Two-Year Theme: Global Citizenship
Jim May, Dean and Provost of the College, has declared
a special theme for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 academic
years. Events throughout the two years will investigate
various aspects of the college’s commitment to
preparing students to be ‘responsible and knowledgeable
citizens of the world.”
Subthemes for 2006-2007:
Fostering a Global Perspective Through Study Abroad
Since the Senate of the United States has designated 2006 as the Year of Study Abroad, St. Olaf College will use this occasion to reflect on the value of experiential learning abroad. We will seek to promote greater integration of on and off-campus learning experiences and stimulate greater involvement of faculty and students in the study of global issues.
Contact person: Eric Lund (Director of International and Off-Campus Studies)
Expressing Who We Are Through Language
Language is critical in shaping our understanding of ourselves and thereby our interpretation of what constitutes a citizen of the world. We will consider topics such as how language influences our sense of identity and how we relate that identity to others, as well as how language shapes the social and political choices of our citizens.
Contact person: Leon Narvaez (Romance Languages – Spanish)
Subthemes for 2007-2008:
Liberal Arts in Times of War
Global citizens face a number of issues in the world community; none is more crucial than war. We will encourage college-wide reflection on the contributions of liberal arts to understanding, (a) war, its nature, origins and consequences; (b) terrorism and the war against it; (c) morality in the initiation and conduct of war; (d) "realism," "just war," "holy war" and "non-violence" as competing normative traditions in the analysis of war.
Contact person: Edmund Santurri (Religion)
Civic Engagement and the Liberal Arts
The call to citizenship is more than a simple exhortation to "get involved." We face a complex world filled with ambiguous issues. The critical reflection of the liberal arts is essential to citizens seeking thoughtful engagement. The college community will be asked to consider the public purpose of a liberal arts education.
Contact person: Dan Hofrenning (Political Science)
