Debate Calendar

Dr. Tony Campolo is a nationally celebrated speaker, the author of 35 books and a media commentator on religious, social and political matters. Campolo will demonstrate how the “red letter” words of Jesus move us beyond the Republican/Democrat dichotomy and into a world where the crisis of AIDS, war and failing public schools can be tackled. His latest book is Red Letter Christians: A Citizen’s Guide to Faith and Politics. He has been a guest on the television programs The Colbert Report, Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect, The Charlie Rose Show and Larry King Live. Campolo is the founder and president of the Evangelical Association of the Promotion of Education and has worked to create, nurture and support programs for “at-risk” children in cities across North American and has helped establish schools and universities in several developing countries.

Dr. Bonnie Smith and University Media Writer April Hefner (M.A. '07) will lead a discussion of two episodes of The West Wing that focus on preparing for a presidential debate. We'll view "Debate Camp" and "Game On" (originally aired in October 2002) and discuss the importance of language in political discourse, especially the "10-word answer" and the problematic prevalance of bumper sticker politics.

Dr. Bonnie Smith will deliver the first address of the Humanities Symposium. What is an argument? Why are we here to think and talk together about debate, dissent and dialogue? And why are these concepts important not only in this political season but in the university, in our relationships and in our community?

In 1550, two of the most relevant wise men of their time, De las Casas and Sepulveda, met at Valladolid (Spain) to debate about a topic that affected, and affects, millions of people. The result of that debate could change their lives forever (or not).

In The Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B. DuBois asserted that "[h]onest and earnest criticism from those whose interests are most nearly touched, - criticism of writers by readers, of government by those governed, of leaders by those led, - this is the soul of democracy and the safeguard of modern society." Yet many political and corporate structures in contemporary U.S. culture discourage or prevent outright these beneficial types of criticism. Citing a number of especially literary examples, Curtis will discuss how, despite these obstacles, U.S. writers have historically pursued dissent, and how the responsibility to revive and preserve this heritage is incumbent upon all who would consider themselves citizens.

Following a viewing of the film Amazing Grace, we will discuss the life of William Wilberforce and his fight to end the slave trade, as well as ways in which his real life differs from his reel life. In the process we will also touch on dissent in the English political scene at the end of the 18th century and, hopefully, shed some light on how debate and indirection worked in Parliament at this time.

The opening Faculty Concert Series of Fall 2008 features internationally known “Zoro” in an evening of classic American rock drumming.

Professor Sue Trout will discuss Robert Penn Warren's masterpiece, All the King's Men, especially how Willie Stark uses the "language of the people" and the "language of power."

Local politicians and activists Larry Woods, Bob Tuke (candidate for U.S. Senate), Representative Beth Harwell, Eric Stansell (candidate for State House District 52) and WRVU talk show host Freddie O'Connell discuss how we debate, dissent and dialogue with one another on a variety of local issues.

Reception 6-7 p.m. in the Leu Center for the Visual Arts Lobby.

David Callahan has written extensively about American history, business and public policy. He is author of The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead. Callahan's numerious articles have been published in such places as The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and The American Prospect. He has also been a frequent commentator on televesion programs on CNN, CBS, PBS, MSNBC and Fox News and has been a regular guest on radio talk shows across the United States, including appearances on such NPR programs as Morning Edition, The Connection and The Tavis Smiley Show. Callahan lectures frequently about issues of ethics and integrity to universities, associations and businesses.

Freddie O'Connell, WRVU talk show host, will discuss the phenomenon of talk radio, which has dramatically influenced the way American debates have been framed in recent years.

Belmont historians Dr. Jeff Coker and Dr. Peter Kuryla will discuss dissent in the Nixon era, paying special attention to the student and black power movements.

Conflicting stories about and images of Richard Nixon have haunted U.S. popular culture for nearly half a century. But what motivates this national obsession with reinventing Richard Nixon in literature, film, cartoons, music and other media? More than just dispuitng the former president's significance in history, these competing representations of Nixon battle one another in promoting certain cultural values and in defining a particular vision of national identity - what the country was, what it is and what it should be. In other words, when we disagree about Nixon, we are debating about the meaning of America.

As Argentina suffered and later emerged from the nightmare of its last military dictatorship, artists sought both to undermine the regime's monologic discourse of national identity and to promote more profound, humane conversations about Argentine identity and reality. In this context, the historical and fictional storyteller emerges as a transformative force whose power resides in his/her ability to help civil society re-imagine itself through dialogues.

Dr. Masood Raja will consider the historical, cultural and contemporary context of jihad and its complex relationship to Muslim politics, male subjectivity and global paradigms of power. Raja, a Belmont graduate, holds a Ph.D. from Florida State University and teaches in the English department at Kent State University. He specializes in Postcolonial Literature and Theory with an emphasis on South Asia and the Islamic world.

