Provost's Lecture Series 2008/09The Provost announces the fourth year of an annual series of related lectures on a topic of major campus and broader societal importance.
Among the issues the new administration will face, some are familiar from recent debate, while others are still emerging. Those that are well known include immigration, health care, and energy. Other less discussed but crucial issues such as the growth of inequalities in income and wealth in the US, the US’s rate and demography of criminal incarceration, or how far and how the US should extend itself internationally, call for greater public awareness. Issues such as these for the new administration are the focus of the 2008-2009 Provost’s Lecture Series.
The lecture series brings the University's research and teaching mission to bear on some timely societal issues. While the campus community is its core audience, it is directed as well to the Durham, national, and international audiences. The substance of the lecture series is developed with input from an appropriate committee of faculty. In addition to giving a public lecture, speakers are invited to meet with students and faculty in smaller group activities.
The Provost wishes to thank the following Lecture Series Advisors for their work in helping to design this year's series: John Aldrich (Political Science), Linda Burton (Sociology), Charlie Clotfelter (Public Policy Studies), Sandy Darity (Public Policy Studies), Sherman James (Public Policy Studies), Alex Rosenberg (Philosophy), Jim Salzman (Law).
