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Learning Opportunities

Carolina Public Humanities

 

Embodying the University’s commitment to extend Carolina resources to all citizens and community members across the state, Carolina Public Humanities offers engaging and innovative public seminars and lectures on a variety of topics and themes throughout the year. Its programs draw upon the humanities to nurture a deeper understanding of history and culture, enrich the life of the mind, and contribute to the development of a more humane world.

Carolina Public Humanities offers a 50% discount to all its programs to Lifetime Members and dues-paid Annual Members of the Retired Faculty Association. This discount does not appear on its website, but RFA members will be provided information on how to request it. To learn more about CPH’s current programs, see its brochure at https://humanities.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/283/2022/08/Fall-2022-brochure-proof-final.pdf

Intergenerational Philosophy

The Philosophy Department and Parr Center for Ethics have partnered with the Retired Faculty Association for several years to create intergenerational spaces for learning and discussion about life’s most pressing questions. At its core, philosophy is about asking questions and critically reflecting on our beliefs and values, and we believe it is best practiced in the company of others. Our hope is that by drawing on the rich and varied experiences represented across generations, we can promote lifelong learning and strengthen the ties of the Carolina community. Throughout the year there are several opportunities to participate in Intergenerational Philosophy, including, for example:

  1. RFA members are invited to participate in regular philosophical discussions with UNC undergraduates at the Seymour Center, discussing a range of topics and questions curated both by students and discussion participants. Topics and readings vary from year to year.
  2. RFA members are invited to serve as “intergenerational peer reviewers” by providing tailored feedback to a UNC undergraduate who spend the semester researching, writing, and revising a philosophical op-ed. Each RFA volunteer is paired with a UNC undergraduate and will have the opportunity to provide feedback asynchronously and/or synchronously.

Contact Philosophy Teaching Assistant Professor & Director of Outreach Michael Vazquez (michael.vazquez@unc.edu) with any questions about this program, or with ideas for future programming.