08/13/04 — WCC To Lead Discussions on Globalization

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WCC To Lead Discussions on Globalization

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Published in News on August 13, 2004 1:55 PM

The first of eight lunch-time lectures and discussions on globalization in the 21st century is set for Aug. 23 at Wayne Community College.

The inaugural speaker is Dr. James L. Peacock, director of the University Center for International Studies and the Kenan professor of anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He will speak on "Globalism and Localism."

The lecture will be from noon to 2 p.m. in Room 145 of the Dogwood Building on the college's campus. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. It is funded by MacNeil/Lehrer Productions and is part of the national "By the People: America in the World" initiative.

Wayne Community College's Global Education Committee received a $2,500 grant to provide two sessions a month through December. It was one of eight grants made to community colleges across the country for civic-engagement activities focused on America's role in the world.

"All of us at MacNeil/Lehrer Productions working on the By the People project are delighted that Wayne Community College will play a key role in broadening the national dialogue on America in the world in 2004," said By the People Executive Director Gail M. Leftwich.

The initiative is designed to "significantly enhance the level of engagement of everyday Americans on foreign policy and its local implications," Ms. Leftwich said.

The rest of the schedule of lunch-time sessions at Wayne Community College are as follows:

*Thursday, Sept. 9, speaker to be announced;

*Thursday, Sept. 23, Dr. Jeff Elliot, professor of political science, N.C. Central University, on "America and the World: The Challenge to Lead";

*Wednesday, Oct. 6, Dr. Sarah Shields, associate professor of history at UNC-Chapel Hill, on "Iraq 101";

*Wednesday, Oct. 27, Dr. Charles Kurzman, associate professor of sociology at UNC-Chapel Hill, on "Democracy and the Islamic World";

*Thursday, Nov. 11, Dr. Louisa Kilgroe, adjunct professor of history at North Carolina State University, on "Sino-American Relations";

*Thursday, Nov. 25, speaker to be announced;

*Wednesday, Dec. 1, Dr. Tim McKeown, political science professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, topic to be announced.

The nationwide project includes national Public Broadcasting System specials, local programming produced by PBS stations in cooperation with community organizations, national and local forums for civic dialogue, and an interactive Web site.

A major event of the By the People initiative will be the Oct. 16 "PBS Deliberation Day." It will feature simultaneous community discussions on key issues facing the nation and will be complemented by a national broadcast.