Tuesday, March 27, 2007

This Week in God (European Medieval and Renaissance Version)

ROBERT DURLING

Tuesday, March 27th at 4:00 pm in CL 501

Professor Durling is the author of The Figure of the Poet in Renaissance
Epic (Harvard UP 1965); Time and the Crystal: Studies in Dante's Rime
Petrose (UCalP 1990); translator of Petrarch's Lyric Poems: the Rime
Sparse and Other Lyrics (Harvard UP 1976)

This event is Sponsored by the Department of French and Italian and
co-sponsored by the University Honors College and the Program in Medieval
& Renaissance Studies.

_________________________________________________________________________

BART EHRMAN (UNC Chapel Hill)

"Misquoting Jesus:
Scribes Who Altered Scripture and Readers Who May Never Know"

Thursday, March 29th at 4 pm in FFA auditorium

We do not have the original copies of any of the books of the New
Testament. The surviving manuscripts were for the most part produced
centuries after the originals, by medieval scribes who were copying texts
that had already been changed - sometimes significantly - from the
originals. Most of these changes were accidental, but some were evidently
made in order to make the text say what it was already thought to mean.
This lecture will consider the kinds of changes made in the manuscripts
over the centuries, both to see if it is possible to reconstruct an
"original" text and to consider the reasons behind the alterations of the
text.

Ehrman is James A. Gray Distinguished Professor in the Department of
Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He
has published extensively in the fields of New Testament and Early
Christianity, including a college-level textbook on the New Testament, two
anthologies of early Christian writings, and a Greek-English Edition of
the Apostolic Fathers for the Loeb Classical Library. Two of his many
recent books are Truth and Fiction in the DaVinci Code (2004) and
Misquoting Jesus (2005).

This talk is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Consortium for Medieval and
Renaissance Studies and Pitt's Program in Medieval and Renaissance
Studies. It is generously co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh's
European Studies Center and Department of Religious Studies.

***And don't forget the special program with Professor Ehrman for Religious Studies majors and minors at noon on Friday in Dining Room A, William Pitt Union.***

_________________________________________________________________________

SARAH BECKWITH (Duke University)

Friday, March 30th at 4 pm in CL 501

"Forgiving in Shakespeare's Plays"

In Shakespeare's theater there are almost countless instances of the word
"confession" and its cognates, yet only three instances in the entire
corpus of the word "absolution." This talk examines some of the late plays
as explorations of the grammar of forgiveness in a society that has
fundamentally transformed the sacrament of penance, a sacrament which was
not only a major resource for thinking about "interiority" but also
reconciliation.

Beckwith is Marcello Lotti Professor of English at Duke University, where
she is also Professor of Religion, Religious Studies, and Theater Studies.
Beckwith works on late medieval religious writing and has published on
Margery Kempe, the literature of anchoritism, and medieval theatre. Her
publications include Christ's Body: Identity, Religion and Society in
Medieval English Writing (Routledge, 1993), and Signifying God: Social
Relation and Symbolic Act in York's Play of Corpus Christi (Chicago,
2001). She is currently working on a book on medieval and Renaissance
drama centering on Shakespeare and the transformation of sacramental
culture.

This talk is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Consortium for Medieval and
Renaissance Studies and Pitt's Program in Medieval and Renaissance
Studies. It is generously co-sponsored by Pitt's Departments of English
and Religious Studies.


For more information, please contact Jen Waldron, Director of MRST
(jwaldron@pitt.edu).

First Experiences in Research Poster Session

Come see the work your freshman colleagues have been doing with their faculty mentors:

First Experiences in Research Poster Presentation

Thursday, April 19, 2007

4:45 PM – 6:15 PM

Chevron Science Center, Ashe Lobby and Balcony.

Please join the 146 First Experiences in Research students (the largest group to date) on Thursday, April 19 to view their posters and hear presentations of their learning from the many first research experiences that have occurred in this spring term.

Presentation on International Service projects:

3 Ways to International Service

&

Pittsburgh Africa Project DVD from Northern Uganda

Wednesday, March 28, 9 – 10pm

G24 Cathedral of Learning

THE PRESENTATION: 3 WAYS TO INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

Eric Hartman has interviewed, cooperated with, directed and followed individuals involved with international service projects on several continents and in numerous countries. He recently organized the promises and pitfalls of the primary approaches in an article in Transitions Abroad's spring 2007 Student Guide. Come learn how you can serve abroad: as an individual going alone, with a student-initiated and organized group, or through a university-sanctioned program. The presentation will include a breadth of opportunities for everyone – and consider nuts and bolts questions like finances, community concerns, program stability, personal freedom, and safety.

THE DOCUMENTARY: AFRICA PROJECT IN NORTHERN UGANDA

UN Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland has called the situation in Northern Uganda one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

Over 25,000 children have been abducted to serve as soldiers.

