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Following is a sampling of December events at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please use this information for calendar listings and postings and in planning your event-oriented coverage. Events are free to the public unless otherwise noted.

Following is a sampling of December events at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please use this information for calendar listings and postings and in planning your event-oriented coverage. Events are free to the public unless otherwise noted.

December brings bountiful holiday concerts, art exhibits and lectures

Dec. 1
Matlab: Introduction
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
R.B. House Undergraduate Library, Room 034
This is an introduction in how to use the mathematical and statistical application, Matlab. Participants will learn how to navigate through the Matlab windows inteface and drop-down menus as well as learn some basic ways Matlab can be used. No prerequisite is required. For more information, visit http://learnit.unc.edu/workshops.

“Circa 1958” Gerrard Hall Series
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Gerrard Hall
The UNC arts community comes together this fall to celebrate the Ackland’s 50th anniversary and the exhibition “Circa 1958” with this third performance in a special series of programming held in the newly restored Gerrard Hall. For more information, visit http://www.ackland.org/index.php or call Jocelyn Arem at (919) 843-3687.

Holiday Concert
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Memorial Hall
Celebrate the end of classes and the beginning of winter with the GAA’s annual “Holiday Concert” highlighting the talent of seven a cappella groups, including the GAA-sponsored Clef Hangers and Loreleis. Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 17. GAA members are entitled to one free ticket; additional tickets may be purchased for $5 each. Tickets can be purchased in the Pit or at the Memorial Hall Box Office, (919) 843-3333, during business hours. All proceeds from the concert will benefit UNC Relay for Life. Contact Rick Davis at (919) 962-3581 for more information.

Dec. 2
“When Women Think about Security: Some Feminist Lessons from the Iraq War,” Lecture by Cynthia Enloe
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Nelson Mandela Auditorium, FedEx Global Education Center

Dr. Cynthia Enloe will answer questions about women’s security issues to bring a fresh perspective to the war in Iraq. The lecture is cosponsored by the Triangle Institute for Security Studies, the FedEx Global Education Center, UNC Curriculum in Peace, War and Defense, UNC Curriculum in Women’s Studies, Carolina Women’s Center, Duke Women’s Studies Program and the UNC Workshop Series “Gender, War and Politics in Europe and Beyond.” For more information, contact Tyler Ritter at (919) 843-5836 or visit http://www.global.unc.edu.

Swing and Salsa Dance Party
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Great Hall, Student Union
For more information, contact the UNC Department of Music at (919) 962-1039.

Dec. 3
Presentation on “The Kids Got Games: Computer/Video Games, Gender and Learning Outcomes in Elementary Science Classrooms”
Noon – 1 p.m.
Peabody Hall, Room 212
In recent years, educators have begun exploring how to design computer/video games to support student learning. This presentation by Janice Anderson, assistant professor of science education in the School of Education, will specifically address this topic. In particular, she will focus on the educational impact of “Quest Atlantis,” a 3-D virtual world where urban fifth-grade students learned the elementary-science concepts of water quality and ecosystems. Students, faculty, alumni and interested persons are encouraged to bring a brown-bag lunch, hear the presentation and join in the conversation. For more information, e-mail Patricia Phillips-Ayers at pphillip@email.unc.edu.

“Not Just Words: The Remarkable Resilience of Human Rights.”
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
FedEx Global Education Center
Professor Michael Byers holds a Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law from the University of British Columbia. Byers’ work focuses on the interaction of international law and politics, particularly with respect to human rights, international organizations, use of military force, the Arctic and Canada-United States relations. He is a regular contributor to the London Review of Books, The Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star. The African Studies Center is hosting this event.

Dec. 4
Current Science Forum
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Banquet Hall, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
The first Thursday of every month, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will explore a science topic that’s making headlines — or should be! While many Morehead programs are designed for children, Current Science Forums are planned specifically for adults. The heart of each Current Science Forum is the roundtable discussion that follows an expert presentation. Coffee and cookies are provided as participants talk, listen and learn. December’s topic has not yet been determined, but check for an update at  http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/index.cfm?
fuseaction=page&filename=current_science_forums.html
or contact MPSC Guest Relations at (919) 962-1236.

