CPU Newsletter

November 21, 2004

CPU EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Lecture and Discussion with Rachel Wolkenstein, Former Lead
Counsel for Mumia Abu-Jamal (12/7)

2. Submit to the CPU's first politically themed art exhibit –
Transitions: The Constancy of Change (deadline in late November)

3. Cosponsored Event with the Foundation for the Defense of
Democracies: Iran Attaining Nuclear Capability, a discussion with
Dr. Andrew Apostolou (11/29)

OTHER EVENTS:

4. The Political Science Students Association (PSSA) presents
Political Science Graduate Student Advising Night (11/23)

*******************************************************************

CPU EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Lecture and Discussion with Rachel Wolkenstein, Former Lead
Counsel for Mumia Abu-Jamal

Tuesday, 11/22 at 7 pm
Location TBA

In 1982, a Philadelphia court sentenced Mumia Abu-Jamal to death for
the 1981 murder of a Philadelphia police officer. Despite repeated
appeals to the Pennsylvania and United States Supreme Courts, Mr.
Abu-Jamal, a onetime radio reporter and former Black Panther,
remains on death row. His case has fueled a passionate public
debate about the moral and legal implications of racism and capital
punishment. Ms. Wolkestein will speak about her experience with
these and other issues as a lead counsel to Mr. Abu-Jamal.

*******************************************************************

2. Call for Submissions to Transitions: The Constancy of Change

What: An exhibition of political art
When: The Submission deadline has been extended until late November;
the exhibition will be in early December.
Who: Everyone is encouraged to submit their work. Photography,
sculpture, painting, short films, and all other visual media are
eligible. Students should contact Katharine Harlow, CPU Treasurer,
at kjh2003@columbia.edu for more information.

This exhibit takes two basic premises as its foundations: transition
as a perpetual theme of history and politics, and the crucial role
of the arts in the portrayal and criticism thereof.

2004 presents an extraordinary opportunity for the exploration of
this linkage. Change is all around us: a presidential election at
home, the fight for sustainable democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan,
the acceleration and deepening of globalization, and the lingering
effects of September 11th.

As the world grows more complex, the importance of informed
involvement grows. This exhibit aims to spur all of us to
reflection, analysis, and debate. How does our past inform our
future? How are our cultures, societies, institutions, and
governments evolving? Where are we going? Are we going too fast?
Too slow?

This exhibit presents an opportunity for political scientists and
artists alike to confront, criticize, and explore new perspectives
and attitudes. Its interdisciplinary approach promises to renew
and strengthen the dialogue between all Columbia students.

*******************************************************************

3. Iran Attaining Nuclear Capability, a discussion with Dr. Andrew
Apostolou

Monday, 11/29 at 6:30 pm
Location TBA

Dr. Apostolou has written extensively on Iraq, the Middle East and
Central Asia, having formerly worked for The Economist Group's
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) covering the former Soviet Union.
He has been interviewed on top-rated TV shows such as The O'Reilly
Factor (O'Reilly commented that he was a "great guest"), Fox and
Friends and Your World With Neil Cavuto, as well as CNN, CNN
International, CNBC, Fox News, and the BBC. Dr. Apostolou's
articles have been published in The Washington Post, The Washington
Times, The Wall Street Journal Europe, The Los Angeles Times,
National Review Online, The Economist, The Daily Telegraph
(London), and The Express (London), among others.

Sponsored by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and the
Columbia Political Union.

*******************************************************************

OTHER EVENTS:

4. The Political Science Students Association (PSSA) presents
Political Science Graduate Student Advising Night

Tuesday, 11/23 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
302 Fayerweather

Advising from Political Science and SIPA Grad Students. Free Pizza
will be provided.

*******************************************************************