Religion and society the focus of fall liberal arts celebration

The College of Arts and Sciences’ 2009-2010 Celebrating the Liberal Arts Theme will explore the timely topic of religion and society through a series of educational and thought-provoking events on and off campus.

Festivities will begin with a lively debate on religion and secularism from noon-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Oakland Center Gold Room B. Later that day, social movement scholar and Stanford University professor Doug McAdams will discuss race and religion in his lecture “Burning Down the House” from 7-9 p.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Room B.

Other events in the nearly two-month-long series include a trip to the Islamic Center of America and Arab-American National Museum in Dearborn from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 18.

Additionally, an all-day trip to Frankenmuth will be held from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, and will explore historic sites, including St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Downtown Frankenmuth and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.

Transportation will be provided for both trips. Seating is limited, however. Students can sign up for the events at the CSA service window located in Room 49 of the Oakland Center.

A number of additional discussions and events on religion and society are planned, including a lecture by Boston University professor and author Stephen Prothero from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms.

For a complete listing of events, download the program flyer.