Why bother to vote? Does democracy matter? Is "our" democracy different from democracy in the Middle East or elsewhere? How do we know what we know about politics? When is democracy inconvenient? Irrelevant? Inappropriate? What is expected of citizens? How should or could the academy nurture good citizenship? Should we care about voter apathy?
Virginia Wesleyan's mission statement emphasizes that the college is committed to connecting "the study of the liberal arts with practical learning experiences." Most importantly, the college seeks to do this from the framework of "a supportive community committed to social responsibility, ethical conduct, higher learning and religious freedom."
The Center for Liberal Education and Civic Engagement (CLEC), a project of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and Campus Compact, awarded grants to seven (out of 137) colleges and universities across the country--including the University of Michigan, the University of Massachusetts, and Virginia Wesleyan College-- to promote civic learning as a focus of academic inquiry. The Center's support both recognizes the college's mission and encourages the discussion of such issues as are raised above.
Please join us both for the opening lecture--a look at democracy in antiquity--and for four faculty-student facilitated dialogues on the theme "Is Democracy a Dinosaur?"
Lecture
Tuesday, February 3, 2004
"The Paleontology of Democracy: Lessons from Greece and Rome"
A lecture by Lynn Sawlivich, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Classics, to open the "Is Democracy a Dinosaur?" Series. 11 a.m., Blocker Auditorium. 455-3129.
Dialogue Series
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
"Is Democracy Irrelevant?"
Dialogue led by Dan Margolies, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, and Amber Randolph '05. 11-11:50 a.m., 1/3 Boyd Dining Hall.
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
"Democrats are Immoral and Republicans are Uncaring: So What Else Do I Need to Know?"
Dialogue led by Sharon Vaughan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science, and Kevin Bianco '05. 11-11:50 a.m., 1/3 Boyd Dining Hall.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
"People of a Democratic Society: Engaged Citizens or Dutiful Robots?"
Dialogue led by Craig Wansink, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies, and Frances McNally '06. 11-11:50 a.m., 1/3 Boyd Dining Hall.
Tuesday, March 2, 2004
"Promoting Active Citizenship"
Dialogue led by Joyce Easter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and Kevin Wright '06. 11--11:50 a.m., 1/3 Boyd Dining Hall.