Dec. 5
Colloquium on “Memory and the Politics of the Popular”
Noon – 2:30 p.m.
Institute for the Arts and Humanities, Hyde Hall
The Institute for the Arts and Humanities will host a colloquium on “Memory and the Politics of the Popular.” This event is part of the memory studies series sponsored by the institute and the working group on cultures of memory.  For more information, contact Kirsten Beattie at (919) 843-2654 or see http://www.iah.unc.edu/calendar/memorycolloquium .

Music of Bach
8 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Person Recital Hall
For more information, contact the UNC Department of Music at (919) 962-1039.

Dec. 6
Contemporary Iran in Context (Humanities Program)
9:15 a.m. — 5:15 p.m.
UNC campus
Topics and speakers are “Persian Poetry: Love and Mysticism in Medieval Lyrics” by Omid Safi, associate professor of religious studies; “The Iranian Revolution at Age 30” by Charles Kurzman, professor of sociology; “The Reform Movement in Contemporary Iran: Reforming Islam in the ‘Axis of Evil’” by professor Safi; “Iranian Cinema after the Islamic Revolution” by Negar Mottahedeh, assistant professor of literature, Duke University; and “Approaching Contemporary Iran” by professors Safi, Kurzman and Mottahedeh. The Carolina Center for the Study of the Middle East and Muslim Civilizations help to support the program. Cost is $105 for tickets bought before Sept. 10, $120 regular. An optional $15 pays for lunch. Teachers and first-time participants pay 50 percent off tuition, which includes break food and seminar readings mailed before the event. For more information, contact Caroline Dyar at (919) 962-1546.

Kids Rock! Movement
10 a.m. – noon
Fetzer Gym C
Featuring LD Burris of the Triangle Center for Contemporary Dance, this session combines modern dance forms with African dance and story play and jazz dance- influenced movements. Call Meghann Martinez at (919) 843-6784 for more information.

An Afternoon at PlayMakers – Cummins and Scoullar’s “The Little Prince”
1 p.m.
George Watts Hill Alumni Center
PlayMakers’ production of this internationally renowned classic story was a critical and popular success, and the General Alumni Association is proud to offer UNC alumni and their families the opportunity to explore the play during a fun and imaginative afternoon at the theatre. The day begins with a pre-show reception, just for kids, followed by the best seats in the house to experience this beloved story. After the show, families are invited to join the actors in the lobby for a chance to get an even closer look at the magic of “The Little Prince.” Cost is $30 adults and $15 for adult GAA members and children.  For more information, see http://alumni.unc.edu/article.aspx?sid=6126

Dec. 6,7
“The Nutcracker”: Carolina Ballet
8 p.m. Saturday – 2 p.m. Sunday
Memorial Hall
A holiday season staple, Robert Weiss’ “Nutcracker” is a fantasy classic, capturing the irrepressible imagination of a child, in whose world all things are possible. Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s more macabre “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the original work was Tchaikovsky’s third and last major ballet. For more information, contact Carolina Performing Arts at (919) 843-7776.

Dec. 7
A German Christmas: UNC Consort of Viols
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Person Recital Hall
Contact the UNC Department of Music at (919) 962-1039 for more information.

Dec. 10, 11
Sixth Annual One Medicine Symposium
8 a.m. Wednesday – 4 p.m. Thursday
Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, Research Triangle Park
This conference emphasizes the link between animal and human health. This year’s symposium features the One Medicine approach to climate change. Details will be posted at http://www.onemedicinenc.org. Contact Bev Holt at (919) 966-6274 for more information.

Dec. 11
IAH Fellows Recognition and Book Launch
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Institute for Arts and Humanities, Hyde Hall
The Institute for the Arts and Humanities (IAH) will host an IAH Fellows Recognition and Holiday Party to celebrate new work produced by IAH fellows in 2008. This event is open to the University and the general public. New publications will be on sale at a holiday discount, and authors will be available to sign their works. For more information, visit www.iah.unc.edu or contact Kirsten Beattie at (919) 843-2654.

