Announcements
Division Meetings This Week
Thursday, January 21, 2010
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Fine and Performing Arts
Bergendoff 12
Language and Literature
Old Main 124
Natural Science
Science Buidling 102
History, Philosophy and Religion
Old Main 332
Business and Education
Carlsson Evald 212
Social Sciences
Old Main 122
Learning Community Workshop
Thursday, January 21, 2010
11:30 - 12:20
College Center Board Room
To help faculty members find Learning Community partners for next year and beyond, the Gen Ed Committee will sponsor an LC workshop on Thursday, January 21st from 11:30 - 12:20 in the College Center Board Room. (Please note that the time has been changed slightly from the original announcement because of Division meetings scheduled for that day.)
If you'd like to meet faculty from across campus interested in finding a partner for an LC for next year, or you'd like to learn about the various LC models available to you under our new LC guidelines, please plan to attend. (Also: there will be food!)
Faculty Research Forum
Thursday, January 21, 2010
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Dahl Room, 2nd Floor, College Center
Refreshments will be served!
Week Seven Seminar: "The Case for Books"
Friday, January 22, 2010
Library, 2nd Floor South
3:30 Refreshments ~ 4:00 Discussion
Richard Darnton, librarian at Harvard, argues that in spite of Google's seemingly unstoppable drive to control the world of information, books and libraries will continue to matter. Join faculty colleagues in an informal discussion about the future of the printed text and the institutions that house them. Essay by Darnton is on Moodle under "library/week 7 seminar/winter 09/10" or click here.
Convocation - Dr. Michael Shermer
"Why People Believe Weird Things: A Celebration of Science and Rational Thinking"
Thursday, January 28, 2010
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Centennial Hall
In this age of supposed scientific enlightenment, many people still believe in mind reading, past-life regression theory, New Age hokum, and alien abduction. A no-holds-barred assault on popular superstitions and prejudices, with more than 80,000 copies in print, Why People Believe Weird Things debunks these nonsensical claims and explores the very human reasons people find otherworldly phenomena, conspiracy theories, and cults so appealing. In an entirely new chapter, "Why Smart People Believe in Weird Things," Michael Shermer takes on science luminaries like physicist Frank Tippler and others, who hide their spiritual beliefs behind the trappings of science.
Shermer, science historian and true crusader, also reveals the more dangerous side of such illogical thinking, including Holocaust denial, the recovered-memory movement, the satanic ritual abuse scare, and other modern crazes. Why People Believe Weird Things is an eye-opening resource for the most gullible among us and those who want to protect them.
Professor Dora Malech reads from her first collection of poetry
Shore Ordered Ocean
Thursday, January 28
5:00 - 6:00 PM ~ Library, 2nd floor, south end
Professor Malech's book will be on sale before and after the reading and she's agreed to sign copies. Questions? Contact Rebecca Wee, English Dept.
8th Annual International Food Festival
Saturday, January 30
5:00 - 7:00 PM
College Center Cafetaria
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET!
Sample cuisine from East Asia, South/Suotheast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe, topped off with Whitey's ice cream. To purchase tickets ($12; $5 for children under 10), please send a check payable to Augustana College to:
Jane Tiedge
International Programs
Augustana College
639 38th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201