Humanities Symposium Fall 2008
The Role of the Humanities in Awakening Societal Change
Fall Semester Event – An exploration of the literary arts
UC TV will air video of this event starting February 2, 2009, click here
Maude Fife Room - Wheeler Hall, UC Berkeley
Panel:
In collaboration with:
Human society is at a crossroads. Today’s decisions will determine whether or not human culture continues to impose catastrophic effects on the earth’s climate, oceans, and ecosystems. While scientists explore the technical approaches to our environmental predicament and exert influence on governments, many see the humanistic fields of inquiry as having a critical role to play in helping society face the challenge of climate change. Artists and writers hold a unique place in manifesting society’s values and challenge us to rethink our collective responsibilities to each other and to the future of the planet. Five distinguished UC scholars on environment and society will explore in conversation the role that the humanities can play in the transformation of society towards one that can sustain the planet
Thursday, October 30, 2008, 2pm – 4:30pm
Reception to Follow
Robert Hass, Professor of English, UC Berkeley
Carolyn Merchant, Professor of Environmental History, UC Berkeley
Timothy Morton, Professor of Literature and the Environment, UC Davis
Michael Osborne, Professor of History, UC Santa Barbara
Robert Watson, Professor of English, UC Los Angeles
Sponsored by:
The Berkeley Institute of the Environment
The Townsend Center for the Humanities
The UC Humanities Research Institute
The Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival
Nov. 1, 2008, Berkeley Civic Center Park
