Are you prepared for “Living in a Global Community?”
That may be a common question in classrooms across campus this semester as Belmont embraces its new theme for 2014-15. And it will certainly be a topic of conversation on Oct. 2, at the official theme kick-off event, when the Curb Event Center hosts Dr. Pang Rhodes (assistant professor of marriage and family therapy at Argosy University-Twin Cities, Minnesota) and Wayne Yang (CEO/President at Hmong Village). These special guests will discuss this year’s common book, “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down,” with Belmont’s own Assistant Professor/ Ministry Program Advisor Dr. Martha Minardi and Associate Professor of Philosophy/Director of First Year Seminar Dr. Noel Boyle.
Associate Provost Dr. Beverly Schneller, who oversees the campus theme, said, “Though an emotionally and intellectually challenging book to read, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down provides an insightful introduction to the concept of ‘Living in a Global Community.’ Goals of the campus theme include evaluating ethical and social choices and raising complex questions about global systems. The Oct. 2 conversation about the common book will offer students and other attendees an opportunity to thoughtfully examine those issues.”
This marks the seventh year in a row that the entire Belmont community is being invited to participate in conversations focused on a campus theme, a single subject examined throughout the academic year via common readings in First Year Seminar courses, lectures, arts performances and other events.
Belmont’s campus theme was initiated in 2008-09 around the University’s celebration of hosting the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate with a year full of programming centered on the topic “The Art of Being Free.” The theme then changed from year to year, hitting pertinent subjects like “A Paradise Lost” and “Wealth and Poverty.” However, this year launches a new approach in which each Campus Theme will be utilized for three years, allowing the topic to be examined from different angles and offering faculty more time to delve deeply into curricular approaches to the theme.
For 2014-15, the theme will emphasize how the richness of cultural interchange and interaction can influence the development of arts, commerce, philosophical and political ideas. “Living in a Global Community” will also delve into how cultural differences impact expressions of faith and the emergence of technologies, among other topics. In addition to the Oct. 2 launch, a number of campus theme events are already confirmed, including an Oct. 15 appearance from noted author/speaker Dr. Sheryl WuDunn, an Oct. 29 Chapel with Dr. David Vanderpool on his mission in Haiti, a Jan. 21 talk with international careers expert Stacie Berdan and a late Feburary/early March visit from actress and playwright Heather Raffo.
To learn more and view the entire list of Campus Theme events, click here.
