Vanier College 17th Annual Social Science Festival looks at Perspectives – October 16 to 20, 2017

October 17, 2017

It’s always a great challenge to see the world through someone else’s eyes. How do we expand our experiences, or broaden our scope of learning to truly understand another viewpoint? How do we gain perspective? This year’s Vanier Social Science Festival taking place October 16 - 20, will explore diverse perspectives on issues related to identity, social justice, environmentalism, and current political issues in Canada and throughout the world.

The line-up of speakers includes community leaders, activists, politicians, entrepreneurs and academics whose diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise will give students the opportunity to confront and think about a variety of fascinating topics in new, and maybe even surprising, ways.

All members of the Vanier community and public are welcome to attend these events. Most events take place in the Vanier Auditorium (A-103).

The list of speakers include the following:

  • Tom Fennario, APTN Journalist, will look at the various ways reporters cover protest movements. (Tues. Oct 17, 4-5:30)

  • Michael Loft, Academic Associate at McGill School of Social Work and Mohawk Elder from Kahnawake, will discuss Aboriginal issues and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (Wed. Oct. 18, 9:30-11:00)

  • Martin Breaugh, York University Professor of Political Science and Philosophy, will discuss the role of facts in liberal democracy. (Fri., Oct. 20, 8:30 to 10:00)

  • Chiara Piazzesi, Professor of Sociology at Université de Montréal and columnist for the Huffington Post, will present "On the Illusion of Having It All - Western women questioning their current condition." (Wed. Oct. 18, 2:00 to 3:30)

  • Alexandra Mota, Vanier Social Science student, will explore initiatives to improve health and hygiene for women in developing countries with particular focus on Alexandra’s work and research in Malawi. (Mon., Oct. 16, 1:00 to 2:30)

  • Miles Denora, Vanier History teacher, will discuss the New York Time’s decades-long coverage of Bill and Hillary Clinton, and how it connects to recent political events in the United States. (Tues., Oct. 17, 8:30 to 10:00)

  • David Goodin, McGill Prof. of Religious Studies and Environmental Studies, will present "The Intersection of Fair Trade Coffee, International Aide and Religion in Ethiopia". (Thurs., Oct. 19, 11:30 to 1:00)

  • Rachel Zellars, McGill Lecturer and History Fellow at University of Vermont, will discuss the links between slavery and the current understanding of mental health among African Americans. (Mon., Oct. 16, 10:00 to 11:30)

  • Elana Cooperberg, Vanier Commerce teacher, will lead a workshop on Creativity. (Mon., Oct. 16, 2:30 to 4:00)

  • Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Vanier Social Science Alumnus and Federal Member of Parliament for St. Laurent, will talk about her journey from Vanier student to federal MP. (Fri., Oct. 20, 10:00 to 11:30)

  • Jacky Vallée, Vanier Anthropology Teacher, will look at Jacky’s doctoral research on the life experiences and worldviews of Indigenous drinkers in Chisasibi. (Thurs., Oct. 19, 2:30 to 4:00)

  • Alexa Conradi, Former President of La Fédération des femmes du Québec, will talk about Quebec’s blind spots on various issues in Quebec that also touch upon concerns of equality and solidarity. (Mon., Oct. 16, 11:30 to 1:00)

Consult the full program for details and descriptions.