Equity and Diversity for a Just and Humane World: Religion and Social Change

The Academic Salons program at Seattle University offers students unique opportunities to deepen their critical understanding of contemporary issues that are at the forefront of many local, national and global debates. Through a series of forums, film screenings, lectures, workshops and social events, the Academic Salons program connects students with renowned local and international speakers to engage in dialogue and informed decision making about topics relevant to the pursuit of equity and diversity for a just and humane world. Academic Salons provides forums for the Seattle University community to engage in energetic dialogue about contemporary issues that are at the forefront of local, national and international debates.  Throughout the year, the Academic Salons program offers public forums, lecture series, reading groups, film screenings and related events to develop critical awareness and informed decision making about topics of pressing concern that are global in breadth and scope.

The 2009-2010 Salons theme of Religion and Social Change will engage the larger Seattle University community in an energetic and at times intense dialogue about contemporary religion that includes both analytical critique and models for social change. The Salons programming this year will contribute to a wider and more precise understanding of religions that predominate not only in the U.S. but the larger global world we interact with on a daily basis in the media and here in the city. The 2009-2010 Academic Salons explore salient themes such as: (1) religion and human rights, (2) interfaith dialogue in the contemporary world, (3) religion and sustainability, (4) religion, gender and sexuality, (5) religion and law, (6) religion and politics, and (7) religion and globalization.

Sharon A. Suh, PhD
Director, Academic Salons