Wasch Center Seminars

Engagement

"Part of the mythology that they’ve been teaching you is that you have no power. Power is not brute force and money; power is in your spirit. Power is in your soul. It is what your ancestors, your old people gave you. Power is in the earth; it is in your relationship to the earth."              

— Winona LaDuke 

Welcome to the spring 2023 Wasch Seminar courses, designed as always to educate, stimulate, and challenge. In a slight departure from past years, we have included a block dedicated to environmental awareness. The semester's theme, "Engagement" suggests a response to our growing awareness of a planet in peril. The oceans, air, and land around us have suffered for generations from exploitation, abuse, neglect, and indifference to the longterm effects of pollution. Alarms are being sounded, and action at all levels is urgently needed.

In addition to our always popular offerings in the arts, literature, and history, we have selected a number of courses that focus on both individual action and community initiatives that will promote preservation of a livable environment. One of these courses looks at plastic waste as an artistic medium that can raise awareness of species endangered by that waste. Another highlights the ever-present threat of heavy metals in common use. Another examines techniqes for restoring the planetary climate—affordably—to conditions hospitable to human and animal life, while yet another centers on species' extinction in prehistoric times, with lessons applicable today. One course introduces the possibilities for identifying nutritionally and medicinally valuable organics in our own backyards. 

We invite you to "engage" in ways you may have considered but perhaps shied away from because meaningful action seemed beyond reach. Please join us, and consider inviting a friend or family member to benefit from the rich perspectives opened up by the Wesleyan Wasch Center Seminars.

Most sincerely,

Richard Friswell and Krishna Winston, Co-Directors