Over 1.5 million people are living in makeshift camps for Internally Displaced People.

Last summer Pitt Graduate Megan Young visited Northern Uganda to do her part in collecting stories and raising awareness. Through the Pittsburgh Africa Project, Megan developed a video chronicle and has helped raise funds to improve children's access to education in Northern Uganda. Come view the Africa Project DVD documentary and learn how you can make a difference with international service too. Megan Young will be present with Africa Project Director and Pitt Graduate Peter Okema, who has recently returned from participation in Peace Talks relating to the region.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28th @ 9:00 p.m.

Venue: Room G24 Cathedral of Learning

University of Pittsburgh

Interested in Information Sciences?

Dear Advisor,

The School of Information Sciences (SIS) is hosting a number of upcoming events to help students learn more about the degree programs and the career opportunities available in the Information Science and Telecommunications fields. If you could please let interested students know about our upcoming events, I would appreciate it.

Tuesdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
BSIS Program Q & A – 135 North Bellefield Avenue , 5th floor –No RSVP needed

Advisors for the Undergraduate Program in Information Science will host a casual “Q & A” session every Tuesday afternoon. Students can stop by and informally discuss the degree program, the internship options, and the career opportunities. These sessions will be held through April 10, 2007.

March 28, 2007, 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Graduate Program Showcase – 135 North Bellefield Avenue Room 522

We invite prospective graduate students to discover more about the courses of study offered by the Graduate Program in Information Science and Technology and the Telecommunications Program. Advisors will informally discuss the Tracks of Study or specializations offered in each program. Students will learn more about the research and/or career opportunities available in these graduate programs.

March 29, 2007, 2:00 to 3:00 pm
BSIS Presentation – William Pitt Union 511 – The first 20 students to RSVP will receive free t-shirts

We invite undergraduate students to learn about the program and careers of BSIS graduates from the Program Chair, Bob Perkoski. A current BSIS student will also discuss internship and job opportunities. Students are requested to RSVP to sreza@sis.pitt.edu .

Thanks,

Shabana Reza

Recruitment Coordinator

University of Pittsburgh

School of Information Sciences

135 North Bellefield Ave. Room 510

Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Phone: 412-624-3988

Email: sreza@sis.pitt.edu

Web: http://www.sis.pitt.edu

March 29: "Religion, Power, and Vernacularization in Medieval India"

Thursday March 29
Lecture--ASIA OVER LUNCH Lecture Series--Religion, Power and Vernacularization in Medieval India
12:00 PM
4130 Posvar Hall
Audience: All are welcome to attend
Sponsored by: Asian Studies Center

This talk is presented by Richard Cohen, Associate Director of the Asian Studies Center/UCIS. Part of the ASC's ASIA OVER LUNCH Lecture Series. Free pizza will be provided but please bring your own drink.
For more information, contact Dr. Brenda Jordan - 412-648-7763 jordanb@ucis.pitt.edu

Wed March 28: FILM "The Syrian Bride"

Film--Film- Beyond Borders, the Immigrant Chimera- The Syrian Bride

Wed March 28
8:30 pm
4130 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Audience: Open to the public
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Global Studies Program

The Syrian Bride (Eran Riklis, 2004,97 minutes) Mona's wedding day was the saddest day of her life. She knew that once she crosses the border between Israel and Syria to marry Tallel, she will never be able to go back to her family in Majdal Shrams, a Druze village in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights. The story of Mona's wedding-the family, led by Hammed a strong -headed political activist, government officials, soldiers, police officers, Red Cross workers, Druze, Syrians and Israelis, focusing on Mona's older sister Amal, a modern woman trapped in traditions she wants to break away from
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - 412-624-2918 dristas@ucis.pitt.edu

closed CGS classes

Dear Advisors:

We will not be able to honor further registration requests for the following classes:

Dept

Course Number

Class Number

Class name

Effective date

ANTH

0768

13401

Human Sexuality in Cross Cultural

3/19/2007

ANTH

0538

13403

The Archeologist Looks at Death

3/21/2007

ENGCMP

0400

12664

Written Professional Communication

3/21/2007

HPS

0613

12771

Morality and Medicine

3/22/2007

John English

Director, Extended Education and Distance Learning

College of General Studies

University of Pittsburgh

412-624-7316 (voice)

Sovereign Space in Early Cities

*SYMPOSIUM ON SOVEREIGN SPACE IN EARLY CITIES
**Oakland**, Pitt Campus*

*FRIDAY, MARCH 30*

*8:30 p.m - 5:00 p.m. Frick Fine Arts Building*

The 4th biannual Early China symposium to honor Pitt history and sociology emeritus professor *Cho-yun Hsu*.
This interdisciplinary conference titled "Sovereign Space in Early Cities" will bring together noted scholars from three
continents to discuss sovereign space (space reserved for use by the ruler of a city) in the early cities of Mesopotamia,
the Indus Valley, China, Mesoamerica, and Africa. Organized by Pitt associate professor of history *Anthony Jerome Barbieri-Low*.

