NASHVILLE, Tenn. ñ Vanderbilt professors will discuss diverse topics ranging from the presidential election and its impact on the Middle East to understanding the latest recording technologies during a series of "Classes Without Quizzes" on Nov. 5.
The nine educational events ñ without tests or textbooks ñ are part of Vanderbilt’s Reunion/ Homecoming Weekend, but they are free and open to the public. The classes will be approximately one hour in length.
Amy-Jill Levine, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies, will address "Who Was Jesus" from the perspective of historians who are achieving greater understanding of first-century Galilee and Judea. Levine, who directs the Carpenter Program in Religion, Gender and Sexuality, will discuss the far-reaching implications of learning new historical insights into the life of Jesus, including the enhancement of Jewish-Christian dialogue. Levine’s talk will be at 1:30 p.m. in Sarratt Student Center, Room 189.
Also at 1:30 p.m. in Sarratt Cinema, Centennial Professor of Philosophy John Lachs will lecture on "The Moral Challenges We Face." Lachs will examine the difficulties today in making correct choices in both business and personal situations and discuss the need for both individual resolve and institutional reform.
A broad look and listen to changes over time in recording technologies will be offered during the interactive lecture "From Enrico Caruso to Norah Jones, From Victrolas to iPODs: Advances in Music Recording." A.B. Bonds and Ronald D. Schrimpf, who are both professors of electrical engineering and computer science, will speak and play music ranging from the 1920s to the latest jazz virtuoso starting at 2:30 p.m. in Featheringill Hall, Room 134.
The impact of either a Bush or Kerry administration on the Middle East for the next four years is the focus of a second lecture at 2:30 p.m. in the Ben Schulman Center Sanctuary. "Road Maps or Dead Ends: The United States, Iraq and the Middle East after the Election" features James Ray, professor of political science; Jack Sasson, the Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies and Hebrew Bible and director of the Jewish Studies Program; and Thomas Schwartz, professor of history.
Also at 2:30 p.m., Susan Barge, associate provost for residential colleges and student life, will discuss Vanderbilt’s future residential college system and how it will unfold in the coming years. Her talk will be in Sarratt Cinema.
In addition, there will be a presentation at 2:30 p.m. on "Estate Planning Strategies for a Constantly Changing Environment." It will be led by James Gooch and Blaine Smith, attorneys for Bass, Berry & Sims and graduates of Vanderbilt Law School. They will share their knowledge of the future of the estate tax, tax strategies and family non-tax planning. Their talk will be in Sarratt Student Center, Room 189.
Professor of Political Science John Geer will analyze the results of the 2004 presidential election at 3:30 p.m. Geer, an expert on campaigns, negative ads and election polls, will discuss the role of the news media and whether the winner received a mandate to govern. He also will explore possible candidates for 2008. Geer’s talk will be in Sarratt Cinema.
"A Look Inside Vanderbilt Admissions" will be informative for families interested in sending their children to Vanderbilt or any other selective college. John Gaines, associate dean of undergraduate admissions, speaks at 3:30 p.m. at the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Also at 3:30 p.m., Cary DeWitt Allyn, alumni travel director, and participating professors will provide an overview of 2005 trips offered through Vanderbilt. The tours are open to the public. Allyn’s presentation will be in Sarratt Student Center, Room 189.
Parking for those interested in attending "Classes Without Quizzes" will be available in a designated area within Centennial Park. Please turn into the main entrance of the park and follow the signs to event parking. Shuttle buses will run between the park and campus starting at 12:30 p.m.
For more information, call 615-322-2929 or click on www.vanderbilt.edu/alumni/reunion
Media contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, (615) 322-NEWS
Annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu