Monthly Archives: September 2011

Call for Proposals–Newberry Seminars in Winter/Spring 2012

Published on September 20, 2011 by No comments

The Newberry Library’s Public Programs Department is now taking proposals for seminar courses for the winter/spring 2012 term. The Newberry’s Seminars program offers a stimulating series of non-credit, adult education classes that encourage conversation on subjects in the humanities, and the on-going use of the Newberry’s vast collections. Seminar participants are generally well-read and engaged in the classes they have chosen. Courses are non-credit, so instructors have minimal administrative duties and can focus their energies on the content and the classroom. The winter/spring 2012 term will begin February 21, 2012 and classes start on a rolling schedule. The term will end in early May. The deadline to propose a class or classes is October 4.

Instructions on submitting a proposal are available at http://www.newberry.org/programs/seminarsteach.html. Please consider past offerings as simply a general guide.The Newberry is always looking for new topics, approaches, and formats that fit within a humanities-oriented program like ours. If you submit electronically, please combine all of the pieces of the application into one, single document (a Word doc or pdf). If you submit by paper, send the application without any clips or bindings of any kind.

Posted in: Job Postings

Chicago Center for Jewish Studies Fall Schedule

Published on September 20, 2011 by No comments

From the Chicago Center for Jewish Studies:
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The Chicago Center for Jewish Studies would like to invite all students interested in Jewish Studies to join us for an academic year full of exciting conversations about Jewish history, culture, and religion. The Center offers a diverse array of lectures and conferences, as well as research and travel grants and professional development opportunities for graduate students. This fall, our programming covers topics ranging from modern German-Jewish history to the theology of the Hebrew Bible. It explores Jewish cultural life through conversations about Roman Vishniac’s photographs of shtetl life; the literature of Israeli novelist David Grossman; and the practice of producing and presenting Jewish art and music. We hope that you can join us for one or many of our upcoming events, and we would particularly like to invite your participation in a fall welcoming reception for faculty and graduate students on October 27.

To receive regular updates about our events and opportunities in Jewish Studies, contact Christina Heisser at cheisser@uchicago.edu to be added to the Center’s mailing list. For full details about any of this year’s events, see our website: http://jewishstudies.uchicago.edu.

A listing of our fall events follows:
October 3: Michael Brenner (University of Munich), “Estranged Home: The Return of Jewish Emigrants to Postwar Germany”
October 18: Maya Benton (International Center of Photography), “Picturing Vishniac: A Closer Reading, New Work, and Constructions of Jewish Identity”
October 26: Pierre Bordreuil (Collège de France à Paris, CNRS), “Ugarit and the Bible: Some Literary Parallels”
October 27: Fall Reception for Faculty and Graduate Students
November 1: Jonathan Klawans (Boston University), “Symbol, Function, Theology and Morality: On Rules and Rituals in the Priestly Literature of the Hebrew Bible,” Lecture 1 of 4 on “The Matter of Israelite Religion”
November 13: “Reading and Conversation: David Grossman at the Chicago Humanities Festival”
November 29: Piet van Boxel (Bodleian Library, University of Oxford) “Hebrew books and 16th-century censorship in Italy,” Lecture 1 of 3 in a series on the Jewish Book
December 1-2: Workshop: “Sites/Traces/Manifestations of Jewish Pasts, Presents, and Futures”

Posted in: Chicago Events, University of Chicago Events

Moscow, Cheryomushki at the Harris Theater

Published on September 20, 2011 by No comments

Dmitri Shostakovich
Moscow, Cheryomushki

April 14, 20, 22 ,25, 2012
Harris Theater

THE PEOPLE’S OPERA!
Chicago Opera Theater brings its own unique twist to Shostakovich’s musical satire that takes a political poke at the Soviet Union’s chronic housing shortages. Renowned Shostakovich scholar Gerard McBurney produced a musical score that captures this operetta’s lighter mood. The mix of memorable songs and spectacles creates a hilarious new production that marks the 21st Chicago premiere since Brian Dickie’s arrival in 1999.

Sung in English with English supertitles.

Posted in: Chicago Events, Soviet Arts Experience

Auditions for Golosa Russian Folk Choir

Published on September 20, 2011 by No comments

From the Golosa mailer:
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Happy fall, friends of Russian music!

While the weather cools down, the music season warms up, as we get the year started with our annual choir auditions.

Last year was an exciting season for Golosa, including our first-ever U.S. tour, which was both well received and profitable. The coming year, too, holds new things for us, as we look forward to performing at the Old Town School of Folk Music, collaborating with jazz and folk ensembles, and participating in the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, all while beginning recording work on a third CD. There’s never been a better time to join Golosa!