16th Annual Winter Stories Program for Children of All Ages
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wilson Library, Pleasants Family Assembly Room
Brian Sturm, associate professor of information and library science, returns with spellbinding storytelling to continue this cherished tradition of words and music. For more information, contact Liza Terll at (919) 962-4207.

Dec. 13
The Berlin Airlift Sixty Years on (Humanities Program)
9:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. 
UNC campus
This Distinguished Scholar Seminar will feature Gerhard L. Weinberg, a William Rand Kenan Jr. Professor of History, Emeritus. Presentations will cover the following topics: “The Origins of the Situation: Germany in Zones and Sectors,” “The Origins and the Operation of the Blockade” and “The Airlift: The Importance and Effects of the Blockade and the Airlift.” The Center for European Studies helped to support this event. Cost is $105 for tickets bought before Sept. 10, $120 regular. An optional $15 pays for lunch. Teachers and first-time participants may enjoy 50 percent off tuition, which includes break food and seminar readings mailed before the event.
Visit http://www.unc.edu/depts/human/level_3/2008_fall/93-BerlinAirlift.htm or contact Caroline Dyar at (919) 962-1546 for more information.

Dec. 14
Commencement
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.      
Dean E. Smith Center
General arrangements for the weekend are coordinated by the Commencement Committee and the Office of University Events. Contact Jane Smith at jane_smith@unc.edu or (919) 962-0045 for more information.

Dec. 17
Starry Winter Nights
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.     
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Learn how to identify planets, bright stars and constellations during the time of year they are most visible. Enjoy stories from various cultures about star patterns in the heavens. Morehead educators will share information about meteor showers and other celestial events. For ages 16 and older. Advance registration is required.
Cost is $12 ($8 for Morehead members and UNC students). For more information visit http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&filename=adult_classes.html or contact MPSC Guest Relations at (919) 962-1236.

Dec. 20
Storytime Science
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.         
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Star Theater
This event is for children ages 4 to 6 and their caregivers. It features a new science-focused children’s story and activity every time. Advance registration is encouraged.
Cost is $5 ($4 for MPSC members). For more information, contact MPSC Guest Relations at (919) 962-1236 or see http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/index.cfm?
fuseaction=page&filename=storytime_science.html

Dec. 28
Ackland Family Fun Tour
1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Ackland Art Museum
Learn new ways to look at and think about art in these interactive gallery tours designed for 6- to 12-year olds and their adult companions. For more information, see http://www.ackland.org/index.php.

Ongoing

Year-round (Dec. 6)
Skywatching Sessions
Varies, evening
Jordan Lake's Ebenezer Church Recreation Area, Little River Regional Park
Weather permitting, visitors will discover the night sky with telescopes and guidance from Morehead educators and CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society). These events are for all ages. This month’s event will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Skywatching is a monthly event. For more information, see http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/index.cfm?
fuseaction=page&filename=skywatch_calendar.html
.

Year-round (Dec. 10)
Lunch with One: One Work, One Expert, One Hour
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Ackland Art Museum
Every month, the Ackland invites members of the University community and friends of the Ackland to attend a lunch-hour lecture. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy an hour of inspiration and information about art in the Ackland collection. Registration is recommended. The event is free to members and $5 for each nonmember. Families are invited. Dine in the galleries and then join an Ackland staff member for a family-oriented highlights tour. This month’s lunch is “The Legacy: Circa 1958 and Beyond.” Professor Cary Levine examines the legacy of the “circa 1958” period in the visual arts. For more information, visit http://www.ackland.org/visit/calendar.php.

