The University College Enrichment Program at DU has partnered with Bridges to the Future to present a series of lectures and classes that focus on the 2010–11 Bridge theme, 9/11: Ten Years After.
The program will explore the Sept.11 terrorist attacks, how the United States responded and how the event has challenged the nation to rethink its values.
The Bridges to the Future lecture series is a framework of programs that stimulate civic dialog and discussion among Colorado communities. A University of Denver committee of faculty and staff selected by DU Provost Gregg Kvistad oversees the choice of a theme for each year.
“The Bridges to the Future collaboration with the Enrichment Program is strongly supported by the Bridges to the Future committee,” says Cathy Grieve, executive director of Conference, Events and Special Community Programs. “Collaborative efforts between Bridges to the Future and the Enrichment Program reinforce the public good mission of the University to promote learning by engaging with students in advancing scholarly inquiry, cultivating critical and creative thought, and generating knowledge.”
The Enrichment Program, which is part of University College, offeres of short noncredit courses in a variety of subject including art, music, literature, writing, history, current issues, science, religion and wellness. Classes are taught by top DU faculty and experts from the community.
“Over the years, we’ve discovered that people enroll in our courses to learn from and engage with top scholars, to discuss controversial and timely topics with like-minded peers, to learn new skills, such as writing, art, photography, or as my Dean, Jim Davis, says to ‘just think deep thoughts,” says Enrichment Program Director Deb Olson. “We consider ourselves a community outreach program, and this was another way for DU to connect with the community and showcase all that it has to offer.”’
“The collaboration offers opportunities beyond the lecture for both internal and external University communities to participate in meaningful dialogue,” Grieve says.
The Winter/Spring collaboration includes:
Retrospective Reflections on the Crisis of Religion and Politics in the Muslim World: Ten Years After 9/11
Nader Hashemi, assistant professor of Middle East and Islamic politics at DU’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies
7 p.m., Jan. 19, free
Islam and Muslims in the U.S. Media: Ten Years After 9/11
Andrea L. Stanton, lecturer in Islam, Department of Religious Studies
7 p.m., Feb. 7, free
Lessons of Peace and Tolerance: Ten Years After 9/11
Ved Nanda, professor of international law, Evans University Professor, Thompson G. Marsh Professor of Law, Sturm College of Law
7 p.m., April 7, free
Enrichment Program Response to 9/11: Ten Years After
Faculty presenters will discuss their lecture topics in the following three Enrichment Program courses:
The Future of Islam: Beyond Fear and Fundamentalism
Nader Hashemi, 7–9 p.m., Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
CRN 1017/$210
Islam and Muslims in the News: U.S. Media Coverage Ten Years After 9/11
Andrea Stanton, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Feb. 14, 21, 28, Mar. 7
CRN 1019/$175
Leadership for Peace and Tolerance: Gandhi, King, Mandela and The Dalai Lama
Ved Nanda, 7–9 p.m., Apr. 14, 21, 28 and May 5
CRN 1019/$175
To RSVP for the University Faculty Lectures (or the Bridges to the Future Keynote lecture), visit www.du.edu/bridges. To enroll, visit www.universitycollege.du.edu/enrichment or call 303-871-2291.