The conference will include the following presentations: "/Processions
and Sovereignty in Ancient Cities/," by Marc Bermann, Pitt associate
professor of anthropology; "/Sovereign Space in Sub-Saharan African
Cities/," by Paula Jean Davis, Pitt assistant professor of Africana
Studies; "/Kings and Subjects in Sovereign Space-Variations from Ancient
Mesoamerica's Political Capitals/," by Olivier de Montmollin, Pitt
associate professor of anthropology; "/Archaeological Discovery and
Research Into the Layout of the Palaces and Ancestral Temples of Han
Dynasty Chang'an/," by Liu Qingzhu, director of the Institute of
Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing;
"/Sovereign Space in the Ancient Mesopotamian City/," by Marc Van De
Mieroop, professor of Assyriology, Oriental Institute at the University
of Oxford; and "/Practiced Places and Ritual Spaces: Altered Landscapes,
Community Building and Performances in the Indus Civilization/," by Rita
Wright, associate professor of anthropology, New York University.



"*/Sovereign Space in Early Cities/*" is sponsored by the Department of
History in Pitt's School of Arts and Sciences, with additional support
from the Asian Studies Center and Center for Latin American Studies
within the University Center for International Studies; the Department
of Anthropology; and the Department of the History of Art and Architecture.



For more information, contact Anthony Jerome Barbieri-Low at
ablow@pitt.edu <mailto:ablow@pitt.edu>

Enrollment forms

You still need to have the form signed by me (next week) or Prof. Orbach (this week), but you can download blank forms for enrollment and add/drop here:

Reminder: "Amongst White Clouds" Today

The Department of Religious Studies

University of Pittsburgh

presents

A Special Documentary Screening and Meet the Director

Amongst White Clouds

China’s Forgotten Hermit Tradition

Directed by Edward A. Burger

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

4:00 PM, Frick Fine Arts Auditorium

American director Edward A. Burger takes us on his unforgettable journey into the hidden lives of China’s forgotten Buddhist hermit tradition. Amongst White Clouds is an unprecedented look at the lives of zealot students, gaunt ascetics and wise masters living in isolated hermitages dotting the peaks and valleys of China’s Zhongnan Mountain range.

The Zhongnan Mountains have been home to recluses since the time of the Yellow Emperor, some five thousand years ago. Many of China's most realized Buddhist masters attained enlightenment in this very range. And now? It is widely thought that this tradition was all but wiped out by the twists and turns of history. Amongst White Clouds shows us this is not the case.

One of only a few foreigners to have lived and studied with these hidden sages, Ted Burger reveals to us their tradition, their wisdom, and the hardship and joy of their everyday lives. With both humor and compassion, these inspiring and warmhearted characters challenge us to join them in an exploration of our own suffering and enlightenment in this modern world.

Official Selection: Mill Valley Film Festival, Taos Mountain Film Festival, Denver Starz Film Festival (2005); True False Film Festival, Maui Film Festival, Tahoe/Reno Film Festival (2006)

Narration in English with English subtitles. Running time: 86 minutes.

For more information: www.amongstclouds.com

About the Director: Edward Burger received a BA in Religion from the College of Wooster, Ohio, and headed to India to study in a Buddhist monastery. Upon reading Bill Porter’s Road to Heaven, which told of an ancient hermit tradition in China, and learning that this tradition was still alive in China today, Burger headed for China, learned Chinese, worked with a London-based film company, and went seeking a master. Finding a hermit is not easy. Burger set out into rural central China following mountain trails and looking for smoke from huts and asking around. Amongst White Clouds is the result of a five-year (and continuing) master-disciple relationship and a special inside look at the Buddhist hermit tradition in the mountains of Zhongnan in central China.

Cosponsored by the Asian Studies Center of the University Center for International Studies, the China Council, Office of Undergraduate Studies of the School of Arts and Sciences, Cultural Studies and Film Studies of the University of Pittsburgh.

New Career Consultant for Religious Studies

Karinne Lindner has recently been hired on full time. Now that her schedule has opened up, she is now able to begin seeing Anthropology, Religious Studies, and Urban Studies students again. Please direct your students to her if they need any assistance. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this time of transition. If you have any questions, please let myself or Karinne know.

Carrie Timlin

Carrie Timlin MS NCC

University of Pittsburgh Career Services

Career Consultant, Liberal Arts

224 William Pitt Union

Phone: 412.648.7130

Fax: 412.648.7144

timlin@pitt.edu

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

IMPORTANT! READ THIS CAREFULLY and write it down

Due to a family leave, Adam Shear is not available for registration or other advising until Monday April 2.

