TCNJ Develops “Family” Theme for New Academic Year

Every year, the committee develops a host of linked courses and programs in support of a singular theme. Plans for the 2009–10 academic year include discussions by a diverse group of speakers on “the family,” a series of College Art Gallery exhibits focusing on the topic, and a selection of topical First Seminar Program courses.

Words by Matt Huston '12

The Committee for Cultural and Intellectual Community (CCIC) revealed its annual interdisciplinary theme for the coming academic year: Family.

Every year, the committee develops a host of linked courses and programs in support of a singular theme. Plans for the 2009–10 academic year include discussions by a diverse group of speakers on “the family,” a series of College Art Gallery exhibits focusing on the topic, and a selection of topical First Seminar Program courses.

All CCIC events are open to alumni as well as students, and alumni who attend are encouraged to introduce themselves to event organizers, David Blake, associate professor of English and a CCIC coordinator, said.

CCIC selected Peter Balakian’s award-winning memoir Black Dog of Fate—the tale of a New Jersey boy uncovering his family’s tragic past—as the summer reading assignment for incoming freshmen. Balakian will visit the College for a poetry reading on October 6 and as a speaker at Community Learning Day on October 7. He will discuss family and historical trauma, answer questions, and sign books.

Faculty from the art department will initiate the yearlong theme with an introductory art exhibition that will run from September 9–October 14. A second exhibit, entitled “Inherited Traits” and curated by College Art Gallery Director Sarah Cunningham, will include works on family secrets, legends, and characteristics as portrayed by contemporary artists. “Inherited Traits” will run January 20 through February 24.

Additional programs were developed in four clusters: The Family and Trauma, Strengthening Families, Neo-Families, and Family and the Arts.

“I am so happy that CCIC selected [this theme], for it truly invites tremendous interdisciplinary participation,” Blake said.

Students will engage in dialogues on an array of topics including the impact of genocide and war on the family, teen parenthood, ethnic challenges, surrogacy, adoption, and definitions of family and marriage. Discussions will harbor a variety of perspectives: for example, CCIC has invited an Episcopal priest to share his interpretation of the biblical definition of marriage, which, according to Blake, may be “surprising.”