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Year of Constructive Civil Discourse

President Robert A. Corrigan, with the advice of special task forces that have included faculty, student and community leaders, identified the 2002-03 academic year as "The Year of Constructive Civil Discourse." Due to the program's success and world events, it has been extended to include the 2003-04 academic year. Throughout the year the University and its many components, including the Associated Students, will present events that will help students and faculty explore the civil use of free speech on campus and promote awareness and understanding of the complex issues faced by many in our campus community.


The Year of Constructive Civil Discourse is part of the University's response to tensions on campus growing out of the continuing conflicts in the Middle East, tensions that came to a head in spring 2002. The events that erupted out of those tensions tested the boundaries of free speech and violated the principles of civil discourse that are crucial to meaningful participation in the academic community. The University hopes that the events and activities of the Year of Constructive Civil Discourse will maintain a campus climate, even during times of great turmoil, where diverse ideas and opinions can be discussed passionately -- but with civility.


Some of the events will focus on helping the campus community learn more about the Middle East; others will address the issue of how civility and free speech can reinforce one another on campus and in the classroom. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the Year of Constructive Civil Discourse by attending the events listed below, discussing in the classroom principles for engaging in civil discourse, and helping plan activities that promote free, rational and civil discourse.


History Professor Jerry Combs is coordinating the Year of Civil Discourse events. To help Combs in his efforts, contact him at jcombs@sfsu.edu.


The following events are free and open to the campus and wider community:


November 2003

November 6 Film Screenings: "Gaza Strip" and "Living in Conflict"

"Gaza Strip," directed by James Longley. Gaza Strip residents are interviewed by this American filmmaker during the first four months of the Second Intifada. It screened at the San Francisco Arab Film Festival. Screens at 4 p.m.


"Living in Conflict," directed by Mikayla Mickelberg. Israelis and Palestinians explore the nature of their existence on both sides of the conflict. Mickelberg will be present at this screening. "Living in Conflict" screened at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. Screens at 5:30 p.m.


Room 133, Humanities building, free admission.

3:45 p.m. Introduction

4:00 p.m. "Gaza Strip"

5:30 p.m. "Living in Conflict"


These films are part of the "Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian Issue through Film" series of is a six film series ( Nov. 4 to 6, Humanities 133, free admission) on the long-standing conflict in the Middle East. Enroll in Cinema 325, section six, to receive one unit for watching all six films and writing a paper about it.


Following each screening, a panel composed of the following will discuss the films and issues: Fred Astren, professor and director of Jewish Studies; Matthew Shenoda, lecturer of ethnic studies and faculty adviser to the General Union of Palestinian Students; Noura Khoury, co-leader of the SFSU Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue group; and Seth Brysk, director of San Francisco Hillel. Combs will serve as moderator.


November 5 Film Screenings: "Jenin Diary: The Insider Story" and "Jenin Jenin"

"Jenin Diary: The Insider Story," directed by Gil Mezuman is an amateur film by an Israeli soldier who participated in the 2002 raid on Jenin that resulted in many civilian deaths. It screened at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival. Screens at 4 p.m.


"Jenin Jenin," directed by Muhamed Bakri, also about the 2002 Jenin raid, is a Palestinian's response to "Jenin Diary: The Insider Story." It screened at the San Francisco Arab Film Festival. Screens at 5:30 p.m.


Room 133, Humanities building, free admission.

3:45 p.m. Introduction

4:00 p.m. "Gaza Strip"

5:30 p.m. "Living in Conflict"


These films are part of the "Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian Issue through Film" series of is a six film series ( Nov. 4 to 6, Humanities 133, free admission) on the long-standing conflict in the Middle East. Enroll in Cinema 325, section six, to receive one unit for watching all six films and writing a paper about it.


Following each screening, a panel composed of the following will discuss the films and issues: Fred Astren, professor and director of Jewish Studies; Matthew Shenoda, lecturer of ethnic studies and faculty adviser to the General Union of Palestinian Students; Noura Khoury, co-leader of the SFSU Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue group; and Seth Brysk, director of San Francisco Hillel. Combs will serve as moderator.


November 4 Film Screenings: "Palestine is Still the Issue" and "As If Nothing Happened"

Recently screened at the San Francisco Arab Film Festival, the 2002 documentary "Palestine is Still the Issue" returns to the issues he filmed in 1997 through interviews of Palestinians and Israelis. Directed by British journalist John Pilger. Screens at 4 p.m.


"As If Nothing Happened," directed by Ayelet Bargur, is a dramatization of the impact of terrorism on an Israeli family that was nominated for an Israeli Academy Award and screened at the 2000 Israeli Film Festival in Los Angeles. Screens at 5:30 p.m.