If you have already had a pre-registration meeting with Prof. Shear, contact Professor Alex Orbach to sign your registration form. If you have a registration emergency you should also contact Prof. Orbach. His e-mail is orbach@pitt.edu. Prof. Orbach will be available this week (March 20-23) by appointment and will be available next week on Tuesday (March 27), 1:00--3:30 pm; Wednesday (March 28), 2:30- 4:00; and Thursday (March 29), 2:00-4:00 pm.

Prof. Shear will be back on Monday April 2 and will hold office hours that day, 1-3 pm. Regular drop-in office hours for Prof. Shear on Wednesday March 21, Wednesday March 28, and Wednesday April 4 are cancelled. Prof. Shear will also hold office hours on Thursday April 5 from 1-3 pm.

SUMMARY--where to go for advising:

March 20-23 Orbach (by appointment only)

March 27 Orbach, 1-3:30 (drop-in)

March 28 Orbach, 2:30-4 (drop-in)

March 29, Orbach, 2-4 (drop-in)

April 2, Shear, 1-3 pm (drop-in)

April 3-4 Shear and Orbach will both be out of the office.

April 5, Shear, 1-3 pm (drop-in)

Return to normal schedule: Shear, by appointment, and on Wednesdays, 1-3 (drop-in)


Monday, March 19, 2007

Meet the Filmmaker: Three Opportunities:

1) In addition to the screening of "Amongst White Clouds" on 3/27 at 4 pm in FFA Auditorium (posted under events), RS majors are invited to join Clark Chilson's Religion and Culture in East Asia course earlier that day to hear the director (Ted Burger) speak on "The Buddhist Hermit Tradition in China Today." 1-2:15 PM, 426 Benedum

2)The Jewish Studies Program, Graduate Program for Cultural Studies, and Film Studies Program

present

a lecture by

Daniel Anker


"Documentary Filmmaking: A Talk by Daniel Anker"


Monday, March 26, 2007

501 Cathedral of Learning

11:30 a.m.


Daniel Anker has produced and directed numerous films and television programs,

including SCOTTSBORO: AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY, for which he received an Oscar nomination and an Emmy Award for Best Documentary. Most recently he produced/directed MUSIC FROM THE INSIDE OUT featuring the musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra, which had a successful theatrical release in 2006 and was named one of the best films of the year by International Documentary Association. His film IMAGINARY WITNESS: HOLLYWOOD AND THE HOLOCAUST, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, has now been shown at more than 70 film festivals worldwide, including the ongoing Jewish-Israeli Film Festival in Pittsburgh. Anker produced the Peabody Award-winning Marsalis on Music, and three seasons of the PBS series The Metropolitan Opera Presents. Other credits include Daley, the Last Boss and The Magic of La Guardia. He's a graduate of Harvard University with a degree in music and psychology.

3)

The Jewish Studies Program, Graduate Program for Cultural Studies, and Film Studies Program

present

a lecture by

Moshe Levinson

"True to Life: A Talk by Producer Moshe Levinson"

Thursday, March 22, 2007

1228 Cathedral of Learning

11:30 a.m.

Moshe Levinson was born in Tel Aviv, where he studied Political Science. After founding his own film production company he produced dozens of documentaries, TV series, dramas and commercials in film and video. In addition to teaching at the Open University (“Film and Television Production”), he paused his production activity for three years to serve as the Deputy Director General for the Second Television and Radio Authority in Jerusalem. Among his productions are a series of children’s films based on the popular Gingy books, as well as feature films including Family Secrets (dir. Nitza Gonen, 1998) and Yana’s Friends (dir. Arik Kaplun, 1999). His more recent projects include producing the documentary series True to Life—Stories by Ramla Youths (ten short documentaries) and 5 Days (dir. Yoav Shamir), which will be screened in Pittsburgh on March 25th as part of this year’s Jewish-Israeli Film Festival.

More Scholarships

Announced by Global Studies:

Scholarships for Summer Study:
Deadline: March 15, 2007.

The United States Department of State and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) have announced full scholarships for intensive overseas study at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels in the critical need foreign languages of Arabic, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, and Urdu for Summer 2007. Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and recently graduated (within 2 years) university students are invited to apply. This is a great opportunity for students interested in learning these languages. For more information go to
http://www.CLScholarship.org.

International Research and Studies Program
Deadline: March 29, 2007.
See full grant description:
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2007-1/012407c.html
(note correction to deadline as listed above)
Purpose of Program: The International Research and Studies Program provides grants to conduct research and studies to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields. Competitive Preference Priority 1-Instructional Materials Applications The development and publication of instructional materials that serve to enhance international understanding for use by students and teachers of the following critical language areas: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, as well as Indic, Iranian, and Turkic language families. Competitive Preference Priority 2-Research, Surveys and Studies Applications Research, surveys, proficiency assessments, or studies that foster linkages between K-12 and postsecondary language training.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program- Fall 2007/Academic Year 2007-2008
Deadline: April 3, 2007

The Gilman International Scholarship Program provides awards of up to $5,000 for U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad for up to one academic year. A limited number of $3000 Critical Need Language Supplements are available for students studying a critical need language for a total possible award of $8000. The application and eligibility information can be found on the Gilman website at http://www.iie.org/gilman

Funding Opportunity - Higher Education for Development (HED), in cooperation with USAID, is issuing this request for applications for partnerships in Egypt and Uganda.

