University College invites retired professionals to consider the ethics of healthcare, film genres and Asian relations this summer | Press Releases

Quench your thirst for knowledge this summer by joining the Summer Institute for Retired Professionals of University College at Fairfield University for a thought-provoking week of discussion and learning. The Institute will meet from Monday, June 6 through Friday, June 10, to explore three critical issues in society today.

The first class of each day is "Ethics of Healthcare," taught by Lisa Newton, Ph.D., director of Applied Ethics and Environmental Studies at Fairfield University, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This course will investigate the moral dilemmas of healthcare including patients' rights, allocation of resources and the predicaments placed on medical professionals caught between their HMO contracts and their professional obligations.

From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., participants will explore "Film Genres" with Wesley Davis, an adjunct professor of Visual and Performing Arts at Fairfield. This series will examine different styles of films. By studying settings and moods and isolating and categorizing their elements into genres it is possible to evaluate the film, make comparisons and find surprising similarities between unlikely genres. Popcorn not included!

Alan Katz, Ph.D., professor of politics and director of Asian Studies at Fairfield, will finish each day with "America and East Asia: Challenges and Opportunities for the Bush Administration," from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Dr. Katz will lead a discussion about the internal politics of China, Japan, and South Korea and how these politics and the general politics of the area affect the United States' relations with these three nations.

"Any perusal of the New York Times or other news sources should indicate the changing nature of power in East Asia and the challenges that this will bring to American foreign-policymakers," Dr. Katz said. "This is especially true today with regard to American relations with North Korea and the growing tensions between China and Japan."

The cost to attend the week-long Summer Institute is $165. A festive dinner on Thursday, June 9, is included. Members may bring guests to the dinner for an additional charge of $28 each. Members are also encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch each day, coffee, tea and dessert will be served, free of charge, during each luncheon break. Please phone (203) 254-4307 for more information and to register.

University College at Fairfield University is the gateway for individuals seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional certificate programs, study abroad and personal enrichment opportunities. With an emphasis on quality, convenience and flexibility, University College offers a wide variety of evening, day, online and weekend programs taught by distinguished faculty. University College offers an enriching personal and powerful educational experience that is backed by the resources and reputation of a great Jesuit university. For program information e-mail gradadmis@mail.fairfield.edu or visit www.fairfield.edu or call (203) 254-4184.