Dr. Michael Berube will ask how people can find ways to agree to disagree - and will suggest why people should agree to form societies in which such disagreement is possible. Berube is the Paterno Family Professor in Literature at Pennsylvania State University. He is is the author of six books and a widely published essayist in academic and popular publications.

Featured speakers Dr. Masood Raja, Dr. Daniel Frick and Dr. Michael Berube will continue the discussion in a panel on the Humanities Symposium's themes. Dr. Bonnie Smith and Dr. David Curtis will moderate.

Dr. Mark Anderson will lead Philosophy students and anyone else who wishes to participate in a conversation about issues raised by the symposium.

Freedom Sings, the brainchild of The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center, is a critically acclaimed multi-media experience featuring an all-star cast of musicians and an “only-in-America” story line. The presentation tells the story of almost three centuries of banned or censored music in America and invites audiences to take a fresh look at the First Amendment. This entertaining, irreverent and inspiring program is packed with live music and videos. It features hit songwriters and Grammy Award winners devoted to sharing the power, poetry and passion of music.

We will screen Good Night, and Good Luck and Dr. Rich Tiner will lead us in discussion about dissent and the media. Nominated for six Oscars, Good Night, and Good Luck is a 2005 film about journalist Edward R. Murrow's showdown with Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy. The film stars George Clooney (who also directs), David Straithairn and Robert Downey, Jr., and the film's tagline is "We will not walk in fear of one another."

Dr. Maggie Monteverde will lead faculty panelists and students in a conversation about what we've learned from our symposium and where we might go from here.

The 60s were over, but were they really? As the 70s began, the Vietnam War, the draft and Richard Nixon were still with us and so was some of the best rock music ever made. Drake will examine one of the most confusing, misunderstood and criticized decades in rock and roll history. Groups like Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd were just reaching their full potential in the early 70s. Singer-songwriters such as James Taylor, Elton John and Joni Mitchell would make rock music more personal than ever. Come early to get a good seat.

Dr. Stanley Hauerwas was named “America’s Best Theologian” by TIME magazine in 2001. Hauerwas will look at how a proper understanding of peace leads away from using violence

to advance God’s work in the world. His work cuts across disciplinary lines, linking theology, ethics and political theory. His book, A Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic, was selected as one of the 100 most important books on religion of the 20th century. Hauwerwas’ most recent book is The State of the University: Academic Knowledges and the Knowledge of God.

The Belmont Theatre Company in cooperation with Actor’s Bridge Ensemble will present the play Arabian Nights in multiple showing from September 18 through September 28. This adaptation offers a wonderful blend of the lesser-known tales from Arabian Nights with the recurring theme of how the magic of storytelling holds the power to change people. The final scene brings the audience back to a modern-day Baghdad with the wail of air raid sirens threatening the rich culture and history that are embodied by these tales.

The Center for Business Ethics and the New Century Journalism Program will host a lively dialogue centering on coverage of the presidential election. This program will feature John Seigenthaler, award-winning journalist and Founder of the First Amendment Center, and John Seigenthaler, Jr., Partner and CEO, Seigenthaler Public Relations New York, and former NBC news anchor.

This panel will explore key legislative developments that impact children's health and education at both the state and federal levels. Panelists include advocates and practitioners from the fields of education, healthcare, and social work. Discussion topics will focus on how the 2008 elections might impact policies around children's issues in 2009 and beyond.

Belmont students will gather to watch the first presidential debate on the big screen. After the debate, the Belmont College Republicans and Young Democrats will host a roundtable to discuss candidate performance and significant public policy questions. Faculty moderators will include debate coach Jason Stahl and political scientist Vaughn May.

Ken Burns has been making documentary films for more than 30 years. Since the Academy Award-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, he has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made. Stephen Ambrose, the historian, has said of Burns’ films, “More Americans get their history from Ken Burns than any other source.” On Tues., September 30, Burns will address his approach to “history” and his perspective on the American experience and the following day will answer questions from students in a Q-and-A session.

Nationally known performance artist Sheryl Oring will be on the Belmont campus October 1-31 with her characteristic typewriter and camera. Oring performs via an interactive project with her audience – any Belmont student or personnel who may pass by. She sets up her table and typewriter and types postcards dictated by participants on what they wish to say to the future President. A photographer is there to document this “performance”. Her “performances” have become both books and exhibits.

Complete Schedule:
October 1, 10 a.m. - Artist's Lecture - Massey Concert Hall
October 1, Noon-2:30 p.m. - Performance - Gazebo
October 1, 4:30 p.m. - Gallery Talk - Leu Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) 122

Belmont’s 90-piece Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Robert Gregg, presents an evening of American orchestral classics including “A Lincoln Portrait”.

Belmont's resident chamber ensemble features some of Nashville's finest performers, including artistic director Elisabeth Small and other School of Music faculty members and guest artists. They present "The American Identity" that celebrates the creative spirit of great Americans: Benjamin Franklin, William Grant Still, Randall Thompson, Charles Ives, Samuel Barber, George Gershwin and Amy Beach.