Deadline: April 16, 2007, 5:00 p.m. EDT

HED anticipates making two (2) awards, contingent on USAID funding: One (1) award for Egypt up to $400,000 for up to a three-year period to align business education with private sector needs; and One (1) award for Jordan up to $700,000 for up to a three-year period to build human capacity in natural resources. Please view the full RFA for more information:

http://www.hedprogram.org/ApplyingforRFAs/CurrentRFAListings/CollaborativePartnershipProgram/tabid/214/Default.aspx For more information about HED, please visit http://www.HEDprogram.org

Grants --Study in the Former Soviet Union

Deadline: May 15

The Charles Braver Language Exploration Grant is now available for students who demonstrate clear goals for study abroad in the former Soviet Union. Two grants of $500 each are currently available and may be used for study abroad in summer or fall of 2007. Students who have completed two semesters of Russian or Chinese language study may apply. For more information, see www.sras.org/sub_program.phtml?m=130

The Arabic Language Instruction Flagship (ALIF) program at Michigan State University
ALIF has extended its deadline for accepting applications for its first cohort of ALIF scholars for fall 2007. ALIF is an undergraduate program where scholars take specialized coursework and programming in Arabic language and culture aimed at developing superior levels of proficiency in the Arabic language. A unique aspect of the ALIF program is that scholars have the opportunity to take regular academic classes taught in Arabic and can pursue any college major at MSU that is approved by ALIF and the relevant department. FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIPS will be available to qualified applicants. Interested applicants should be admitted or in the process of being admitted to Michigan State University. ALIF applications can be found on the ALIF website at
http://arabicflagship.msu.edu or calling 517-775-0034.

Scholarship- State Department to Offer Summer Language Scholarships

The U.S. Department of State and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) will offer 2007 summer scholarships for intensive overseas study in “critical need” foreign languages, including Arabic, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish and Urdu. The scholarships will fund beginning, intermediate and/or advanced level summer language programs at American Overseas Research Centers. Recipients will be expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period and later apply their language skills in their professional careers. All students who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply – even those who will be graduating this year. Programs range from 7 weeks to 11 weeks, beginning in early to mid-June with a pre-departure orientation in the United States. All program costs are covered for participants. This includes travel between Pittsburgh and the program location, pre-departure orientation costs, applicable visa fees, room, board, travel within the host country and all entrance fees for program activities. For details and an online application, visit www.CLScholarship.org.

Summer Abroad Opportunities- Amizade’s Service-Learning Semesters

Amizade is committed to ensuring international service-learning experiences are accessible and affordable. Seven courses are offered this summer, in places as diverse as Australia and Tanzania, and in subjects as varied as English and Religious Studies. For more information: http://www.globalservicelearning.org/programs/global_service_learning.html . Additionally, Amizade is offering service-learning semesters beginning this fall in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Students will serve with local nonprofits, improve or learn Spanish skills, and earn 15 credits that will be formally granted through West Virginia University. http://www.globalservicelearning.org/programs/bolivia_semester.htm

Scholarship – Pitt Alumni Association Graduate Student Tuition Scholarship

This $5,000 scholarship is a one-time, merit based award open to both continuing grad students and those just entering graduate study in any of the University’s schools or colleges. The student must have received an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh; have a minimum 3.5 GPA (undergraduate and graduate); and submit a statement of personal and professional goals, three letters of recommendation (one from the department chair or dean), a resume (not to exceed two pages) and transcript of undergraduate work and any graduate courses to date (if applicable). Applications are available in room 140 Thackeray Hall. For more information contact Laraine Hlatky at Laraine.Hlatky@ia.pitt.edu or 412-624-5589.

Internship – Hessen Global Studies Internship Program, Germany 2007

From June 30 to August 22, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhoen will welcome students to come to Fulda, Germany to learn the language and get to know the culture. Successful applicants will combine academic outcome and practical as well as intercultural experiences in this short term program and earn credits. They will take part in a highly qualified program that bears the DAAD quality seal. They are especially looking for highly qualified students in the field of social sciences, geography, cultural geography, sustainable tourism, educational sciences, pedagogy and related studies. For more information go to www.hessen-global.de.

