Program for 2002
Click here for printer-friendly list of 2002 program

Theme: Creating a Matrix for Universal Fellowship

January 5th 2:30–5:00 p.m.   
Seminar:
Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematical Genius
Born in a small village in India, Ramanujan is recognized as one of the world’s foremost mathematicians. At a young age, he taught himself advanced mathematics. His remarkable brilliance was recognized by G.H. Hardy, of Cambridge University, after writing letters regarding his work. Ramanujan spent several years at Cambridge pouring out his original insights and discoveries. He made substantial contributions to the analytic theory of numbers and worked on elliptic functions, continued fractions, and infinite series. The lecture will explore the life and work of this great mathematical genius.
Speaker: Russ Lewin

January 19th 2:30–5:00 p.m.
A Reception and Conversation with Professor Frederick M. Denny
A reception will be held for Frederick M. Denny, distinguished Professor of Islamic Studies and History of Religions from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is the author of the well-known book, An Introduction to Islam. He will meet informally with members of the Institute as well as with students from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Host: Dr. Judy Saltzman

February 16th 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Seminar and Film:
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Perspectives on Citizenship and Service
In observance of Black History Month, fresh perspectives on the aims and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be considered. A short talk by Jenny Sheffield on Dr. King’s ideas will precede a film, followed by discussion. A special guest, Professor Roland Glover, will share his observations on the accomplishments of the civil rights movement and the impact of Dr. King’s exemplification of citizenship and service.
Speakers: Jenny Sheffield and Professor Roland Glover

March 16th 3:30–5:00 p.m.   
Lecture:
Cosmology: Ancient and Modern
How can we begin to understand the origin, size, evolution and matter that composes the Universe?  We will survey both modern and ancient ideas on Cosmology.
Speaker: Garrett Riegg

March 16th 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Multimedia Presentation:
Hubble Space Telescope: The Cosmic Eye
The Hubble Space Telescope continues to provide scientists with new images that challenge our current notions of scientific reality. As the telescope sends images to Earth from deep space, we are learning more about the origin and evolution of the universe. The multimedia presentation will look at many of the recent discoveries made by the HST. We will show many images from the HST on a large screen to enhance the bewildering beauty of the views from deep space.  In addition, we will update the progress of the Galileo Mission to Jupiter and its moons.
Speaker: Russ Lewin

April 1–4th
Retreat:
Youth at the Millennium Conference
To support young leaders’ roles as stakeholders in the globalization process, an intergenerational dialogue is planned for April 1–4 in Santa Barbara at La Casa de Maria. A diverse group of speakers and workshop facilitators has been invited to discuss the effects—spiritual, psychological, ethical, economic and social—of the globalization process on young people. Special attention will be given to leadership in the age of globalization, in order to encourage participants to take an active role in the process of shaping the future.
The conference will include public lectures at Santa Barbara City College and UCSB, and is co-sponsored by the Institute of World Culture, Group 21 of Kyoto, Japan and the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.

May 18th 2:00–5:00 p.m.  
Seminar:
Progressive Social Change:
Challenges of Creating Matrices for Dissent and Social Transformation
An exploration of challenges—intellectual, psychological, political—encountered by individuals and groups when promoting progressive social change. The capacity of groups to pursue goals of reform or revolutionary change and to exemplify ethical values will be analyzed. To understand the possibilities of, and hindrance to, reform-minded dissent by individuals, examples of heroic dissenters and participants in contemporary revolutions will be highlighted.
Speakers: Patrick O’Donnell and Robert Moore

June 15th 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Lecture and Slide Presentation:
Art and Archeology in the Mediterranean
Slides and commentary on Minoan, Mycenaean, Greek and Roman Sites around the Mediterranean. We will conclude with a look at Athens and the Acropolis artifacts in the National Archeological Museum.
Speaker: Joyce Johnson

July 6th 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Founding Day Lecture:
American Transcendentalists
Speaker: Dr. Carolyn Dorrance
Chair: Joseph Miller

August 17th 2:00–5:00 p.m.  
Seminar:
Complexity from Simplicity: The Generation of Mathematical Design
An introduction to designs produced by iterated functions, beginning with the ideas of point, line, plane and route. Feedback loops and iteration using simple functions will be explored. Participants will investigate an astounding variety of beautiful images generated by relatively simple mathematical processes. Led by an enthusiastic and experienced mathematics instructor, Fred Soltysik, participants in this seminar will enjoy a unique opportunity for an enriching afternoon of discovery.
Speaker: Fred Soltysik       
Chair: Kim Miller

September 14th 2:00–5:00 p.m.        
Seminar:
Write Livelihood: Work Reflected in Poetry, Poetry in Work
Are creativity and necessity really opposites? Poetry is one of the great arts by which humans reflect upon the world and themselves—and part of that reflection has included the world of work. The word “poetry” comes from a Greek root connected with “creativity”. The deepest experience of poetry may cause a permanent change in how we view something. This seminar will look at how diverse individuals such as Whitman, Melville, Emerson, Philip Levine and David Whyte have reflected upon work through poetry. The therapeutics of using poetry to “find one’s voice” will be explored.
Speakers: Cheryl Carter and Joseph Miller

October 12th 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Seminar:
Gandhi on Religion and Practical Brotherhood
This seminar will focus upon Gandhi’s conception of true religion and its distinctive differences from the common notions of religious belief and practice. Rooted in his expansive principles of truth and non-violence, Gandhi’s deep understanding of the ‘religious heart’ and the need for practical brotherhood fostered numerous communal experiments in secular monastic living. His utopian socialist ashrams fused the religious spirit with egalitarian principles in a way that promotes creative encounters in the larger political realm. Gandhi’s emphasis on unconditional vows and their heroic and imaginative translation into the daily round were revolutionary and a harbinger of non-violent, global civilizations of the future.
Speakers: Dr. James Tepfer and Gerry Lewin

November 2nd 2:00–5:00 p.m.          
Seminar:
Letting The Silence Sing
Phyllis E. Zimmerman, nationally recognized Artistic Director of Canticle A Cappella Choir, will offer her insights into the history, complexity and rich beauty of choral expression. Seminar members will have the opportunity to learn to listen with an intelligent ear.
Speaker: Phyllis E. Zimmerman      
Chair: Joseph Miller

November 16th 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Annual Membership MeetingDecember 7th 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Seminar:
Islamic Influences in Art and Architecture
An exploration of the mystic roots, graphic and spatial pattern language and living monuments of the Islamic arts and their unique contribution to world culture.
Speakers: Kirk Gradin and Christine Nolt

December 14th 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Reception and Open House
Members and guests gather around for an evening of storytelling and seasonal refreshment. Young, old and in betweeners will delight in listening to engaging tales by a professional storyteller.
Host: Renée Tillotson

---