| Sawyer Seminar lecture series will address the impact and consequences of humanitarianism, kicks off September 20 Why do people, businesses, and even countries feel obligated or compelled to
reduce the suffering of distant strangers through charitable acts? Humanitarianism
is not a new concept, but the face of humanitarianism continues to evolve and
does so with mixed consequences. What is the relationship between humanitarianism
and world conditions? What are the consequences of institutionalized humanitarianism?
These and other questions will be addressed through the Sawyer
Seminar, a new series of lectures that will analyze “Humanitarianism
and World Order.”
Craig Calhoun, president
of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
and a professor at New York University (NYU), will conduct the first Sawyer
Seminar from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, in Cowles Auditorium
at the Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Avenue, Minneapolis (please
note the change in venue). In “Humanitarianism: Charity, Progress, and
Emergencies,” Calhoun will talk about the modern-day humanitarian emergency
situation and how it differs—in response, sense of moral obligation, and
cultural impact—from pre-20th century tragedies and disasters.
Calhoun's research addresses issues of democracy, public opinion, and social
solidarity with global and social changes. At the SSRC, Calhoun works to advance
social science research in order to influence pressing public issues. Calhoun
received a Ph.D. from Oxford University. Prior to joining NYU, he taught at
the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill from 1977 to 1996, where he also
was dean of the Graduate School and director of the University Center for International
Studies.
The Sawyer Seminar is funded through a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation.
It is organized by the University of Minnesota in partnership with various units,
including the Humphrey School, the Department of Political Science, and the
College of Liberal Arts. The Sawyer Seminar will provide a critical exploration
of the historical development and practices of international humanitarianism.
In addition to public programming, the Sawyer Seminar supports a postdoctoral
fellowship, two doctoral fellowships, and a conference at the end of the academic
year.
September 17, 2007
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