Room 133, Humanities building, free admission.

3:45 p.m. Introduction

4:00 p.m. "Gaza Strip"

5:30 p.m. "Living in Conflict"


These films are part of the "Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian Issue through Film" series of is a six film series ( Nov. 4 to 6, Humanities 133, free admission) on the long-standing conflict in the Middle East. Enroll in Cinema 325, section six, to receive one unit for watching all six films and writing a paper about it.


Following each screening, a panel composed of the following will discuss the films and issues: Fred Astren, professor and director of Jewish Studies; Matthew Shenoda, lecturer of ethnic studies and faculty adviser to the General Union of Palestinian Students; Noura Khoury, co-leader of the SFSU Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue group; and Seth Brysk, director of San Francisco Hillel. Combs will serve as moderator.


May 2003

May 7 Forum: The War in Iraq

The forum features a panel discussion by SFSU History faculty members moderated by history Professor Jules Tygiel. Panelists include Abdiel Onate, professor of Latin American history; Anthony D'Agostino, professor of international history; Chris Jackson, professor of European history; Jerry Combs, professor of American diplomatic history; and Maziar Behrooz, professor of history of the Islamic world.

2 - 4 p.m.

Room 210, Science building

Sponsored by the History Department and the Year of Civil Discourse


April 2003 April 1 Forum: Listening to the 'Enemy' The forum features a panel discussion by Palestinians and Jews followed by audience participation. The goal of the event is for Jews, Muslims and Christians to speak to and listen to each other.

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Room 587, Humanities building

Sponsored by the Year of Civil Discourse


March 2003

March 27 Forum: SFSU Faculty Discuss the Iraq Crisis

Panel discussion features Maziar Behrooz, professor of history of the Islamic world; Jerald Combs, professor of American diplomatic history; Anthony D'Agostino, professor of international history; David Fischer, diplomat in residence; and Mary Felstiner, professor of history. Jules Tygiel, professor of history, will moderate.

2 - 4 p.m.

Room 247, Burk Hall

Sponsored by the History Department and the Year of Civil Discourse


February 2003

Feb. 24 Lecture: American Foreign Policy Toward Iran (and Iraq)

Presented by Mark J. Gasiorowski, professor of history at Louisiana State University and author of "U.S. Foreign Policy and the Shah: Building a Client State in Iran"

2:10 - 4 p.m.

HSS 278


Feb. 10 Panel: Is There a Diplomatic Horizon for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?

Panel discussion features Manuel S. Hassassian, executive vice president at Bethlehem University; Manachem Klein, senior lecturer in political science at Bar-Ilan University and senior research fellow at Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies; Daniel Seidemann, lawyer specializing in East Jerusalem issues; and Salim Yaqub, assistant professor of history at University of Chicago

12:10 - 2 p.m.

Humanities Auditorium, HUM 133

Sponsored by SFSU Academic Affairs


December 2002

Dec. 5 Film Screening: Promises

A film exploring Jerusalem's children and their reaction to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

1 p.m.

Jack Adams Hall, Cesar Chavez Student Center

For more see the Web story

Sponsored by Associated Students Performing Arts and Lectures.


November 2002

Nov. 20 Interfaith Dialogue: Sikhism

Clerics and lay leaders discuss the major world religions

7 p.m.

The Edge (formerly the Ecumenical House), 190 Denslowe just across 19th Avenue from campus Sponsored by The Edge Christian Ministry


Nov. 13 Interfaith Dialogue: Islam

Clerics and lay leaders discuss the major world religions

7 p.m.

The Edge (formerly the Ecumenical House), 190 Denslowe just across 19th Avenue from campus Sponsored by The Edge Christian Ministry


Nov. 13 Forum: Forum on Iraq

2 to 4 p.m.

International Relations Briefing Theater (Room 362), HSS building

"Forum on Iraq" features James H. Noyes of the Hoover Institution and Ayad al-Qazzaz, sociology professor at CSU Sacramento. Noyes, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Near Eastern, African and South Asian affairs, is the author of a 2001 study on threat assessments and security interests in Southwest Asia for the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army. Al-Qazzaz, a native of Iraq and a specialist on the politics and societies of the Middle East, is the author of "Women in the Middle East and North Africa: An Annotated Bibliography." Diplomat-in-Residence David Fischer, international relations Professor Dwight Simpson, and history Assistant Professor Maziar Behrooz will serve as interlocutors. History Professor Jerry Combs will serve as moderator.

Sponsored by Academic Affairs, the Year of Civil Discourse and the International Relations Graduate Student Association.


Nov. 6 Interfaith Dialogue: Christianity

Clerics and lay leaders discuss the major world religions

7 p.m.

