By Laura O'Connor
Old Gold and Black Reporter
First came the Year of the Arts, and then this year was the Year of Religion in American Life. During the 1998-99 academic year, the university will celebrate the Year of Globalization and Diversity: Conflict or Harmony? Speakers, events and activities will help to celebrate this theme.
"Globalization is a process that brings together various cultures and nations," said Mary Jane Berman, an associate professor of anthropology and a co-chairwoman of the theme year's planning committee. "Globalization makes us aware of these cultural and historical differences, as well as our similarities," she said.
Because of factors such as expanded trade, political changes and advances in communication, technology and transportation, interaction among nations and cultures is greater than ever before and needed more than ever she said. The Year of Globalization will explore the challenges and problems of a more global community and the ways in which various cultures enrich one another.
Globalization will not be the only topic upon which the year will focus. In addition, the year will also focus on exploring cultural diversity worldwide. "The year will celebrate the achievements of world cultures and help promote greater understanding and tolerance of these cultures," said Thomas Taylor, a Hylton professor of accountancy and a co-chairman of the planning commitee.
Sept. 17 will be Opening Convocation. Oscar Arias Sanchez, the former president of Costa Rica, will speak. Sanchez won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to bring peace to Central America.
Later in September, the challenges of globalization will be discussed by Benjamin Barber, a political philosopher and theorist from Rutgers University.
The year will be divided into a series of monthly themes. September begins the year with an overall look at "Globalization and Diversity." October will continue with "Issues of Identity." An outdoor ethnic heritage festival, featuring food and music, is one of the events planned for October. November's theme, "Cross-Cultural Communications," will feature a panel discussion with journalists on how the media influences perceptions of countries in the news.
The themes for the other months are "Human Rights" in January, "War and Peace" in February, "Health and Aging" in March and "Environment" in April. An Earth Day celebration is planned for April 22.
As in the past, each month will include the showing and discussion of a film related to that month's theme. Spanish, Cuban and African films are planned to be shown.
Berman said that students have played an important role in planning the year. "Students have offered suggestions and helped plan individual events," she said. "We want and encourage, continued input from students."
To continue added support and input from the university, small grants have been made available for faculty members, departments and student groups. The grants are to help support programs and projects that address issues related to globalization and diversity. The fall 1998 grants have already been decided, but there will be additional grants available for spring 1998. Proposals are due by Nov. 1.