Convocation on "Religion and the Human Experience"

The Convocation continues. Many events are upcoming. For full details, call 780-5040 or visit the Convocation web site at www.usm.maine.edu and pull down "topics of interest" to see "1999-2000 Convocation."

In March, for example, as part of the celebration of both Black History and Women's History months, the feminist activist, social critic, and author bell hooks will visit our campus. Hooks is noted for her intellectually challenging approach and frequently daring personal examination of African American culture. Some events of interest include:

March 9: "Is God love?" 7:30 p.m., Sullivan Gymnasium. This event will be preceded by the International Women's Day dinner, at which bell hooks will be keynote speaker. For details, call 780-4289.

March 9: "Q&A with bell hooks (feminism/women's studies)," 11:30 a.m., 1 Payson Smith Hall.

March 9: "Q&A with bell hooks (education)," 3:00 p.m., 301 Bailey Hall.

March 18: "Indigenous women's voice," 7:30 p.m., Corthell Concert Hall.

Past Convocation events have included Scott Appleby, an historian of religion and professor of history at the University of Notre Dame, who opened the yearlong Convocation in September with a lecture on the theme of "Religion and the Human Experience." In October, Hans Kªng, one of the world's best known theologians and author of more than 50 books, spoke on creating a world ethic. In late January, Howard Solomon of Tufts University spoke at the Campus Center on "We survived the Millennium, or did we? Public discourse and the language of the Apocalypse."

In early February, several programs were presented ranging from "Religion and the refugee experience" to "Being (perceived as) a religious radical," to "Spirituality, political action, and self development," to "Scripture as a springboard for contemporary standards," to "The collusion of religion and racism in violence against women."

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