Campus briefs

Certain core courses to be discontinued to make way for new core curriculum

As plans continue for the transition to the new core, which will take place next fall, some old core courses will no longer be offered.

The number of sections of these courses, like English 1, have been increased for spring quarter -- the last quarter they will be offered -- this year to ensure that students who need to fulfill that requirement can.

Extra sections of history 12, philosophy 13 and art history 13 will also be added for next quarter.

English 2 will not be offered after fall 2009.

In addition to spring quarter, extra courses will be offered during the summer both online and in person. The summer courses cost $259 per unit and take five weeks to complete.

Students who are continuing under the old core will be able to use new core courses to fulfill old core requirements, if necessary. However, they are encouraged to take the old core courses if possible in order to avoid confusion.

If students have questions, they can contact their department offices or advisors.

Senzai to lead discussion on 'Reel Bad Arabs'

A dine and discuss event will look into the depiction of Arabs in Hollywood films.

Professor Farid Senzai of the political science department will lead the discussion after the viewing of the film "Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People."

The film examines American cinema from the days of silent films to today to demonstrate a pattern of Arab stereotyping that has become common. It examines the origins of certain stereotypes, like that of the bloodthirsty terrorist or sinister Sheikh and demonstrates their danger to opinions about Arab Americans.

According to the film's Web site, the movie examines these stereotypes' "disturbing similarities to anti-Semitic and other racist and ethno-centric stereotypes and their resurgence and political resonance during key moments of crisis in U.S. history."

The movie, which will be put on by the Committee on Multiculturalism in the Residential Learning Communities, features Dr. Jack Shaheen, an author and media critic.

Shaheen has written on the damage that different stereotypes can do to ethnic minorities.

He is the author of the book on which this movie is based, "Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People."

The event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. in the California Mission Room.

Performance to explore life of St. Clare of Assisi

Students and alumni have combined to create a theater performance based on a text by Thomas of Celano.

This performance will be followed by a question and answer session with the creators to discuss the process of writing a script, creating an idea for a show and working with the performers to bring the show to life.

Directed by Mark Larson and Kristin Kusanovich, this "intimate and intense staged performance will blend contemporary theatre and medieval practices to create a work that delves into the profound existence of the namesake of our university," according to the event's Web site.

The performances will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of next week from 8 to 9 p.m. The event is free, but reservations are recommended. Contact the Mayer Theatre box office to reserve a seat.

From Staff Reports. E-mail news@thesantaclara.com.