Year-round (Dec. 13)
Drawing in the Galleries: Ackland Public Program
10 a.m. – noon
Ackland Art Museum
Every month, Amanda Hughes, director of external affairs at the Ackland and working artist, meets with friends of the museum who have an interest in practicing and strengthening their drawing skills. Each session opens with a brief conversation about a work of art in the Ackland, the artist who made the work and the culture from which it emerged. In addition to Hughes’ program, senior museum educator Beth Shaw McGuire leads a drawing program designed specifically for children. Bring paper and dry media (crayon, pencils, etc.). All levels are welcome. “Drawing for Kids” runs during the same hours as “Drawing in the Galleries” and focuses on teaching the basics of drawing to children aged 9 to 12. They will practice techniques including contour drawing, linear perspective, shading and drawing people. Materials are provided. For “Drawing for Kids,” registration is limited, free to members and $5 per non-member. For more information, visit http://www.ackland.org/visit/calendar.php?q=2008-10-11.

Year-round (Dec. 21)
Music in the Galleries
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ackland Art Museum
Every third Sunday of the month, enjoy free music in the Ackland galleries. A wide variety of performers can be found, from classical quartets to live DJs, to enhance your museum experience. In addition, the Ackland also features special ticketed concerts throughout the year. This month features “Musical Selections for the Season, Viola – Jennifer Leech and Harp-Quincy Leech.” For more information, call (919) 843-3676 or e-mail acklandprograms@unc.edu.

Sept. 9 – Dec. 22 (Dec. 9, 22)
Yoga in the Galleries
Noon to 1 p.m.
Ackland Art Museum
Namasté! Take a break from your day and explore the world of yoga in the beautiful setting of the Ackland! Yoga mats and museum cushions are provided. Please wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to stretch. Since the galleries can be cool, long sleeves are recommended. Joanne Marshall leads the sessions. Beginners are welcome. Registration is limited, free to members and $5 per nonmember. For more information, visit http://www.ackland.org/visit/calendar.php.

Sept. 12 – Jan. 9 (Dec. 12)
Art After Dark: Ackland Public Program
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ackland Art Museum
Enjoy our evening hours, cash bar, free admission, occasional gallery talks by Ackland and guest curators, and live music every second Friday, including the special December program, the annual holiday pajama party celebrating the Ackland’s 50th anniversary and Golden Books’ 65th anniversary with storyteller Faye Stanley. For more information, see http://www.ackland.org/programs/art_after_dark/.

Oct. 9 – Dec. 4
Black Dreams/Silver Screens: Black Film Posters 1920-1995
7:30 p.m. reception
Robert and Sallie Brown Gallery and Museum, Stone Center
This event will feature original posters, including rare vintage lobby cards, and hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind materials from the earliest days of black filmmaking and from classic films with all black casts. These posters highlight the work of the first black matinee idols, including Herb Jeffries, Lena Horne and Bill Pickett. Aside from their use as promotional material, the posters played an important socio-cultural role for black communities across the United States, as they most often showed black actors as legitimate screen stars and cultural icons. For more information, see http://sonjahaynesstonectr.unc.edu/programs/events/exhibitfall08/.

Nov. 17 – Jan. 3
Center for Global Initiatives Photography Exhibition
Peacock Atrium, FedEx Global Education Center
Each year the Center for Global Initiatives hosts an amateur photography competition to celebrate International Education Week. Entries are judged on the ability to represent a cross-cultural or international experience and on artistic merit. Come view the winners of the 9th annual competition throughout the common areas of the building. For more information, visit http://global.unc.edu or contact Tripp Tuttle at (919) 962-3094.

Nov. 26 – Dec. 14
The Little Prince
7:30 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays
2 p.m. Sundays and Saturday, Dec. 6
Paul Green Theatre, Center for Dramatic Art
PlayMakers’ telling of this magical story became an instant favorite, so this year it’s been brought back as a very special event. When a disenchanted Aviator crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert, he meets a visitor from a faraway star. Through the insights shared by this Little Prince, the Aviator and the audience are reminded of what is truly important in life. This theatrical experience is a joy and wonder for children of all ages. Tickets range from $10 to $40 per person. For more information or tickets, visit http://www.playmakersrep.org/ or call the PlayMakers box office at (919) 962-7529.

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