Asking the Big Questions tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009-09-01:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608 2010-11-17T19:54:13Z An annual campus and community-wide book discussion of some of the big questions facing our world. Each year thought-provoking readings are picked to read and then discuss. Guest speakers may occasionally drop by. Asking the Big Questions meets the third Thursday of the month in the McGinnis Room of the UMM Briggs Library. Movable Type Enterprise 4.31-en Asking the Big Questions Schedule 2010-2011 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2010:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.257094 2010-10-27T14:46:54Z 2010-11-17T19:54:13Z Come explore spirituality. Tuesday, Sept. 28: Chinese Philosophy Tuesday, October 26: Wicca Wednesday, November 17: Islam Thursday, February 17: Agnosticism/atheism Thursday, March 24: Judaism Thursday, April 14: Native American religions Times are 7:00 pm in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room.... Peter Bremer Come explore spirituality.

Tuesday, Sept. 28: Chinese Philosophy
Tuesday, October 26: Wicca
Wednesday, November 17: Islam
Thursday, February 17: Agnosticism/atheism
Thursday, March 24: Judaism
Thursday, April 14: Native American religions

Times are 7:00 pm in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room.

]]> Asking the Big Questions 2010 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2010:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.249180 2010-09-22T19:52:09Z 2010-09-22T20:22:07Z Faith and spirituality will be this year's theme as Asking the Big Questions, the monthly campus/community discussion group, kicks off another year of thought provoking conversation. Our first gathering will be held on Tuesday, September 28th in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room. Discussion starts at 7:00 pm and will focus... Peter Bremer Faith and spirituality will be this year's theme as Asking the Big Questions, the monthly campus/community discussion group, kicks off another year of thought provoking conversation. Our first gathering will be held on Tuesday, September 28th in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room. Discussion starts at 7:00 pm and will focus on Chinese Philosophy. History instructor Brooks Jessup will facilitate the discussion.

Background readings are available through Briggs Library's e-reserve system. Simply go to the library's Electronic Reserves" page and search by instructor for "Bremer". Click on the course number "Lib5000". The Background reading "Chinese Philosophy" will be visible.

The September discussion is part of the Midwest Philosophy Colloquium's "Learning From Chinese Philosophy" event.

Social time featuring snacks and refreshments begin at 6:30 PM in the library McGinnis Room. Asking the Big Questions is co-sponsored by Briggs Library and the Philosophy Discipline. For more information contact Peter Bremer at pbremer@morris.umn.edu.

]]> March Asking the Big Questions tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2010:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.222607 2010-03-03T22:05:04Z 2010-03-03T22:17:22Z Join the March 23 conversation of Asking the Big Questions as we look at women and the liberal arts. The discussion will focus on the ways in which gender and women's studies helps to promote the goals of liberal arts eduction. Philosophy professor Pieranna Garavaso will facilitate the discussion... Peter Bremer
Join the March 23 conversation of Asking the Big Questions as we look at women and the liberal arts. The discussion will focus on the ways in which gender and women's studies helps to promote the goals of liberal arts eduction. Philosophy professor Pieranna Garavaso will facilitate the discussion which starts at 6:30 pm and runs until 8:00 pm.. Refreshments and light snacks are served at 6:00 p.m.

This event is part of the Midwest Philosophy Colloquium and is sponsored by Briggs Library, the Commission On Women and the UMM Office of Sustainability. Optional readings are available by going to the Briggs Library "Electronic Reserves" webpage and then chosing "Library" from the Discipline drop-down menu. March readings may then be selected.

For more information please contact Peter Bremer at pbremer@morris.umn.edu.

]]> February 2010 Asking the Big Questions tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2010:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.214453 2010-01-25T01:38:49Z 2010-02-16T19:43:55Z Please join the campus/community discussion group Asking the Big Questions on as we continue to explore a variety of women's issues for the 2009/2010 academic year. On Thursday, February 18 we will be discussing traditional cultures and the female experience. This will include aspects of religion, societal expectations and the... Peter Bremer Please join the campus/community discussion group Asking the Big Questions on as we continue to explore a variety of women's issues for the 2009/2010 academic year. On Thursday, February 18 we will be discussing traditional cultures and the female experience. This will include aspects of religion, societal expectations and the interface of women from traditional cultures in a Western environment (and vice versa). Several special guests will also share their perspectives.

Discussion runs from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room. Social time featuring refreshments and light snacks commences at 6:00 pm.

To see the list of optional readings for February please go to Electronic Reserves from the Briggs Library Home Page. Click on "Electronic Reserves Pages". Select "Library" as Discipline from the drop-down menu. Click on the "Lib5000" link. Choose a February Primary or Secondary reading.

Asking the Big Questions is sponsored by Briggs Library, the Commission on Women and the UMM Office of Sustainability. Questions? Contact Peter Bremer at 589-6173 or pbremer at morris.umn.edu.

