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Nova Southeastern University
Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
Phone: 954-262-8408
Fax: 954-262-3930
www.undergrad.nova.edu

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Academic Theme 2007–2008: Truth and Power

As part of our mission to prepare students for rich professional careers and active citizenship, the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences at Nova Southeastern University frames programs and activities around a broad annual theme that unites our community in interdisciplinary exploration. The academic theme for the 2007–2008 school year is “Truth and Power.”

The college’s academic disciplines will examine questions of truth and power from specialized points of view, drawing insight from the physical sciences, which rely on empirical validation; the social and behavioral sciences, which utilize analytic confirmation; and the humanities, which look through the lenses of history and culture.

The quest for objective truths plays a central role in all cultures, whether testing scientific principles, supporting religious beliefs, or questioning the impartiality of the legal system. Many societal units, such as familial, local, national, or spiritual groupings, teach their members clear principles for defining what is true. At times, the conclusions reached by these groups can be contradictory. This exchange of seemingly objective claims and subjective perspectives fuels the advancement of knowledge in every discipline.

Power is another concept difficult to organize in a way that will satisfy all backgrounds and traditions. A physicist might insist that power is the rate at which work is performed or energy is transmitted. A sociologist may see power as a means for both constraining and enabling changes of circumstances. In the humanities, the arts often aspire to convey a sense of power despite differing schools of thought regarding what defines this attribute.

During the current academic year, the college will present a wide array of stimulating events and opportunities for exploring the theme of “Truth and Power.” Our Distinguished Speaker Series brings to campus leading authorities from diverse fields. A faculty lecture series will showcase the expertise of select members from the academic divisions. Special courses, plays, research projects, panel discussions, and other presentations will round out the college-wide inquiry.

Common agreements on what constitutes truth can help define a social order. The proponents of these truths often retain political, religious, and cultural power. Academic inquiry and debate facilitate societal changes by developing new versions of truth and, correspondingly, new owners of power. The college invites all members of our immediate and extended communities to engage with us in exploring the issues and insights we will discover about truth and power.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Dean at (954) 262-8236 or fardean@nsu.nova.edu, or visit Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Homepage.