Golosa rehearses on Wednesday evenings on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park. At this time we are seeking all voice parts for the 2011–2012 season, but especially altos and low basses.

New Slavic folk choir

In addition, particularly exciting this year is the inaugural season of the brand new South Slavic Choir! Golosa members and Slavic linguists Katie Tucker and Drew Boshardy will head up an ensemble focusing on folksongs of the Balkans and southern Eurasia. This group of traditions employs much the same kind of vocal production we use in Golosa, but with different, very melodic types of arrangements, often with complex rhythm.

South Slavic Choir will rehearse in Hyde Park at a day and time to be determined. As this is a somewhat experimental first season, the scope and expectations of the ensemble will be a bit dependent on participation and interest, so we hope new singers will be up for an adventure. We can promise a fun, convivial environment in which to explore some exciting music in a distinctive folk style. While Golosa has limited openings, there will be room for many new singers in this choir, so if you have auditioned for Golosa in the past or if you just aren’t sure you have time to commit to Golosa’s busy schedule, we encourage you to consider South Slavic Choir.

Sign up for auditions

Golosa and South Slavic Choir will hold joint auditions at the beginning of October. With one audition, singers may elect to be considered for either choir, or for both. No experience speaking Russian or any Slavic language is necessary, though an enthusiasm to learn is always welcome.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, October 1, from
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Hyde Park; and on Sunday, October 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Lake View.

To sign up for an audition, please reply to this e-mail and we’ll find you a time slot. No prepared solo is necessary—just bring your big voice and your passion for folk music.

Thanks!

Word of mouth is our best publicity, so please send your musical friends and colleagues our way, too. Thanks, and we look forward to singing and sharing music with many of you! Best wishes from all of us in Golosa.
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For more information about Golosa, visit their website at http://www.golosa.org/

Posted in: Chicago Events, Resources (Funding, Study Abroad, Internships, etc.)

Timothy Snyder Talk at Northwestern

Published on September 20, 2011 by No comments

On September 26 (next Monday) at 12:30pm the Buffett Center at Northwestern will host a discussion with Professor Timothy Snyder of Yale University, author of the widely acclaimed best-seller, Bloodlands: Europe between Hitler and Stalin.

Professor Snyder will give a brief talk about the public and academic reception of Bloodlands in the anglophone world and in the countries that form the subject of the book. The rest of the time will be free for discussion with him about the book’s background, argument and reception. As always, lunch will be provided. The event will run from 12:30-1:50pm.

Because there is considerable interest, spaces will be reserved for those who RSVP. Please respond to Rita Koryan by Thursday if you will attend.

Posted in: Chicago Events

Deadline Approaching–Alternative Spring Break in Vladimir and Murom

Published on September 20, 2011 by No comments

Alternative Spring Break in Vladimir and Murom (March 2012) – Service Learning in Two Ancient Russian Cities

VLADIMIR

Help paint and fix-up the Vladimir Youth Health and Education Center, work with at-risk Russian children and teenagers, participate in youth club activities. The Center works with educational, law enforcement, family, and other community organizations to promote healthy living, positive prevention of harmful behavior, provide psychological and pedagogical help to families and educators, and assistance to handicapped children.

MUROM

Work with Russian law students at the Murom Institute to improve their English skills, participate in mock trials, share your personal understanding of Western legal systems. Help a new generation of legal specialists build a more equitable Russian judicial system. During the Soviet period Murom was a closed city. Today it remains isolated from traditional tourist routes. Foreign language faculty and students are eager for contact with native English speakers.

DATES: March 2012: March 3-11, March 10-18, March 17-25

HOUSING: Homestays (with home-cooked breakfasts and dinners)

EXCURSIONS: Excursions in each city and to surrounding sights, for example to Suzdal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

PROGRAM FEE: $900-1,000, depending on the number of participants; Includes room and board, excursions, transportation from/to Moscow, visa invitation, basic Russian language lessons, on-site administrative support; Does not include visa application expenses ($220), airfare, lunches, public transportation in Vladimir ($0.45/ride), health/travel insurance

LEADERS: In Vladimir – David Johnson (Lecturer in Russian, Vanderbilt University) and/or English language students from Vladimir State University; In Murom – English language faculty and students from the Murom Institute

GROUP SIZE: 5-10 participants (a minimum of 5 participants is required for each group)

Application Deadlines: October 15 and November 1, 2011

To Apply:

1) by October 15 email Dr. Ron Pope, Founder and President, Serendipity-Russia (The American Home), Ron42.Pope@gmail.com, and David Johnson, Lecturer in Russian, Vanderbilt University, david.matthew.johnson@vanderbilt.edu,

2) by November 1 mail a $500 deposit to Dr. Ron Pope, 1403 Kingsridge Drive, Normal, IL 61761-2860 and

3) Send a scanned copy of the picture and data pages of your passport to David Johnson (for your Russian visa)

Experience the warmth and beauty of ancient, provincial Russia! Volunteer to make a positive difference!

