The Politics of Endangered Species: Who Makes It To “THE LIST”?

by Donald Bruning

Thursday, January 24, 7 p.m. – 130 Noble Hall

How does a species get listed as endangered or threatened? Who decides on the listings at local, state, federal and international levels? What criteria are used and what is the process for listing and de-listing species? Does placement of a species on one of these lists result in its protection, and if so, how? What are some of the success stories? A number of examples will be discussed as well as some of the problems that have resulted from listings and potential de-listings.

A Land Alone: Colorado’s Western Slope.

by Duane Smith

Thursday, January 31, 7 p.m. - Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum 

Duane Smith, Southwest historian, author, and Fort Lewis College professor, will discuss the heart and soul of the Western Slope and what it means to Colorado-- past, present and future.

Who Are the Islamists and What Do They Want?

by Yohannes Woldemariam

Thursday, February 7, 7 p.m. – 130 Noble Hall 

Concepts pertaining to Islam are used lightly, often without any understanding of their connotations and limitations. This presentation will clarify what relevant words and expressions actually mean. Do “Islamic fundamentalists” differ from “Islamic radicals,” or can these terms be employed interchangeably? Is “Muslim fundamentalism” representative of a broader “fundamentalist” trend in other great religions? Why do many scholars prefer the term “Islamism” to “fundamentalism”? Why did the transnational radical Islam of Osama bin Laden develop, and how does it relate to earlier variants of radical Islam? Has Islamism changed significantly over the past 40 years? Where does the Taliban movement fit into the broader spectrum of Islam? These and other questions will be addressed.

Significant Books Panel: Durango Old-timers and Newcomers Discuss Books Which Have Influenced Their Lives.

Moderated by Ann Butler

Thursday, February 14, 7 p.m. – 130 Noble Hall

Why Do Good People Do Bad Things? Explorations in Ethics.

by Richard Mason

Thursday, February 21, 7 p.m. – 130 Noble Hall 

Numerous business and other scandals have alerted us to the need for better ethics in our society. For the most part, these untoward deeds were perpetrated by otherwise decent people who, driven by excessive desire for wealth, achievement or acclaim, crossed the line of ethical propriety. This session will cover the nature of ethical dilemmas and temptations in organizations, the role of emotions, the ethical brain, and means for the resolution of ethical issues. The audience will have the opportunity to participate in case and issue discussions.

“They Take Our Jobs”: Looking Backward at Contemporary Immigration Debates in the U.S.

by John Baranski

Thursday, February 28, 7 p.m. – 130 Noble Hall 

Although much has changed in the last century, the rhetoric of immigration has by and large not. Jobs, national security and Americanization have been recurring themes in the debates over immigration. To better understand post 9/11 debates, John Baranski will explore the ways these themes have been connected to the evolution of restrictionist immigration policies and their consequences for U.S. politics and society.

Lost Cities: Petra, Machu Picchu and Mesa Verde.

by Judith Reynolds

Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m. - Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum 

Given ongoing studies and continuing controversies, a fresh look at three “lost” civilizations is in order. Journalist and biographer, Judith Reynolds has visited each of these sites within the last few years and will discuss current ideas on the history, beauty and mystery still surrounding them. Presented in collaboration with The San Juan Basin Archaeology Society and the Center of Southwest Studies.

Doctor of What? Traditional and “Alternative” Forms of Medicine in America.

by Dr. Glenn E. Rodey

Thursday, March 20, 7 p.m. -- 130 Noble Hall 

Non-traditional medical practices flourish in the USA. They are popular, but are they effective? In this talk, Dr. Rodey will discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of traditional and various types of alternative medicine.

Evolution, Technology and the Future of Humanity.

by Dr. Robert Blair

Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m. -- 130 Noble Hall 

Science & technology (“S&T”) are both a blessing and a curse. They empower humanity to control and dominate its environment; conversely, humanity is subject to the control and domination of S&T! Using S&T, humans have evolved artificially to fly, survive in space, live longer and to communicate instantly with one another. As our leverage over nature evolves exponentially, are we any more advanced intellectually, socially and emotionally than were our ancestors millennia ago? The ever-widening chasm between the power of S&T and human maturity is disturbing. The unintended consequences are mind-boggling: super bugs, extinctions, cancer, pollution and perhaps climate change, are but a few examples. Are we artificially evolving into a bionic monster or a