The Edge (formerly the Ecumenical House), 190 Denslowe just across 19th Avenue from campus

Sponsored by The Edge Christian Ministry


October 2002

Oct. 7 Discussion: Peace in the Middle East

Two scholars, one Israeli and one Palestinian, will offer their perspectives on the promise of peace in the Middle East and the current cycle of violence

9 a.m.

Room 362, HSS building

Sponsored by the International Relations Student Association, the History Department, Academic Affairs, Model United Nations and the off-campus group Faculty For Israeli-Palestinian Peace.

 

Oct. 16 Discussion: The Bereaved Speak

Two individuals, one an orthodox Jew the other a Palestinian, who lost family members as a result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will discuss peace in the Middle East

1:10 p.m.

Room 102, HSS building

Sponsored by the Parents' Circle, Israeli and Palestinian Bereaved Families' Forum for Peace, and SFSU's Year of Constructive Civil Discourse.


Oct. 17 Lecture: Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech: Best Campus Practices

Presented by Robert M. O'Neil, former president of the Universities of Wisconsin and Virginia and an expert on freedom of speech on college campuses

2 to 4 p.m.

Seven Hills Conference Center


Oct. 23 Interfaith Dialogue: Judaism

Clerics and lay leaders discuss the major world religions

7 p.m.

The Edge (formerly the Ecumenical House), 190 Denslowe just across 19th Avenue from campus

Sponsored by The Edge Christian Ministry


Oct. 24 Exhibit: All of Us Are Related, Each of Us Unique

A photo-essay exploring the scientific evidence for a common human race where every individual is different in some way from the other

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Richard Oakes Multicultural Center, Terrace Level, Cesar Chavez Student Center

Sponsored by the Richard Oakes Multicultural Center and the Office of Human Relations


Oct. 24 Discussion: Hate Is, Hate Ain't

A discussion on hate speech led by representatives of of the U.S. Office of Civil Rights, Department of Public Safety, Office of Human Relations and Sociology Department

Noon to 1 p.m.

Room 103, Humanities building

Sponsored by the Village at Centennial Square, Franciscan Bookstore, Office of Human Relations, Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development, Residence Hall Association and S.A.F.E. Place.


Oct. 24 Lecture: Bush and Sharon: Mixing Oil and Water

Presented by Marshall Windmiller, emeritus professor of international relations

2 to 4 p.m.

de Bellis Collection, sixth floor of the J. Paul Leonard Library

Sponsored by Friends of the Library


Oct. 24 Workshop: Stop the Hate

A workshop on engaging in activism and free expression without resorting to hate

3 to 5 p.m.

Terrace Level, Cesar Chavez Student Center

Sponsored by the Village at Centennial Square, Franciscan Bookstore, Office of Human Relations, Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development, Residence Hall Association and S.A.F.E Place.


Oct. 24-26 Theatre: The Laramie Project

Performances of the award-winning play by Moises Kaufman

7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, through Saturday, Oct. 26; 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Jack Adams Hall, Cesar Chavez Student Center

Tickets are available on campus at the Student Center Information Desk -- (415) 338-1112 -- and at the S.A.F.E. place, Room 205, Student Services Building -- (415) 338-2819. Students receive a discount for buying tickets in advance. The play is a production of the S.A.F.E. Place with support from the Women's Foundation, Department of Theatre Arts, Richard Oakes Multicultural Center, Office of Human Relations, Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development, EROS, A. S. Women's Center and Queer Alliance


Oct. 30 Interfaith Dialogue: Buddhism

Clerics and lay leaders discuss the major world religions

7 p.m.

The Edge (formerly the Ecumenical House), 190 Denslowe just across 19th Avenue from campus

Sponsored by The Edge Christian Ministry


Oct. 31 Lecture: Israel's Role in the High Tech Global Economy: A New Perspective on Zionism

Presented by Jeff Saperstein, adjunct professor of business and co-author of Creating Regional Wealth in the Innovation Economy

noon to 1 p.m.

Verducci Room, University Club

Sponsored by the Jewish Studies Program


September 2002

Sept. 25 Film Screening: Promises

A film exploring Jerusalem's children and their reaction to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Screenings at 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m.

Jack Adams Hall, Cesar Chavez Student Center For more see the Web story

Sponsored by Associated Students Performing Arts and Lectures.

Sept. 26 Lecture: Hollywood's Dirty Little Secret: The Arab Boogey-man

Presented by Jack G. Shaheen, an author and film consultant

Noon

Jack Adams Hall of the Cesar Chavez Student Center.

Sponsored by Associated Students Performing Arts and Lectures and the Office of Human Relations.


Information Office of Public Affairs, (415) 338-1665, email: pubcom@sfsu.edu

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