International Week at University of Montana

Human rights and international politics are inextricably linked. That's the message of the keynote address that marks the beginning of the University of Montana's International Week, five days' worth of seminars, talks and presentations focusing on international culture.

History professor Paul Lauren will give the keynote address, "Conscience of Mankind: Human Rights, Values and International Politics," at 7 pm Thursday March 8th in the UC Ballroom.

Merdad Kia, director of the university's International Program, calls the address "a major presentation on a major international issue." The talk focuses on human rights, which Kia calls "paramount."

Lauren will use his personal experiences to reflect on the US civil rights movement, the trial of Serbian leader Slobadan Milosovich and on Lauren's cold war travels behind the iron curtain.

Kia stated this is the first lecture in what he hopes will be an annual part of the five-year old event. "We have tried to make (the week's offerings) as diverse as possible," he said.

For example, he said, there is "so much interest in women in the middle east right now," that Tuesday will feature a talk by visiting scholar Thuwayba Ahmed Issa Al-Barwani on the topic. U of M has used the week as an "opportunity to bring visiting scholars and lecturers to campus," Kia said.


"We want to broaden the international reach of our campus," Kia stated. Events that aim to do so include lectures on volunteer opportunities in Southeast Asia, study abroad, the peace corps and a workshop on "How to pay for your summer travel overseas."

Information about study abroad opportunities will be available in the UC Atrium all week, while the lectures take place across campus.

A full schedule of the events comprising International Week can be found at www.umt.edu/oip, or by calling the Office of International Programs at 243-2288.

Kia said the broad variety of offerings should provide everyone with something of interest, with talks on cultures as diverse as Ireland ("Guinness Education and Business"), the former USSR ("Georgia, Land of the Golden Fleece") and Tajikistan: a Hidden Pearl of Central Asia."

Kia noted that international student representation at U of M is increasing, and the events of International Week are a great way "to showcase the international activities of students, faculty and staff."

The student-run International Food and Cultural Festival will take place from noon to 5 pm on Sunday.