The Belmont Theatre Company will present the play Biloxi Blues in multiple showings from October 23 through November 2. The 1985 Tony Award winner for Best Play tells the story of a young army recruit during the Second World War who is learning about life as he goes through boot camp in Biloxi, Miss., in 1943.

Belmont’s “big band”, under the direction of Dr. Jeff Kirk, presents a concert of classic American jazz.

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner is the former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, the organization of African-American members of Congress, and is president of the Skinner Leadership Institute. She has spent her career helping to develop a new generation of spiritually grounded leaders. She has also served on the boards of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, the National Political Congress of Black Women, the Christian Community Development Association and Evangelicals for Social Action.

This event is the first of a five-part series that will span from October to May on the global topic, Fixing America’s Broken Healthcare System, in partnership with The Baker Center of the University of Tennessee (Knoxville). This first event is led by Robert Smoldt, Executive Director of the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center and is entitled “Guiding Principles & Priorities for Healthcare Reform: Mayo Clinic Recommendations”. After the presentation, five other experts from Tennessee state government and health and medical institutions will participate in a panel discussion. The event will be held in the Frist Lecture Hall (Inman Building) at Belmont University on October 30th, 2007, 9 a.m. - Noon.

Melissa Rogers is founder and director of Wake Forest University's Center for Religion and Public Affairs and former executive director of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in Washington, D.C. Rogers has appeared on NBC Nightly News, CNN and NPR, and her op-ed pieces have been published by ABC News and The Washington Post. She has worked as general counsel of the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty based in Washington, D.C. Rogers has been recognized by National Journal as one of the church-state experts "politicians will call on when they get serious about addressing an important public policy issue."

Jonathan Wight, noted economist and author of Saving Adam Smith: A Tale of Wealth, Transformation, and Virtue, will discuss expectations of a new administration in the White House two days after the election.

Oratorio Chorus, the University Symphony Orchestra and regional high school choirs present a program of American composers with guest conductor Dr. Eph Ehly.

Commercial Voice faculty Brice Bennett, Sandra Dudley, Kathryn Paradise, Henry Smiley and Jamie Wiggenton present a showcase of American popular song.

"A moving portrayal of upheaval caused when the utopian existence of an 1830's Shaker community in Kentucky is threatened by the arrival of 'newcomers' claiming to see angels…powerful and insightful…a thought-provoking piece, the message being that often we need not look as far as heaven to see angels here on earth…" —Herald.

Showtimes: November 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. November 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Ragtime, based on the E.L. Doctorow novel, mixes real life historical figures and fictional characters to tell the story of America in the early decades of the 20th century. Intertwining the lives of upper class white protestants, African Americans and newly arrived immigrants from Eastern Europe, Ragtime is a story of social change and challenge. Its music is as diverse as its characters and is filled with marches, ballads, calkwalks, gospel hymns and, of course ragtime! Ragtime is an epic sweep of the beginning of American society...a real American classic!

Musical Theatre Showtimes:
Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Call (615) 460-8500 or visit the Curb Box Office for advanced tickets. Ticket availability at the door will vary by performance. Charge: $10 for Adults, $5 for Senior Citizens (65 and over), Faculty, Staff and non-Belmont students. Free for Belmont students.

Erik Peterson will visit from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington D.C. think tank. The SEVEN FUTURES project assesses the defining outlines of the world in the year 2025 by examining the "alternative futures" of seven key regions of the world. Seven Futures zooms in on specific policy challenges raised by global strategic trends -- ranging from demographic change to the allocation of scarce resources to systems of governance.

David McCullough is a best-selling author and one of America’s most distinguished historians. His books have led a renaissance of interest in American history. He has received two Pulitzer Prizes for his biographies John Adams and Truman. As an historian, he paints with words, creating pictures of the American people that live, breathe and above all, confront the fundamental issues of courage, achievement and moral character. In his presentation, McCullough will discuss the new presidency and place it in a larger historical context.

Dr. Peter Kareiva, Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy will talk about “Making Conservation Work for People”. Nature provide benefits to people –everything from clean water and flood control, to fiber from forests, and fish from aquatic ecosystems. The scientific and practical challenge lies in developing credible tools that allow routine consideration of nature’s assets (or ecosystem services) in a way that informs the choices we make every day at the scale of local communities and regions, all the way up to nations and global agreements.

A former university professor, Dr. Kareiva’s responsibilities at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) include reporting to the Board of Directors on the state of science in TNC, mentoring TNC scientists, identifying opportunities and shortcomings that warrant science attention if TNC is to fulfill its mission, advising leadership on emerging conservation challenges and serving as one of several external spokespeople. Dr. Kareiva is a co-founder and director of a pioneering collaboration between World Wildlife Fund, Stanford University and The Nature Conservancy called the Natural Capital Project. His current projects emphasize the interplay of human land-use and biodiversity, resilience in the face of global change and evidence-based conservation.