James Miller appointed Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library of Congress

James Miller, co-director of the Humanities Research Center, has been appointed  as a distinguished visiting scholar at The John W. Kluge Center of the LIbrary of Congress and will take up a four month residency there starting on September 5, 2023.

Main reading room of the Thomas Jefferson building of the Library of Congress

The Kluge Center annually brings top scholars and researchers into residence at the Library to distill wisdom from the library’s rich resources and to interact with policymakers and the public. Scholars conduct research in the library and participate  in informal meetings with Members of Congress and Congressional staff on topics of mutual interest.

The topic of Professor Miller’s research is “Planetary Responsibility and the Spirit of Chinese Innovation.” It aims to draw on Chinese philosophical, religious and ethical thinking to develop a planetary ethic to guide responsible scientific and technological innovation with respect to space exploration and astrobiology.

“Carl Sagan famously asked whether we have the right to interfere in life on Mars, even if it is only microbial life,” noted Professor Miller. “I want to consider these questions of astrobiological ethics from a Chinese philosophical perspective. What can we learn from Chinese wisdom that may fruitfully guide the world as it explores space and searches for extraterrestrial life within our solar system and beyond?”

Professor Miller’s research will contribute to a forthcoming international conference that will be held at DKU in Spring 2024 on the topic of Religious and Cultural Perspectives on Outer Space. The conference, co-organized with DKU professor Ben Van Overmeire aims to bring Chinese and foreign scholars and scientists together to discuss the culture, ethics and values of space exploration and extraterrestrial life.

 

Picture a Scientist: Film screening and discussion

The Gender Studies Initiative at HRC invites all DKU members to a screening event followed by a discussion. Snacks will be served prior to the discussion.

Picture a Scientist is a documentary film that showcases the challenges faced by women scientists as they fight against discrimination in academia.

We invited the Dean of Student Affairs and three faculty members from different divisions to facilitate conversations with DKU members.

Time: Tuesday, September 5th, 3 PM

Place: IB Lecture Hall

Panelists:

  • Jill Creighton, D.P.A (Dean of Student Affairs)
  • Prof. Selina Lai-Henderson (American Literature and History)
  • Prof. Renee Richer (Biology)
  • Prof. Chen Zhang (Public Policy)

For any inquiries please contact the co-chairs of GSI: Professors Hyun Jeong Ha, Jesse Olsavsky, and Megan Rogers.

HRC presents LitFest 2023 from August 30 to September 2

Scan QR code to register

The Humanities Research Center is pleased to announce the program for our fall literary festival at DKU. The festival features four keynote speakers including authors and critics, and provides students with the opportunity to engage in small seminars with the keynote speakers over a two day conference on Friday and Saturday, September 1-2.

In addition, students can learn about the research labs and projects that are sponsored by the HRC. This is a good way to discover opportunities for research and to meet the faculty and students who are involved.

The festival also celebrates the launch of the new creative writing track as part of  the Global Cultural Studies major.

The conference will be preceded by two award-winning film screenings introduced by DKU students and will conclude with literary readings from DKU students, faculty and guests.

Register to attend the LitFest here by Monday 28 August at 9am.

Please note that the program may be subject to modification. Continue reading “HRC presents LitFest 2023 from August 30 to September 2”