19-26

september

2005

international conference celebrates the poet dante

“Dante Vivo,” an international conference, will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, at Wellesley College featuring distinguished international scholars and teachers sharing their passion for Italy’s most famous poet. The conference is free and open to the public.

Born in Florence, Italy, in 1265, Dante Alighieri is best known for the monumental epic poem La commedia, later named La divina commedia (the Divine Comedy). A great work of medieval literature, it is a profound Christian vision of man’s temporal and eternal destiny. Dante was also a prose writer, literary theorist, moral philosopher and political thinker.

The Wellesley conference is called "Dante Vivo" (Dante Alive) to suggest the vibrancy of contemporary readings of Dante’s extraordinary poem.

"Dante’s Comedy, written in the 14th century, continues to fascinate readers and challenge its interpreters,” said conference organizer Rachel Jacoff, Italian Studies. “This will be a rare opportunity to see some of the most interesting of those interpreters in action.”

The speakers hail from both Italian and American universities, including Piero Boitani (La Sapienza, Rome), Linda Bolzoni (Scuola Normale, Pisa), John Freccero (New York University), Robert Harrison (Stanford University), Peter Hawkins (Boston University), John Kleiner (Williams College), Giuseppe Mazzotta (Yale University), Lino Pertile (Harvard University) and Susan Stewart (Princeton University).

The conference will be held in Jewett Arts Center auditorium beginning at 9:15 am. It will conclude with a reception at 4:30 pm.

For more information, go to the conference Web site at www.wellesley.edu/Italian/DanteVivo or call x2616.

gauging the impact of ‘seven revolutions’

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 4:30 pm in Collins Cinema, Erik Peterson will present a lecture, “Forces To Shape Our World in the 21st Century.” At the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Peterson directs the Seven Revolutions project, a broad-based effort to forecast key trends for the next 20 years.

For four decades, the CSIS has provided world leaders with strategic insights on — and policy solutions to — current and emerging global issues.

CSIS is led by John J. Hamre, formerly deputy secretary of defense, and guided by a board of trustees chaired by former senator Sam Nunn; it consists of prominent individuals from the public and private sectors. Its 190 researchers and support staff focus on national and international security, while maintaining resident experts on all of the world’s major geographical regions. CSIS aims to help develop new methods of governance for the global age; to this end, it has programs on technology and public policy, international trade and finance, and energy.

According to CSIS researchers, seven areas of revolutionary change are unfolding in the world. These “Seven Revolutions” involve:
• population
• resource management
• technology innovation and diffusion
• development and diffusion of knowledge
• conflict
• economic integration
• the challenge of governance

The event is sponsored by Slater International. For more information, e-mail Slatermail@wellesley.edu.

study abroad fair

A study abroad fair with 40 representatives from more than 100 study abroad opportunities will take place in Alumnae Hall Ballroom Monday, Sept. 19, from noon to 4 pm. Intended for sophomores interested in spending a semester or year abroad, it is also helpful for juniors going abroad this spring to learn more about host institutions; first-year students can learn about future options. Many organizations also run international summer programs.

“Beginning in fall 2006, students who study abroad will be able to apply Wellesley financial aid packages to the range of approved study abroad programs, so everyone is encouraged to come to the fair to learn about the variety of program types and destinations,” notes Jennifer Thomas-Stark, director of international studies.

psychology studies reveal religion’s effects

Know God? No fear. No God? No fear. It’s the area between these two extremes that has us worried.

Paul Wink, psychology, has found religious belief doesn’t necessarily ease fears about death. Those who take their religion seriously have little fear of the great beyond since they lead a god-centered life. Atheists also report they are unafraid to die since they fear no retribution awaiting them. However, people who believe in an afterlife, but don’t often attend church—a large proportion of Americans—are most afraid of dying.

“The moderately religious believe there is life after death, but think they may not make it into heaven because they may not be practicing their religion,” said Wink, who worked with researcher Julia Scott ’04 on the findings, published in the Journal of Gerontology.

Using data from a 60-year longitudinal study established by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley, Wink conducted his own follow-up interviews with the subjects who were mere youngsters when first surveyed. Wink asked other questions in studies undertaken with his wife, University of New Hampshire sociology professor Michele Dillon, as well as with Britta Larsen ’04 and Kristen Fay ’02. In Research on Aging, the researchers reported on religion’s effect on personal happiness, and, in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, they contributed data to the modern moral debate regarding spirituality vs. traditional religion. For more, go to www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/Releases/2005/0823a05.html

women’s review of books will resume publication

Women’s Review of Books will be re-launched in January after suspending publication in December 2004. Founded by the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) in 1983, Women’s Review was published monthly for 22 years and will return as a bimonthly tabloid.

It will continue to publish in-depth reviews of nonfiction, fiction and poetry by and about women, and essays, poems and author interviews. The publication provides a forum where women’s studies scholars and feminist activists can exchange ideas and research.

