2008 Centennial Lecture Series - Lecture Details

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October 29, 2008 - The Rise of Asia: A New World Order?

Presented by the Jackson School of International Studies
Transformations occurring in Asia have increased the region’s influence in global issues in the 21st century. Will Asia’s rise continue in the coming decades? And what implications does the region’s growing economic and strategic power have for the rest of the world, especially the United States? In this lecture and discussion, learn about the global impact of Asia’s transformations.

Lead lecture by Anand Yang, Director, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, Golub Chair of International Studies

November 5, 2008 - Islam and Sexuality: Beyond the Headlines

Presented by the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization
What is the place of sexuality and gender in Islam and the Muslim world? We often associate Islam with the exotic sensuality of harems, belly-dancing and multiple wives. Or is Islam an austere faith that shrouds women in burqas and strictly controls sexuality? Delve into the history of sexuality in Islam and the Muslim world and learn to distinguish fantasy from fact.

Lead lecture by Jonathan Brown, Assistant Professor, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization

November 12, 2008 - The Power of Scandinavia

Presented by the Department of Scandinavian Studies
Although Scandinavia may not be highly visible in world politics, the region has a quiet influence on global society. This lecture will highlight some of Scandinavia’s noteworthy contributions, such as institutionalizing “sustainable development” as a global practice; defining the possibilities for poverty elimination through generous and consistent aid to the poor; and awarding a prestigious prize for peace, a legacy of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel.

Lead lecture by Christine Ingebritsen, Professor, Department of Scandinavian Studies, Adjunct Professor, Department of Political Science

November 19, 2008 - A Fire Pot of Tongues: Asian Languages in a New Global Environment

Presented by the Department of Asian Languages and Literature
Japanese and Chinese have now taken their place alongside European languages in the curricula of many American schools. Other Asian languages are not far behind. Will Chinese soon replace English as the global lingua franca? This lecture will explore the new global status of Asian languages and their historical interactions with European languages. There is more to this relationship than you might have imagined.

Lead lecture by Michael Shapiro, Professor and Chair, Department of Asian Languages and Literature and Zev Handel, Associate Professor, Department of Asian Languages and Literature

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