University Forum is a free public lecture series sponsored by the UNLV College of Liberal Arts and underwritten by The Jerry Kalafatis Lodge Charitable Foundation and the UNLV Foundation. Unless otherwise noted, the following lectures will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History, located on the UNLV campus. The lectures are free and open to the public.
Sept. 9
"Brain, Mind, and Self"
John Perry, professor of philosophy at Stanford University, will discuss the theories of dualists, scholars who argue that thinking and feeling are not mere physical properties. He will also defend the conflicting theory that the mind is identical with the brain and explain what this means in regards to the self and the intelligibility of life after death. The lecture is co-sponsored by the UNLV departments of philosophy and psychology.
Sept. 12
"The United States and the United Nations: Observations on a Troubled Relationship"
Christopher O'Sullivan, Fulbright Professor of History at the University of Jordan, will examine the relationship between the U.S. and the United Nations since 1945. He will discuss interactions between the two during various presidential administrations, assess current attitudes, and offer his theory on how to alleviate mounting tensions. The lecture is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council and the UNLV departments of history and political science.
Sept. 21
"The Desert's Blood: Stories of Flash Floods"
L.A. Times columnist and National Public Radio commentator Craig Childs will discuss his research on and personal encounters with flash floods. Based on a flood he experienced in Phoenix, AZ, Childs will present his view of the mechanics of the flood as well as the emotional highs and lows experienced during his encounter. The lecture is co-sponsored by UNLV's International Institute of Modern Letters.
Sept. 23
"The Company Car: Author C.J. Hribal Reads From His New Novel"
C.J. Hribal, professor of English at Marquette University, will read from his acclaimed new novel about the Czabeck family's memorable life adventures over the past 50 years. Hribal, author of the novels American Beauty and Matty's Heart, has been awarded fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the John Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. The lecture is co-sponsored by UNLV's International Institute of Modern Letters.
Sept. 25
"The Trombone and the Pipe Organ"
2 p.m.- Doc Rando Hall, Beam Music Center (near Judy Bayley Theater)
UNLV department of music professor Ken Hanlon will provide the background on and perform works composed for the trombone and organ, historically regarded as sacred instruments and used widely in both Roman Catholic and Protestant church services. Selections will come from 16th through 20th century pieces, and the music department's new pipe organ will be featured.
Sept. 29
"Policing Disorder: Crime Prevention in Urban Neighborhoods"
George L. Kelling, professor of criminal justice at Rutgers University, will discuss police management of disorder and its relevance to neighborhood safety. Kelling is one of the authors of the "broken windows" theory suggesting that if police are able to manage minor offenses, they can prevent fear, serious crime, and violence in urban neighborhoods. The lecture is co-sponsored by the UNLV department of criminal justice.
