Top 5 academic events for week of April 18

This week's Top 5 includes movies, the beginning of Earth Week and a cultural showcase of dances, skits and singing. If you have recommendations for next week's Top 5 e-mail the Academics Editor.

Monday

Investing in the Future: The Economics of Sustainability

WHAT: This event is in preparation for Earth Day on Friday, April 22. The roundtable which includes professors Jack Goldstone and Tom Lovejoy will discuss various economic arguments relating to the value and benefits of sustainability in today’s globalized world. Goldstone is a consultant to the U.S. State Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Lovejoy is an ecologist who has worked in the Brazilian Amazon since 1965 and has worked on the interaction between climate change and biodiversity for more than 20 years.

WHEN: 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Student Union Building II, Rooms 3 and 4

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Office of Sustainability, (703) 993-4220

EXTRA: The full list of events for Earth Week at Mason can be found here.

Tuesday

Global Justice Film Series 2011: Milk of Sorrow

WHAT: This is the second film we have featured on Top 5 from the Global Justice Film Series. “Milk of Sorrow” follows a woman named Fausta, who is suffering from the milk of sorrow, an illness that is transmitted through the breast milk of women who were raped or mistreated during the war of terror in Peru. According to the movie’s website the film is “about the search for healing [and is a] voyage from fear to freedom.” The film was nominated last year at the Academy Awards for best foreign film. Harvard anthropologist Kimberly Theidon will give a presentation after the movie.

WHEN: 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Meese Room in Mason Hall

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Here is the film series web site.

Wednesday

Middle East Film Series: American Radical

WHAT: Here is another chance to watch a movie for free at the Middle East Film Series. “American Radical” is documentary released in 2009 that is about an American named Norman Finkelstein who is a devoted son of holocaust survivors but an ardent critic of Israel and U.S. Middle-East policy.

WHEN: 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Johnson Center, Cinema

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Middle East Film Series web site.

Thursday

Cultural Studies Colloquium: Amy Best

WHAT: Amy Best recently published an article called “Fast Food Kids, Symbolizing Youth: Food Talk, Body Work and Consumption in Everyday Life.” Her research focuses on the study of youth, culture and social inequalities. Best will present her research and members will have a chance to ask questions.

WHEN: 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: JohnsonCenter, Room B

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Cultural Studies Program, (703) 993-2851

Friday

Cultural Showcase: Spark Hope

WHAT: This is a chance to help benefit a good cause while enjoying a dance show from Kappa Phi Lambda. The show will raise proceeds for Horton’s Kids. The nonprofit organization provides tutoring and mentoring services to children of Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8. Performances will include cultural dances, skits, steps and strolls and singing.

WHEN: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

WHERE: SUB II Ballroom

COST: Free (Donations will be accepted)

MORE INFO: Office of Diversity Programs and Services (703) 993-2700