Spring 2001 CAPE Events

Macho Girls and Dainty Men: Does Evolution Support Traditional Sex Roles?
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7-8:30 pm, 2001, PAC 134

The forum addressed such questions as: Are traditional male and female roles a product of our genes? Are macho girls and dainty men fighting nature? Are men naturally more promiscuous and aggressive, women more monogamous and nurturing? What is the evidence from evolutionary psychology and anthropology regarding these claims? Is it ethical or sexist to expect men and women to fit such traditional sex roles?

Jeffrey Bell, Biology
Carolyn Heinz, Anthropology
Elizabeth Renfro, Multicultural and Gender Studies
Eddie Vela, Psychology

"Can Schools Teach Kids To Be Better Human Beings?"
Wednesday February 28, 2001, 4-5 pm at Sylvester's Café

Who would argue against goodwill, honesty, self-discipline, and responsibility? But can such virtues be taught in the school? Or is it the business of the family only? And what is the role of technology? Are television and the computers making kids more passive and apathetic -- or can they open minds to the nobler purposes of life?

Bernie Vigallon, Director of Alternative Education, Chico Unified School District
Tim McClure, Assistant Superintendent of Education, Butte County
Ed Williams, Assistant Professor of Education, CSU Chico
Mike Sullivan, Teacher, Marsh Junior High School.

Understanding the California Energy Crisis
Tuesday, March 6, 2001, 3:30-5:00 p.m., Ayres Hall 120

Are soaring natural gas costs the result of profiteering on the part of Texas energy corporations? Is oligopoly at the root of gas price hikes? Was deregulation a well, or not so well, planned transition to higher profits for P G & E and So. Cal Edison, or just a bungled attempt to set up a free market for energy? Why has deregulation caused California to resort to rolling blackouts? How could a plan to bring lower energy prices through increased efficiency result in energy prices skyrocketing to historically unprecedented levels? Has deregulation anything to recommend it after what has happened in California? Is there anything wrong with having a state managed energy system to protect consumers from high energy prices and insufficient supplies?

Prof. David Gallo, Economics
Prof. William Stewart, Political Science
Prof. Thomas Imhoff, Philosophy.

Who Should Control the Nation's Public Schools?
Wednesday, April 18th, 2001, 4-5 p.m., Tehama 108

A panel of experienced teachers and administrators discussed curriculum standardization, testing strategies, and vouchers for the schools. Questions addressed included: Should the nation's curriculum be standardized, so that all children know the same facts and think the same concepts? Do teachers and students do better, when forced to pass tests? Or does it distract from deeper, more meaningful teaching and learning? Should control rest with the consumer? Are vouchers the answer, giving more taxpayers a choice of schools to attend?

Alan Stephenson (Director of Curriculum, Chico Unified School District)
Cynthia Kampf (Director of Testing, Chico Unified School District)
Sam Edelman (Professor of Communications, CSU Chico)
Andy Rimbault (Principal, Alternative Education, Chico Unified School District)
Kristen Beck (Teacher, Ophir Elementary School, Oroville)

The Promise and Pitfalls of the Genetics Revolution
Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at 7:30 PM in Holt 170

Dr. Paul Billings, co-founder of GeneSage and editor-in-chief of GeneLetter, presented a public lecture about the way progress in human genetics and genomics promises to revolutionize heath care and other aspects of our lives. He asked us to think about what individuals and communities need to consider as these new technologies are developed and applied. As well as co-founding GeneSage,

Dr. Billings is deputy network director and chief medical officer of the Heart of Texas Veterans Health Care System and an expert in clinical genetics, immunogenetics and the impact of genetic technology on society. Dr. Billings has published over 100 scholarly articles and book chapters in addition to his book, DNA on Trial: Genetic Identification and Criminal Justice. Dr. Billings' visit is co-sponsored by Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society and the Department of Biology.

A Critique of Political Correctness
Tuesday, May 8, 2001, 7:30-9 PM, in Ayres 120.

The forum addressed such questions as: What is political correctness? What is politically incorrect? Does political correctness stifle free speech? Should students and faculty at CSUC who say racist or sexist things be punished? Is political correctness an issue only for universities and the media, or is it also an issue for industry, government, and the military?

Major Doug Campbell (U.S. Army)
Ron Hirschbein (Department of Philosophy)