Scholarships for Study in Japan

Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan

The Bridging Scholarship program will award 50 scholarships to American students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan
that begin in Fall 2007. Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study and attending any recognized exchange or independent program in Japan are eligible to apply for these scholarships.
Recipients of Bridging Scholarships will receive stipends ranging from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on the length of their study program in Japan. The scholarships are funded by donations from U.S. corporations and foundations to the US-Japan Bridging Foundation.
Since 1999, the Bridging Scholarship program has awarded more than 700 scholarships to students studying abroad in Japan. Most recently, 13 students received scholarships for the Spring 2007 semester.
The deadline for applications is April 5, 2007. Applicants will be notified of the results by May 30. Selection will be based on
academic potential and financial need. The scholarships are
administered by the Association of Teachers of Japanese.
In addition, Morgan Stanley will award two $7,500 scholarships to undergraduate students who will be studying abroad in Japan during the 2007-2008 academic year and who have an interest in economics and international finance. Applicants must submit an essay on one of several designated public-policy topics together with an application for the Bridging Scholarship program.
Fall 2007 programs are those beginning between August and October 2007 and continuing for at least three months. (Summer program participants are not eligible for Bridging Scholarships.) Students planning to study abroad in Japan beginning after January 1, 2008, should apply in October 2007 for the Spring 2008 scholarships.
Information on the Bridging and Morgan Stanley scholarships and downloadable application forms are available at ATJ's Web site:
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/scholarships.html. Printed application brochures are also available.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Upcoming Events III April 6

Thinking ‘Inside’ the Box:
Tombs, Ossuaries, Inscriptions,
and the ‘Family’ of Jesus


On March 4, the Discovery Channel premiered a documentary that sent shock waves through most of the Christian world. Simcha Jacobovici, along with producer James Cameron, revealed that they had “re-discovered” the family tomb of Jesus, and demonstrated scientific evidence to support their claim. “Re-discovered” here refers to the fact that the tomb and its contents have long been known to scholars in the field, where very different conclusions have been offered.

Dr. Rebecca Denova, Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies, will discuss the details of the Talpiot tomb, the different opinions of archaeologists and New Testament scholars, and an overview of the Christian belief in “bodily” resurrection. What does this discovery mean for the faithful, and what can we learn about the first Christian generation to follow Jesus, when it comes to ideas concerning the “body?” Is it possible that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, fathered a son, and that the whole “family” has been resting in a tomb in southern Jerusalem for two thousand years?


Friday, April 6, 2007
2:00 pm
Kurtzman Room
William Pitt Union

This lecture is sponsored through the Honors College and the Department of Religious Studies and is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Events II March 29-30

Reminder for majors/minors and interested students:

Dr. Bart Ehrman (UNC Chapel Hill)

Thursday, March 29th at 4 pm in Frick Fine Arts auditorium:

“Misquoting Jesus: Scribes Who Altered Scripture

Friday, March 30, at 12 noon in Dining Room A of the William Pitt Union:

“The Lost Gospel of Judas” (and other questions on Gnostics and the “historical Jesus.”)

Upcoming Events in the Department I March 27

The Department of Religious Studies
University of Pittsburgh


presents



A Special Documentary Screening and Meet the Director

Amongst White Clouds

China’s Forgotten Hermit Tradition


Directed by Edward A. Burger


Tuesday, March 27, 2007
4:00 PM, Frick Fine Arts Auditorium


American director Edward A. Burger takes us on his unforgettable journey into the hidden lives of China’s forgotten Buddhist hermit tradition. Amongst White Clouds is an unprecedented look at the lives of zealot students, gaunt ascetics and wise masters living in isolated hermitages dotting the peaks and valleys of China’s Zhongnan Mountain range.

The Zhongnan Mountains have been home to recluses since the time of the Yellow Emperor, some five thousand years ago. Many of China's most realized Buddhist masters attained enlightenment in this very range. And now? It is widely thought that this tradition was all but wiped out by the twists and turns of history. Amongst White Clouds shows us this is not the case.

One of only a few foreigners to have lived and studied with these hidden sages, Ted Burger reveals to us their tradition, their wisdom, and the hardship and joy of their everyday lives. With both humor and compassion, these inspiring and warmhearted characters challenge us to join them in an exploration of our own suffering and enlightenment in this modern world.

Official Selection: Mill Valley Film Festival, Taos Mountain Film Festival, Denver Starz Film Festival (2005); True False Film Festival, Maui Film Festival, Tahoe/Reno Film Festival (2006)

Narration in English with English subtitles. Running time: 86 minutes.
For more information: www.amongstclouds.com

About the Director: Edward Burger received a BA in Religion from the College of Wooster, Ohio, and headed to India to study in a Buddhist monastery. Upon reading Bill Porter’s Road to Heaven, which told of an ancient hermit tradition in China, and learning that this tradition was still alive in China today, Burger headed for China, learned Chinese, worked with a London-based film company, and went seeking a master. Finding a hermit is not easy. Burger set out into rural central China following mountain trails and looking for smoke from huts and asking around. Amongst White Clouds is the result of a five-year (and continuing) master-disciple relationship and a special inside look at the Buddhist hermit tradition in the mountains of Zhongnan in central China.

