The Advisory Committee on Scholarly Events and Activities Program will develop recommendations for a new program of scholarly events and activities supported by the Office of the Provost, College of Liberal Arts and PRAx to engage humanists, artists, scientists and others from a variety of backgrounds to advance greater understanding and awareness of history, conflict and diaspora in Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East. Given the planning elements of this committees’ focus, it’s likely the scholarly events will go through the spring of 2026.
Anticipated actions and outcomes include:
- Consulting stakeholder groups and other resources to develop concepts for a coherent sequence of programming reflecting a diversity of approaches, perspectives, methodologies, and/or mediums.
- Researching the nature and reception of presentations given by potential speakers at other institutions or in other contexts.
- Recommending an integrated suite of programming beginning either in spring 2025 or fall of 2025 and extending through the spring of 2026.
During the spring quarter, the advisory committee completed the following:
- Reviewed the results of a survey on potential programming.
- Divided into three subcommittees focused on different mediums for programming, including arts and culture, emerging technologies and academic lectures and speakers.
- Produced and submitted a final recommendations document.
Ongoing next steps:
- Finalize a document which will recommend presenters and a formal for two events in the upcoming year as follows:
- A comprehensive, multi-venue cultural event over a full day, with several speakers, performers and/or music. New technologies such as VR art/cultural experiences will be included alongside traditional mediums.
- An academically-focused event featuring individuals who have conceptual knowledge but also direct experience working on the ground on a particular issue in the region.
Committee members include Peter Betjemann, Jamon Van Den Hoek, Sophie Bottum Musa, Jennifer Reimer, Peter Schuller, Anna Soderlund Hough, Aaron Wolf, Tara Massad and Yael Raich.
For additional questions, please contact Peter Betjemann, Executive Director of PRAx and Associate Vice Provost of Arts and Humanities.