]]> November Asking the Big Questions tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.202022 2009-11-04T16:56:12Z 2009-11-13T00:19:20Z Please join the campus/community discussion group as we discuss Women, Juggling Family and Career on Thursday, November 19 from 6:30 PM-7:30 PM in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:00 PM. Everyone is invited to attend. November Reading Selections "Mismeasure of Woman" "Book Explores Priorities... Peter Bremer Please join the campus/community discussion group as we discuss Women, Juggling Family and Career on Thursday, November 19 from 6:30 PM-7:30 PM in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:00 PM. Everyone is invited to attend.

November Reading Selections

"Mismeasure of Woman"
"Book Explores Priorities That Prompt Moms to Opt Out"
The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything (optional)
       -Recommend chapters from The Shriver Report: "Battle of the Sexes", "Family Friendly For All Families" and "The New         Breadwinners".

Readings can be accessed by going to the Briggs Library Electronic Reserves page and then choosing "Library" from the Discipline drop-down menu. Click on "Lib5000" to see the list of readings. Look for the "November Reading" entries.

Questions? Contact Peter Bremer at 589-6173.

]]> October Asking the Big Questions tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.196465 2009-10-07T21:39:48Z 2009-10-07T21:43:01Z The campus/community discussion group Asking the Big questions will be continuing its year-long exploration of women's issues with a conversation focused on the four waves of feminism in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room on Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. The evolution of feminism will be considered from the first... Peter Bremer The campus/community discussion group Asking the Big questions will be continuing its year-long exploration of women's issues with a conversation focused on the four waves of feminism in the Briggs Library McGinnis Room on Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The evolution of feminism will be considered from the first wave's push for suffrage, the second's demand for economic and legal equality, the third's spirited individualism, and the fourth wave's joyful feminine spirituality.

Participants are encourages (but not required) to read several articles that have been placed on e-reserve. Simply go to the Briggs Library e-reserve page. Click "Library" from the Discipline drop-down menu and then click on "Lib5000". A list of Asking the Big Questions documents will be displayed. The main readings for October are "End of Feminism's Third Wave" and "Feminism's Fourth Wave". A supplemental reading titled "Three Waves of Feminism" is also available. All readings are optional.

Social time begins at 6:00 PM with light snacks and refreshments. Conversation starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Asking the Big Questions meets the third Thursday of each month and is sponsored by Briggs Library, the UMM Commission on Women, and the UMM Office of Sustainability.

]]> September Readings tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.190735 2009-09-11T23:03:01Z 2009-09-15T17:26:02Z For September, Asking the Big Questions will be reading "Who says a Woman Can't Be Einstein?" by Amanda Ripley and "Believing is Seeing: Biology as Ideology" by Judith Lorber. They can be accessed through Briggs Library E-Reserve by clicking on "Electronic Reserves". Then simply select "Library" from the Discipline drop-down... Peter Bremer For September, Asking the Big Questions will be reading "Who says a Woman Can't Be Einstein?" by Amanda Ripley and "Believing is Seeing: Biology as Ideology" by Judith Lorber. They can be accessed through Briggs Library E-Reserve by clicking on "Electronic Reserves". Then simply select "Library" from the Discipline drop-down menu. Click on "Lib500" and "Accept". There are also some supplemental readings listed. As always, all readings are optional. Individuals are encouraged to attend the sessions even if they haven't had a chance to read the articles. A facilitator will summarize.

If you have questions please contact Peter Bremer at 589-6173.

]]> Asking the Big Questions 2009 Topic and Schedule tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.189468 2009-09-01T19:11:47Z 2009-10-07T21:39:34Z Women's issues will be the topic of discussion for the campus/community discussion group Asking the Big Questions in 2009. Please join us on Thursday, September 17 in the UMM Briggs Library McGinnis Room as we have discuss the role biology has to play in gender constructs. Each year Asking the... Peter Bremer Women's issues will be the topic of discussion for the campus/community discussion group Asking the Big Questions in 2009. Please join us on Thursday, September 17 in the UMM Briggs Library McGinnis Room as we have discuss the role biology has to play in gender constructs.

Each year Asking the Big Questions discusses issues of significance that affect our world, our community and who we are as human beings. In our inaugural year we explored the topic of sustainability and climate change. This time around Asking the Big Questions we'll be having a year-long conversation about women's issues and gender. We hope you'll join us.

Social time featuring light food and drink begins at 6:00 PM in the lower level McGinnis Room of the UMM Briggs Library. Discussion is from 6:30 PM-7:30 PM.

Asking the Big Questions meets the third Thursday during the months of September, October, November, February, March, and April. Everyone is welcome to attend. This year's discussion is sponsored by Briggs Library, the UMM Commission on Women, and the UMM Office of Sustainability.

Please check back for information about the September article reading.

]]> Asking the Big Questions 2009 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.180714 2009-05-18T15:57:49Z 2009-05-18T16:00:54Z Watch this blog for exciting information concerning the next Big Question beginning in September.... Peter Bremer Watch this blog for exciting information concerning the next Big Question beginning in September.

