SORAC Conference this week
The Society of Research on African Cultures (SORAC), in collaboration
with the Institute for the Humanities, will hold its 2002 international
conference Nov. 7-9 on campus.
This year's theme is "Internalist vs. Externalist Interpretations
of African History and Culture." For the past four decades, since
the independence of African countries and the official end of segregation
policies in the Americas, the interpretation of the modern histories of
the people and culture of Africa have been mostly viewed from an externalist
perspective. However, in the past few years, a new trend--internalism--has
emerged. This week scholars from around the world will debate their positions
at the conference.
The keynote speakers are Ali Mazrui of Binghamton University and George
Ayittey of American University. Mazrui will present "Africa Between
Westernization and Islamization: Penetration and Response" and Ayittey
will present "Biting Their Own Tails: African Leaders and the Internalist
Intricacies of the Rape of a Continent."
The conference is free to members of the Montclair State community. Cost
for the Nov. 8 banquet/reception is $25. Pre-registration is required.
Call Sally Garson at 973-655-7516. Click
here for more information about the conference.
Italian language comedy comes to campus
While October is recognized as the official month of celebrations of Italian
culture at Montclair State University, the festivities continue well into
November.
"Let's Laugh! Humor in Art," an exhibit featuring selected works
from the International Museum of Caricature and Humor in Art in Tolentino,
Italy, will be on display at Gallery One from its opening Monday, Nov.
4, at 7:30 p.m. through Nov. 15.
Sponsored by the Department of Spanish and Italian and the Dean's Office
of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the exhibit features
humorous works by Federico Fellini and the greatest European masters of
caricature.
The laughs continue Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. in the University’s
newly refurbished L. Howard Fox Studio Theatre with the presentation of
an Italian language comedy, "Il Caso Papaleo (The Papaleo Case)."
The one-act comedy by Italian satirist and long-time Fellini collaborator
Ennio Flaiano was first performed in Spoleto, Italy, in 1960. It will
be staged for the first time in New Jersey by Kairos Italy Theater, directed
by Laura Caparrotti. The play, hailed by critics as a pithy satire of
everyday life and illusions about love, will be performed by the international
artists Laura Caparrotti, Andrea Lolli and Susana Kulia, with original
music by Luca Toller.
"Cycles and Recycles" on display
"Cycles and Recycles: Regeneration," an exhibition of art produced
by Jersey City artists who are working in an area of abandoned warehouses
near the Hudson River, will be in the University Gallery Nov. 4 through
Dec. 2. A reception will be held Nov. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. In addition,
a round table discussion about art and artist housing will take place
Saturday, Nov. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The artists are Sandra DeSando, Nisha Drinkard, Elaine Hansen, Patter
Hellstrom, Franc Palaia, Albert Pedulla, Joan Webster Price and Erma Martin
Yost.
"Cycles and Recycles: Regeneration" refers to the processes
in which the artists found new meaning in art through renewal of recycled
ideas, experiences and materials. "Cycles and Recycles" is about
rediscovering ancient ruins, organic unions, preservation of memories
and re-examination of the mandala, life cycles and the idea of infinity.
The exhibition will display images of past civilizations and organic life
forms in synergy with new technology. The works are digital, abstract,
mixed media and installations that reflect collisions of materials of
culture with materials of science.
Board News
At its Oct. 31 meeting, the Montclair State University Board of Trustees
approved the University's Strategic Plan, "Montclair State University
at the Centennial: 1908-2008" and revised Mission Statement. It also
approved resolutions approving the following conversions of graduate programs
within the master of arts program in speech and theater: theatre to a
full master of arts degree in theatre offered by the Theatre and Dance
Department; and speech communication to a full master of arts degree in
communication studies offered by the Communication Studies Department.
Both are effective September 2003.
The Board also approved two faculty appointments, 11 professional/managerial
staff appointments; and one tenure.