Cosponsored by the Asian Studies Center of the University Center for International Studies, the China Council, Office of Undergraduate Studies of the School of Arts and Sciences, Cultural Studies and Film Studies of the University of Pittsburgh.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Undergraduate Research Fair

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Abstracts for participation due March 23.

See the poster outside my office.

Application for December graduation

is due July 6.

Honors College Lecture Friday Mar 23

Terrorism, Iraq and the Rise of
Anti-Americanism


William W. Keller
Wesley W. Posvar Professor of International Security Studies
Director, Matthew B. Ridgway Center for
International Security Studies


2 P.M.
Friday, March 23, 2007
NOTE: This lecture in 1700 Posvar Hall.


The Director of the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies believes that it is past time for some straight talk about the U. S. occupation in Iraq, about the so-called “war on terror,” about the collapse of leadership in Washington, and the associated concerns about civil liberties at home. Professor William Keller believes that U. S. policy in Iraq is not sustainable, and that sending more troops is only likely to exacerbate sectarian violence and a widening civil war. But he thinks that many signs point to deepening military engagement in the region. As opposition to the war in Iraq escalates, Keller urges that we not repeat the mistakes of the Vietnam War era. It is time, he says, to take the military option off the table, to engage in a full-scale course correction, and to turn to the task of restoring America’s image and influence in global affairs. Do not miss this urgent discussion of America’s crisis abroad by one of the nation’s leading experts on challenges of international security.

Honors College Lecture Friday Mar 23

Terrorism, Iraq and the Rise of
Anti-Americanism


William W. Keller
Wesley W. Posvar Professor of International Security Studies
Director, Matthew B. Ridgway Center for
International Security Studies


2 P.M.
Friday, March 23, 2007
NOTE: This lecture in 1700 Posvar Hall.


The Director of the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies believes that it is past time for some straight talk about the U. S. occupation in Iraq, about the so-called “war on terror,” about the collapse of leadership in Washington, and the associated concerns about civil liberties at home. Professor William Keller believes that U. S. policy in Iraq is not sustainable, and that sending more troops is only likely to exacerbate sectarian violence and a widening civil war. But he thinks that many signs point to deepening military engagement in the region. As opposition to the war in Iraq escalates, Keller urges that we not repeat the mistakes of the Vietnam War era. It is time, he says, to take the military option off the table, to engage in a full-scale course correction, and to turn to the task of restoring America’s image and influence in global affairs. Do not miss this urgent discussion of America’s crisis abroad by one of the nation’s leading experts on challenges of international security.

Enrollment in CGS classes

CGS restricts some of its courses. This means that they reserve a portion of the seats for CGS students until a point in the summer when they will release the seats to anyone.

If you are registering as a senior, you may ask CGS permission to enroll in a restricted class if all of the unrestricted seats have been taken. If you will not be a senior, you have to wait until the seats are released.

This is the procedure:

Procedure for admission to a restricted class
(Seniors)

Please follow these steps when requesting permission to enroll in a restricted CGS Day
Program class. We will attempt to accommodate requests from seniors on a space
available basis. There are no restrictions on PittOnline, Saturday College and off-campus courses.

1) Check your class information in PeopleSoft to see if there are unrestricted seats available. CGS usually restricts about 50 percent of the Day Program seats. Follow regular registration procedures if unrestricted seats are available.

2) Go to the request permissions form on the College of General Studies Web site
www.cgs.pitt.edu/permissions. The form will be available on March 19, 2007.

3) Enter your information into the form. Incorrect or incomplete information
will delay your response. Click the submit button to send the information to CGS.

4) CGS will make a decision and communicate that decision to you and your advisor
via your Pitt e-mail accounts. You will receive an answer by the end of the first
business day following the receipt of your request.

Example: If you make a request on Tuesday at 12 Noon, you will have an
answer no later than Wednesday at 5 p.m. If you make a request on Saturday or
Sunday, you will have an answer no later than 5 p.m. on Monday.

5) If you are granted permission, please take a copy of the permission e-mail to your
advisor for registration.

