significant overlap between the two. Still others think there is both deep concord and also some tensions, depending on the issue and how we interpret the science and the scriptures. Jeff Schloss, a biologist, and Tremper Longman, a biblical scholar, will explore a range of issues in the relationship between Genesis and science.
The Shaping of an Effective Leader
Gayle D. Beebe, President, with Panelists Rick Pointer, Professor of History, and Eileen McMahon, Associate Professor of Biology
Thursday, February 21, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.
Drawing on his own leadership experiences in higher education and his book “The Shaping of an Effective Leader,” President Beebe will discuss the qualities of dynamic leaders like Colin Powell, who speaks at the Westmont President’s Breakfast March 1. Beebe contends that leaders must possess both character and competence to succeed and encourages them to seek what is best for their companies and organizations. Rick Pointer, a former interim provost with expertise in American history, and Eileen McMahon, vice chair of the faculty, will respond to Beebe’s remarks and engage in a dialogue.
From the Page to the Screen: Film Adaptations of English Literature
Cheri Larsen Hoeckley, Professor of English
Thursday, April 11, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.
From the recent Downton Abbey to cinematic adaptations of novelists Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, British costume dramas continue to appeal to American audiences. Cinematography, set design, and costumes all make these period pieces enjoyable. With a few video clips and a look at the language of some recently adapted novels, Cheri Larsen Hoeckley will examine how literary texts contribute to the delights of these visual forms and also how films provide insight into the novel as a genre.