Theme for 2012
The Global Renaissance of the American Dream.
Each year the Institute seeks to more deeply understand and explore one of it aims. The 2012 Program will consider
Aim #2 of the IWC Declaration of Interdependence:
“To renew the universal vision behind the American Dream through authentic affirmations of freedom, excellence and self-transcendence in an ever-evolving Republic of Conscience."
This aim has never been the focus of a year-long study at the Institute, but the dramatic uprisings in the Middle East and elsewhere, as well as the expected debates during the American electrion cycle, invite an expanded understanding of the deep and universal values embedded in the Founding Vision of the American Republic. Thousands are risking their lives to affirm these values, just as Tom Paine predicted, but the central question is how can demands for freedom, equality and social justice be put into practice for the sake of universal welfare. What the protestors seek is a wide range of opportunities for freedom, self-definition and social-political transformation. Accordingly, the Institute program for 2012 will be wide ranging with forums on art, music, literature, architecture, and sports, as well as leadership, civil religion and the challenges of promoting equality. In April, the Institute will sponsor a dialogue among several prominent scholars with knowledge of the Arab uprising and experience with conflict resolution. The central question for the dialogue will be The Global Reach of the Arab Uprising. Other speakers are being invited to present on the universality of the values in the American Founding Vision.
Click here for an essay on The Global Renaissance of the American Dream by the Institute's President
Click here for more information on the IWC Declaration of Interdependence
Program for 2012
The 2012 IWC Program is under development.
If you have suggestions for presentations, workshops, study groups or films you would like to see included in the Program, please consider the questions on the Program Suggestion Form and submit your suggestions by email to: gerry@worldculture.org or mail it to:
You can also mail your suggestions to:
Program Coordinator
Institute of World Culture
1407 Chapala Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Seminar
Freedom and Philosophic Responsibilities
for Effective Citizenship
Saturday, January 14, 2012
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Presenters: Peter Freisen and Carolyn Dorrance
What can be done to improve the quality and democratic basis of government and public life? What can I do to become a better citizen? The inaugural seminar for the 2012 study of the Global Renaissance of the American Dream will focus on the philosophical principles and responsibilities that support active and effective citizenship in contemporary politics. The dynamic power of core concepts such as freedom, civil rights, constitutionalism, civil religion, equality and justice will be explored. Examples of demands for effective citizenship that swept the globe in 2012 will be used to illustrate the universality of principles expressed in the founding documents of the American Republic. Participant discussion welcome.
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Conversation
The Prospects and Impact
of Alternative Energy Technologies
Saturday, January 14, 2012
7:30 – 9:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Peeter Freisen, active in visualizing new environmental technologies, will discuss practical advances in solar energy technologies and their direct connection to global water supplies. Their shortage is predicted to be the worst environmental crisis of the 21st century. The potential social impact of failure to find resource alternatives will be discussed in this informal conversation.
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Forum
On Civil Disobedience
by Henry David Thoreau
Saturday, February 4, 2012
4:00 – 6:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Discussion Leader: Joseph Miller
The principles and leading arguments in this classic defense of civil disobedience will be reviewed, and the relevance for contemporary politics examined. participants are encouraged to read the essay before the Forum.
Click here for a printer-friendly copy of the essay
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Seminar
Qualities of Leadership
Saturday, February 18, 2012
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
A panel of volunteers will lead off discussion of the various qualities that are expected of and demonstrated by a leader. Leadership in various roles ranging from spiritual and moral to social and political responsibilities will be examined. Contributions from all seminar participants to describe the capacity of leaders to encourage consensus building and social harmony in the present and give guidance for the future will be welcome. Topics include analysis of Presidential leadership in the United States, past and present.
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Seminar
Hogarth and the Old Masters
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Saturday, March 24, 2012
NOTE: this seminar was previously scheduled for March 10, but has been rescheduled to March 24
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Presenter: David Kunzle
Professor Emeritus David Kunzle of UCLA will present the art and satirical writing of the 18th century Englishman William Hogarth. Hogarth's work will be contrasted with the values and subject matter of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque painters, the "Old Masters". Recognized as the founder of the first British school of painting, Hogarth challenged the style and content of the "smoky dark canvases" of the Old Masters and offered instead the "modern moral subject" as the focus of art. The lecture will be illustrated with unique slides, including Hogarth's "Marriage a-la-Mode" narrative series. Professor Kunzle has taught art history for many years at UCLA, published a wide range of books and articles and has had access to special collections at distinctive museums.