This is a list of restricted courses:

Day Program Courses with seat restrictions
CGS has reserved approximately 50 percent of the seats in the following classes for CGS students. Seniors can
apply for access to these restricted seats when no unrestricted seats are available. Application form is located at
www.cgs.pitt.edu/permissions. Restrictions will be removed on 8/20/07.
Program/ Ctlg
Location Dept Nbr UCN Course Title Professor Day Time
Weekday/ Eveng ANTH 0538 13403 The Archeologist Looks At Death Monday 1:00:00 PM-3:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ANTH 0582 13552 Introduction to Archaeology Thursday 3:00:00 PM-5:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ANTH 0680 13553 Introduction to Physical Anthropology Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ANTH 0768 13401 Human Sexuality in Cross-Cultrl Wednesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Perspctive
Weekday/ Eveng ARTSC 0150 12657 Introduction to Global Studies Yonca Ozdemir Wednesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ASTRON 0089 20446 Stars, Galaxies, and the Cosmos Monday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng BIOSC 0370 12915 Ecology Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng CGS 1900 CGS Internship Timothy J. Carr -
Weekday/ Eveng CLASS 1216 12658 Alexander and the Hellenistic Age Monday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng CLASS 1430 12917 Origins of Christianity Sandra Collins Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng COMMRC 0320 13409 Mass Communication Process Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng COMMRC 0520 12659 Public Speaking Friday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng COMMRC 1118 12953 Presidential Rhetoric 1 Monday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng COMMRC 1732 13408 Spcl Tpcs in Mass Comm: Media Relations Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ENGCMP 0200-W 12662 Seminar in Composition Wednesday 9:00:00 AM-11:25:00 AM
Weekday/ Eveng ENGCMP 0301-W 12663 Writing Arguments Thursday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ENGCMP 0400-W 12664 Written Professional Communication Monday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ENGLIT 0354-W 13353 Words and Images Tuesday 1:00:00 PM-3:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ENGLIT 0400 13354 Introduction to Film Thursday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM

Program/ Ctlg
Location Dept Nbr UCN Course Title Professor Day Time
Weekday/ Eveng ENGLIT 0550 20451 Introduction to Popular Culture Wednesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ENGLIT 1485 13366 Film and Politics Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-9:50:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ENGWRT 1310 13399 Newspaper 1 Thursday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng ENGWRT 1330 12665 Non-Fiction 1 Wednesday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng GEOL 1201 13499 Evolution and Extinction Friday 9:00:00 AM-11:25:00 AM
Weekday/ Eveng HAA 0070 20452 European Visual Traditions: From Wednesday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Renaissance to the Present
Weekday/ Eveng HAA 0420 12666 Van Gogh Monday 9:00:00 AM-11:25:00 AM
Weekday/ Eveng HIST 0089 12804 Magic, Medicine, and Science Monday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HIST 0101 20447 Western Civilization 2 Wednesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HIST 0601 12973 United States 1865-Present Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HIST 1614 12667 Civil War History Wednesday 3:00:00 PM-5:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HIST 1656 13397 American Workers: 20th Century Monday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HIST 1668 13396 History of Pittsburgh Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HIST 1775 12916 Origins of Christianity Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HIST 1788 12803 Alexander and the Hellenistic Age Monday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HPS 0515 12668 Magic, Medicine, and Science Monday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HPS 0613 12771 Morality and Medicine Thursday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HRS 1006 16693 Introduction to Human Nutrition Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng HRS 1017 16653 Introduction to Epidemiology Tuesday 3:00:00 PM-5:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng LEGLST 1315 20448 Sex, Law, and Marriage Friday 12:00:00 PM-2:30:00 PM
Program/ Ctlg
Location Dept Nbr UCN Course Title Professor Day Time
Weekday/ Eveng NROSCI 0080 13406 Brain and Behavior Thursday 3:00:00 PM-5:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng NROSCI 0081 12655 Drugs and Behavior Friday 9:00:00 AM-11:25:00 AM
Weekday/ Eveng PS 1202 12800 American Constitutional Law Thursday 9:00:00 AM-11:25:00 AM
Weekday/ Eveng PS 1275 12656 Religion and Politics Monday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng PSY 0310 13395 Developmental Psychology Thursday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng PSY 1205 12754 Abnormal Psychology Wednesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng PUBSRV 0150 14037 Introduction to Global Studies Yonca Ozdemir Wednesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng PUBSRV 1305 14054 Health, Law, and Ethics Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng RELGST 1120 12801 Origins of Christianity Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng RELGST 1438 13391 Religion and Politics Monday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng RELGST 1610 13404 Myth, Symbol and Ritual Thursday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng RUSS 0090 12680 Russian Fairy Tales Tuesday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng SLAV 0660 12682 Sci-Fi: East and West Thursday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng SLAV 0880 12684 Vampire: Blood and Empire Monday 3:00:00 PM-5:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng SOC 1413 20449 Marriage Thursday 6:00:00 PM-8:30:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng SOC 1450 12722 Health and Illness Monday 12:00:00 PM-2:25:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng STAT 0200 12773 Basic Applied Statistics (Recitation) Wednesday 6:00:00 PM-6:50:00 PM
Weekday/ Eveng STAT 0200 12686 Basic Applied Statistics (Lecture) Wednesday 7:00:00 PM-9:30:00 PMWeekday/ Eveng STAT 0200 12687 Basic Applied Statistics (Recitation)
 

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