Themester to look at good, bad behavior

The College of Arts and Sciences announced the theme for the fall 2012 Themester: “Good Behavior, Bad Behavior: Molecules to Morality.”

According to the Themester website, “Themester 2012 explores the meanings of ‘good behavior’ and its counterpart ‘bad behavior’ in all senses. Discussions encompass moral philosophy, behavioral biology, the social sciences, mathematics, law, material science, cosmology, the literary, visual and dramatic arts and more.”

Themester topics will range from the behavior of molecules and animals to ethical issues and morality. Though the theme has received some scrutiny for being too broad, Associate Dean of the IU College of Arts and Sciences Stephen Watt said it was intended that way.

“There have been some years where Themester themes seemed too narrow,” Watt said. “We were trying to find some topics that would interest a broader percentage of faculty and students.”

Kicking off the semester will be a stage production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” performed by the Cardinal Stage Company, who has opened Themester for the past three years.
The IU Department of Theatre and Drama will also produce three relevant shows: “The God of Carnage”, “Richard III” and “When the Rain Stops Falling.”

Speaker series include a discussion of political behavior featuring two household names, though identities have not yet been released, said Director of Academic Initiatives Tracy Bee. The series will also include speakers on primate behavior.
Other events include a film series hosted by IU Cinema, featuring movies such as “Blade Runner” and “Mean Girls,” Bee said. Faculty teaching Themester classes will host post-screening discussions.  

 “There’s a good link between those classes and the films, and the students in those classes will benefit this year,” Bee said.

Students registered in fall Themester courses will also have the option of participating in the symposium at the end of the semester, which will serve as a way for students to showcase their research.

“Whether you’re going to go on to further your education or go on to the professional world, the symposium is a good opportunity for students to practice presenting and talking about what they’ve learned,” Bee said.

Watt said Themester aims to foster idea exchange between students, alumni, faculty and the Bloomington community.

“Our first goal is to enrich the intellectual and cultural lives of undergraduate students,” Watt said. “We think this is a very important thing for the University to do.”
More information on Themester and ways to get involved can be found at themester.indiana.edu