You are invited to a week of intellectual stimulation and camaraderie. The week begins with an informal gathering Sunday evening, June 16 and concludes Saturday morning, June 22.

Morning Sessions:
The academic week begins with a rockin' start straight from the newest class on campus. From the hippie movement to hip-hop, professors Keith Farrington, the Laura and Carl Peterson Endowed Chair of Social Sciences and Chair of the Faculty, and David Schmitz, the Robert Allen Skotheim Chair of History, will be offering The History and Sociology of Rock 'n' Roll. The course examines the evolution and significance of rock 'n' roll music from its origins to the present with particular emphasis on the development of Cold War culture in the post World War II years and a distinct youth alternative culture during that time. They take a look at the rise of rock 'n' roll music in that context during the 1950's and the changes brought about by the political and social upheavals of the 1960's.

On Tuesday, we delve into the Media: What are the Valves that Determine the Flow of Information that Gets Delivered to Us Each and Every Day. Join John Markoff, '71, as we hear about his professional work in the field of journalism and discuss the inputs and outputs of information.

Wednesday we begin a two-day seminar called Water: What it Means to Civilization with an all-day field trip to the Eureka Bar in Hells Canyon led by Bob Carson, the Grace Farnsworth Phillips Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies, who will introduce us to water and talk a little bit about rocks, too.

Thursday we return to our classroom with Yolanka Wulff '79, Executive Director of the Washington Water Trust, who will lead a lively discussion on water in the Walla Walla Valley. Panelists will include Representative Dave Mastin, '88, Terry Shepherd, policy analyst with the Umatilla tribes and Bill Nevy, water master.

The educational program concludes Friday with The Stars of Whitman, as we hear from Whitman College's stellar faculty. UJ Sofia, associate professor of astronomy introduces us to star dust in a talk entitled Looking at the Universe through Rose-colored Glasses. Although unsung in the popular media, interstellar matter may be the single most important component of the universe for astronomers. Find out what it is, what it does, how we study it and what scientists are finding out.

Dana Burgess, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures--classics, ends our classroom week with some helpful tools for returning to the real world . He will help us look to the future by examining our past as he gives us Some Ancient Instructions on How to Think.

Afternoon Presentations:
On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, participants can choose among the following classes: All That Jazz, with associate professor of music and note jazz musician David Glenn; Play Reading with Judy Seaton Mongong, '37; Whitman 101: Getting to know Whitman Today; or Art with Jeanne McMenemy, '71.

If that isn't enough, we will have an evening at the symphony on Friday, dinner with local alumni, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and yoga plus a surprise or two.

We hope you return to campus for these intellectual and creative quests as you continue your liberal arts education. You're sure to have a wonderful week!

Call or e-mail Polly for more information or to find out how to register for this stimulating (and fun) summer program.

Back to Calendar of Events