]]> March Presentation tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.180710 2009-05-18T15:53:17Z 2009-05-18T15:57:40Z Can't wait for next year's Asking the Big Questions to begin? Check out Joel Tallaksen's WCROC renewable energy presentation from March. Click here.... Peter Bremer Can't wait for next year's Asking the Big Questions to begin? Check out Joel Tallaksen's WCROC renewable energy presentation from March. Click here.

]]> April Discussion tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.171413 2009-03-16T17:10:49Z 2009-04-08T19:05:28Z Come join us for the final Asking the Big Questions discussion of Lester Brown's book Plan B 3.0. on Thursday, April 9 as we tackle the concluding chapter entitled The Great Mobilization. Our guest speaker will be UMM economics/management professor Arne Kildegaard. Hope to you there! Social time starts at... Peter Bremer Come join us for the final Asking the Big Questions discussion of Lester Brown's book Plan B 3.0. on Thursday, April 9 as we tackle the concluding chapter entitled The Great Mobilization. Our guest speaker will be UMM economics/management professor Arne Kildegaard. Hope to you there! Social time starts at 6:30 PM with discussion commencing at 7:00 Pm in the library McGinnis Room. Oh yes, and there will be goodies!

]]> February Follow-up tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.168277 2009-02-25T14:57:24Z 2009-02-25T15:09:51Z For those of you that missed Cheryl Contant's presentation on Feb. 12 or simply wish to see it again please follow the link below. In her PowerPoint (now PDF) Cheryl uses her own experiences and research in Atlanta, Georgia to show with fascinating clarity how city planning has changed over... Peter Bremer For those of you that missed Cheryl Contant's presentation on Feb. 12 or simply wish to see it again please follow the link below. In her PowerPoint (now PDF) Cheryl uses her own experiences and research in Atlanta, Georgia to show with fascinating clarity how city planning has changed over time.

February 12 Presentation


]]> March Discussion tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.166973 2009-02-17T01:23:10Z 2009-05-18T15:53:06Z To everything turn, turn, turn...Come join our March spring discussion of Asking the Big Questions as we ponder energy efficiency and renewable energy. Joel Tallaksen, Assistant Scientist at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, will be the guest speaker. From biomass to wind turbines and everything in between, this... Peter Bremer To everything turn, turn, turn...Come join our March spring discussion of Asking the Big Questions as we ponder energy efficiency and renewable energy. Joel Tallaksen, Assistant Scientist at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, will be the guest speaker. From biomass to wind turbines and everything in between, this will be an evening of discussion not to be missed!

Chapters for the March reading are 11 and 12 from Plan B 3.0.

See you in the McGinnis Room at Briggs Library on Thursday, March 12. Discussion starts at 7:00 p.m. Snacks and refreshments served at 6:30 p.m.

]]> February Asking the Big Questions tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.164254 2009-02-01T23:35:31Z 2009-02-02T00:30:35Z After a holiday hiatus Asking the Big Questions is back on Thursday, February 12. Please join us at 7:00 p.m. as we continue to discuss the book Plan B 3.0 by Lester R. Brown. Up for this month is Chapters 9 and 10 focusing on feeding the Earth's six billion... Peter Bremer After a holiday hiatus Asking the Big Questions is back on Thursday, February 12. Please join us at 7:00 p.m. as we continue to discuss the book Plan B 3.0 by Lester R. Brown. Up for this month is Chapters 9 and 10 focusing on feeding the Earth's six billion plus population and designing cities that are healthier for human beings. The guest speaker will be UMM Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dean Cheryl Contant.

Haven't been to a discussion before? That's fine. Simply read the chapters online at Plan B 3.0 and then come on the 12th. Don't have time to do the reading? That's okay too. Just bring yourself and contribute to the discussion anytime you like. Participation isn't mandatory and there is always something interesting being talked about. Refreshments will be served starting at 6:30 p.m.

To help spur you on here's a couple of websites that tie in with February's discussion topics:
World POPClock Projection
Harmonious Cities

]]> December Follow-up tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2008:/pbremer/briggsbigquestions//8608.159548 2008-12-12T16:07:19Z 2008-12-17T03:37:04Z Thanks to everyone who took part in our December Asking the Big Questions discussion. We had a great conversation about population and restoring the Earth (chapters 7 & 8). Check out this website on steady state economic theory. Have a great break and we'll see you on Thursday, February 12th... Peter Bremer Thanks to everyone who took part in our December Asking the Big Questions discussion. We had a great conversation about population and restoring the Earth (chapters 7 & 8). Check out this website on steady state economic theory.

Have a great break and we'll see you on Thursday, February 12th when we discuss feeding people and designing cities (chapters 9 & 10). Our guest speaker will be Cheryl Contant, UMM Vice-Chancellor For Academic Affairs and Dean. As always, Plan B can be read online at book.

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