Program organizer: www.serendipity-russia.com

Posted in: Resources (Funding, Study Abroad, Internships, etc.)

Leora Auslander at the Modern Europe Workshop

Published on September 20, 2011 by No comments

The Modern Europe Workshop will hold its first session of the year on Tuesday, September 27. Please join us a for a discussion of Leora Auslander’s article “Negotiating Embodied Difference: Veils, Minarets, Kippas, and Sukkot in Contemporary Europe. An Essay.” The paper is currently available on Chalk. If you are unable to access it or have any questions, please contact Eleanor Rivera (elrivera@uchicago.edu)

The workshop will take place in the John Hope Franklin Room (SSRB 224): refreshments at 4:45, discussion beginning at 5:00. We hope to see you there.

Posted in: Uncategorized

Psoy Korolenko Performance

Published on September 19, 2011 by No comments

Psoy Korolenko in Chicago for one evening only

Borderless “Unernationale” recalls the Songs of lost eras, languages, and causes…

The Unternationale
On Thursday, September 22, 2011
8:00 pm

Tickets: $15 advance/$20 door

at Skokie Theatre
7924 N. Lincoln Ave.
Skokie, IL

Psoy Korolenko, Daniel Kahn, Michael Alpert

Posted in: Chicago Events

Lithuanian Singer and Songwriter Mindaugas Briedis Performance

Published on September 16, 2011 by No comments

The Vilnius Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International and the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago invites you to attend a performance by Lithuanian singer and songwriter Mindaugas Briedis (guitar), accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Aušrinë Garsonaitë (piano and violin). The program will include songs (in Lithuanian and English) which are part of Briedis’ collaboration with Chicago’s own poet and philosopher Steven Schroeder. Reception and discussion will follow the performance.

When: Thursday, October 13
Where: Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Garland Room
78 E. Washington St.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.

For more information visit the Chicago Sister Cities website.

Posted in: Chicago Events

U.S.-Russia Business Council Annual Meeting 2011: “Russia on the Cusp”

Published on September 16, 2011 by No comments

The Kennan Institute is pleased to bring to your attention the annual meeting of the U.S.-Russian Business Council. The Kennan Institute is proud to support this important event.

RUSSIA ON THE CUSP
USRBC Annual Meeting 2011
October 3-5, 2011
Chicago, IL

October 3-5, 2011: The U.S.-Russia Business Council’s 19th Annual Meeting “Russia on the Cusp” will take place in downtown Chicago, kicking off with a Gala Dinner on Monday, October 3, at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Conference Program on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 4-5 at the Swissotel.
This year’s meeting will feature panels exploring Russia’s investment attractiveness and market opportunities on the cusp of national elections, the country’s leadership of APEC, and its long-awaited WTO accession, as well as energy and healthy workforce issues, and how the country’s planned privatization, financial services reforms and industrial policies may impact its competitiveness.

Confirmed keynote and panel speakers include William J. Burns, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of State, Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister, RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman and CEO of Alcoa and Chairman of USRBC; Ian Read, President and CEO of Pfizer; Ed Verona, President and CEO of USRBC; Neil Duffin, President of ExxonMobil Development Company; Joshua Floum, General Counsel, VISA, Inc.; Mark von Pentz, President, Agriculture and Turf Division of Deere & Company; Charles E. Ryan, Chairman of UFG Asset Management; Dmitry Mezentsev, Governor of the Irkutsk Region; Andrei Sharonov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow; and Mikhail Yurevich, Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region.
A full list of speakers and a detailed agenda are available on the USRBC website: https://www.usrbc.org/activities/am/.

Cost: $995 for USRBC Members; $1695 for Non-Members.

NOTE: The USRBC has agreed to offer discounts on Annual Meeting registration fees to members and friends of partner organizations, including the Kennan Institute. To register at a discounted rate, please visit: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e4sahwuvgsajte93/start and indicate KENNAN INSTITUTE, WOODROW WILSON CENTER as the organization that sent you this invitation.

Questions? Please contact Candice Pareshnev at the USRBC at (202) 739-9180.

Posted in: Calls for Papers and Upcoming Conferences