The re-launch was made possible by a new partnership between WCW and Old City Publishing (OCP), a small publisher of journals and books in Philadelphia. The publication’s editorial offices will continue to be located at WCW while advertising, subscription fulfillment and production will move to OCP.

examining aggression and girls

The Calkins Lecture Series will present “Social Aggression: Gender, Origins and Outcomes,” by Marion Underwood ’86, Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 5:15 pm in Science Center 277. Underwood is a world-recognized expert on social relationships of children and adolescents, focusing on gender and aggression. After receiving her doctorate in clinical psychology at Duke University, she taught at Reed College. Since 1998 she has been a tenured professor at University of Texas, Dallas. In 2001, she was awarded the Chancellor’s Council Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. She is author of the book, Social Aggression Among Girls (Guilford Press, 2003) and numerous publications.

The 2005 Calkins Lecture Series commemorates the centennial of the election of Mary Whiton Calkins, founder of the Wellesley psychology department, as the first female president of the American Psychological Association. For more info: x3010.

colleagues in the news

robert berg, physics, demonstrated robot making at the Young Scientists’ Program, aimed at 8- to 14-year-olds, this August. Now in its 16th year, the program is organized and sponsored by the Committee for Branch Libraries in Wellesley. Ninety youngsters attended the presentation at the Hills Branch Library.

scott gunther, French, has been interviewed on Radio France Internationale, a French-language station broadcast around the world. The program, with reporter Sophie Torlotin, originated from Paris June 23. It focused on whether it is possible to speak of a gay and lesbian culture in France.

marion just, political science, was interviewed by The Boston Globe for a story titled “Law community cites Rehnquist’s courage, commitment.” The article paid tribute to the late Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Just said he had a strong pragmatic streak that moderated his ideology, noting, “He’s going to be remembered as someone who moved the court to the right but was willing to negotiate.”

tim peltason, English, had an opinion piece published in the Aug. 28 Los Angeles Times. Excerpted from a lecure he delivered at Wellesley’s 1999 orientation (which is distributed to new first-year students each year), it explains how each incoming student joins a grand intellectual enterprise. “There’s no more important reason for being here–really no other truly important reason for being here–than to become absorbed in intellectual work,” Peltason emphasized. The original speech can be read online at www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/PAhomepage/convo99tp.html

calendar

monday september 19

open meeting. Compensation and Personnel Policy Advisory Committee. 11 am-noon, Academic Council Room. For administrative staff. Info: x3337.

study abroad fair. Noon-4 pm, Alumnae Hall Ballroom. (See story, page 1.) Sponsor: International Studies. Info: x3532.

cws workshop. “Résumés.” 12:30 pm, GRH 428. Info: x2352.

esl tutoring. 6-8 pm, PLTC small conference room. Info: x2480.

cws info session. “Lehman Bros. LBGT Outreach.” 7 pm, Shafer living room. Info: x2352.

meditation. 7-8:15 pm, meditation room, lower chapel. Sponsor: Buddhist Community. Info: x2793.

meeting. Wellesley College Democrats. 8-9 pm, PNE 122. Info: Democratsmail@wellesley.edu.

tuesday september 20

administrative council meeting. 11 am-noon, Alumnae Hall.

president’s open office hour. 12:30-1:30 pm, GRH 350. Info: x2243.

workshop. “A Woman’s Money, A Woman’s Future.” 12:30-1:30 pm, Academic Council Room. Sponsor: TIAA-CREF; Human Resources. Info: x2212.

info session. “Study Abroad for Class of 2008.” 4:15-5:15 pm, SCI 277. Info: x2320.

constitution reading. 4:30 pm, Clapp Library steps. Sponsor: CPLA. Info: x3426.

lecture. “Looking Out to the Year 2025 and the Major Forces Shaping the World.” Speaker: Erik Peterson, director, Seven Revolutions Research Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies. 4:30 pm, Jewett Auditorium. (See story, page 1.) Sponsor: Slater International. Info: x1204.

lecture. “Female Chauvinist Pigs.” Speaker: Ariel Levy, author. 6 pm, PNE 225. Sponsor: Wellesley Women for Choice. Info: x1883.

class. “Kaplan Prep for GRE 9/13/05-10/25/05.” 6:30-9 pm, JAC 454. Info: x2875.

class. “Kaplan Prep for Oct. ’05 LSAT.” 6:30-9:30 pm, JAC 450. Info: x2875.

meeting. 7-8 pm, Tower Court West great hall. Sponsor: BASIC. Info: BASICmail@wellesley.edu.

wednesday september 21

meditation. 12:30-1 pm. (See 9/19 listing.)

cws orientation. “Davis Scholars: Learning How CWS Can Work for You.” 12:30-1:30 pm, CWS Library. Info: x2352.

spanish table. 12:30-1:30 pm, Tower Court private dining hall. Info: x3571.

constitution preamble printing. 12:30-2:15 pm, Book Arts Lab, Clapp Library. Info: x3426.

info session. “Study Abroad for Class of 2008.” 1-2 pm, SCI 277. Info: x2320.

cws workshop. “Planning for Law School.” 4:30 pm, PNE 239. Info: x2352.

calkins lecture. “Social Aggression: Gender, Origins, and Outcomes.” Speaker: Marion Underwood ’86, psychology, University of Texas, Dallas. 5:15 pm, SCI 277. (See story, page 2.) Sponsor: Psychology. Info: x3010.

gathering. 6-8:30 pm, lower Chapel. Sponsor: Unitarian Universalists. Info: x3484.

thursday september 22

mabon. Pagan tradition.

arabic table. 12:30-1:30 pm, Tower Court private dining hall. Info: x2916.

info session. “Wellesley-in Aix.” 4:30 pm, French House. Info: x2733.

cws workshop. “Applying for Grad School in the Arts & Sciences.” 4:30-6 pm, PNW 212. Info: x2352.

esl tutoring. (See 9/19 listing.)

class. “Kaplan Prep for Oct. ’05 LSAT.” 6:30-10 pm, JAC 450. Info: x2875.

worship service. 7 pm, lower chapel. Sponsor: Protestant Christian Chaplaincy. Info: x2655.

meeting. Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. 7-9:30 pm, BIL 100. Info: wivcfmail@wellesley.edu.

friday september 23

prayer/discussion. Muslim communal (Jummah). 12:45-1:30 pm, lower chapel. Info: x2656.

bible study. 7 pm, lower chapel. Sponsor: Asian Baptist Student Koinonia. Info: x1831.

saturday september 24

conference. “Dante Vivo.” 8:30 am-10 pm, Jewett Auditorium. (See story, page 1.) Sponsor: Italian Studies. Info: x2615.

workshop. “Composting Basics.” Speaker: Tony Antonucci, senior horticulturist. 9:30 am-noon, Botanic Gardens Visitor Center. FOH members: $15; others: $18. Sponsor: FOH. Info: x3504.

class. “Kaplan Prep for Oct.’05 LSAT.” 10 am-1 pm, JAC 450. Info: x2875.

field hockey vs. WPI. 1 pm. Info: x2003..

sunday september 25

worship service. 11:15 am, Houghton Chapel. Sponsor: Protestant Christian Chaplaincy. Info: x2655.

class. “Kaplan Prep for Oct. ’05 LSAT.” 1:30-4:30 pm, JAC 450. Info: x2875.

catholic mass. 4 pm, Houghton Chapel. Sponsor: Newman Catholic Ministry. Info: x2688.

meeting. Darshana. 5 pm, meditation room, lower chapel. Sponsor: Hindu Community. Info: x2794.

monday september 26

open house. “Peace and Justice Internship.” 4-6 pm, BIL 100. Sponsor: Peace and Justice Studies. Info: x2685.

esl tutoring. (See 9/19 listing).

meditation. (See 9/19 listing).

circle k meeting. 7 pm, PNE 225. Info: echung@wellesley.edu.

meeting. Wellesley College Democrats. (See 9/19).

ongoing

exhibit. The U.S. Constitution. Clapp Library, 2nd floor. Through September. Info: x3426.

exhibit. Underground Studios VII. Through Nov. 1. Jewett Arts Center student gallery. Info: x2042.

exhibit. Hooked on Lichens: Three Perspectives. Botanic Gardens Visitor Center. Through Nov. 10. Sponsor: FOH. Info: x3504.

exhibits. Hold: Vessel 1. Etchings to Rexroth. Through Dec. 18. DMCC. Info: x2051.

book sale. Clapp Library reading room. Donations: 50 cents to $4. Info: x2894.

don't miss...constitution day celebrates democratic traditions

This past May, a federal law was passed that requires all colleges and universities receiving federal funding to observe Constitution Day on or about Sept. 17, the day the Constitution was signed. The bill was sponsored by Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-West Virginia) to raise awareness of and focus attention on the Constitution.

In observance of Constitution Day, Clapp Library and the Committee for Political and Legislative Action (CPLA) will sponsor several events, including a reading of the U.S. Constitution on the library’s front steps Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 4:30 pm. (Rain date: Sept. 21 at 12:30 pm.) Readers will come from all Wellesley constituencies: senior staff, faculty, administrative staff, union and students. Invited guests include Wellesley Selectman Owen Dugan, Alexis LeBlanc, legislative aide to Massachusetts Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, and Wellesley alumna. CPLA members will distribute pocket-size Constitutions at the event.

On Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 12:30-2:15 pm, come and print a commemorative copy of the Preamble to the Constitution on the letterpress printer in the Book Arts Lab. You can also peruse the Constitution and a book display in Clapp Library, on the second floor, through the month of September. “Look for a Web Site of the Day all during Constitution Week, beginning Sunday, Sept. 18, and a trivia question of the day, with prizes for students” posted on Faculty-Staff and Community conferences on First Class, said Betty Febo, government documents coordinator. For more information, call x3426.

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