Colorado State University Honors 50th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights During International Week Nov. 6-14

For the week of Nov. 6-14, the campus of Colorado State will become a global village featuring performances, lectures, demonstrations and cuisine from around the world.

This year, International Week celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The weeklong schedule of activities offers local citizens a whole realm of opportunities to discover different cultures. Participants can attend demonstrations on dancing the samba, how to properly wrap an Indian sari, how to perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or learn from a master how to practice the Brazilian art of capoeira. Other events offer the chance to join discussions on current international political issues or enjoy multimedia travelogues about life in faraway places. A selection of cuisine from around the world will be available for sampling.

Several internationally renowned authors, lecturers and performance troupes will be participating in this year’s events, including the preeminent female poet of Ireland, Eavan Boland; the internationally recognized Korean dance troupe "Salmunori;" and, from Brazil, a master of capoeira.

All events are open to the public and most are free of charge, with the exception of purchasing food. Most events will take place in the Lory Student Center on the Colorado State campus.

International Week sponsors include the International Club, The Council of International Student Affairs, the Office of International Programs and other organizations at Colorado State. It is funded in part by grants from Associated Students of Colorado State University, the Lory Student Center and the Office of International Programs. For more information, contact Viviane Ephraimson-Abt or Mark Hallet at (970) 491-5917.

Highlights of the week include the following events.

Friday, Nov. 6 – 5:30-7 p.m., "A Taste of India," International House, 1400 W. Elizabeth St. Sample native Indian cuisine, traditional music and share in interesting discussions at this weekly social hour.

Saturday, Nov. 7 – 7:30-10 p.m., "Pachanga: Dance Salsa, Samba and Merengue," North Ballroom, Lory Student Center. Enjoy a Latin American dance party and learn the steps for the latest, hottest dance craze to hit New York and Los Angeles. Music provided by the internationally known Grupo de Capoeira du Forte from Brazil, led by master Alcides de Lima.

Monday, Nov. 9 – 12:30-1 p.m., "Display of Indian Dress," Sunken Lounge, Lory Student Center. Using volunteers from the audience, Monica Chawathe demonstrates the proper way to wrap and wear the traditional Indian sari and Salwar Kameez. She will also explain a little of the history and the different types of fabrics and prints used based on class. – 3-4 p.m., "When Millionaires Sound Like Marx," Room 224-226, Lory Student Center. Professor Dimitris Stevis examines the reasons for–and the responses to–the current global economic crisis, offering a variety of perspectives. – 6:30 p.m., "Knowing Chile," Room 220-222, Lory Student Center. Doctoral candidate Claudio Meier presents a slide show and leads a discussion of the landscape, culture and politics of modern Chile.

Tuesday, Nov. 10 – 11:30-noon, "Sado: The Japanese Tea Ceremony," Sunken Lounge, Lory Student Center. Participants dressed in traditional kimonos demonstrate and explain the spiritual, scholastic and technical aspects of the "Way of Tea." – Noon-2 p.m., "The Role of the Central Intelligence Agency in Destroying Democracy in Iran," Room 220-222, Lory Student Center. Professor Parvis Soltanpours lectures on the historical and current role of the CIA in Iranian politics as well as CIA activities in other countries around the world. – 7 p.m., "Australian Aboriginal Culture: Challenging the Stereotypes," Fort Collins Main Library, Ben Delatour Room. Professor of anthropology Annie Ross, visiting professor from the University of Queensland, Australia, will give a multimedia lecture on the aboriginal cultures of Australia and the issues facing these ancient peoples entering the 21st century. – 7:30-9 p.m., Workshop: "The Art of Capoeira," Room 230, Lory Student Center. Master Alcides de Lima of Brazil will teach the first of several interactive workshops on the ancient art of capoeira. A Brazilian art form with African roots, capoeira combines the flow of interactive movements with music and singing. For Africans and their descendants in Brazil during the slavery period (16th through 19th centuries), capoeira originally was a means to train covertly for escape and self-defense. Gradually, this developed into a form of cultural preservation and social interaction. Master Alcides is one of the foremost capoeira masters in Brazil with more than 20 years of experience teaching capoeira history, traditions and skills.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 – 12-1 p.m., "Travel: Choose Your Adventure," Sunken Lounge, Lory Student Center. Health service professionals from the Hartshorn Health Service at Colorado State will offer tips on how to stay healthy when you travel–no matter what your destination. Information on health precautions and advice on the various vaccinations required for overseas travel will be available. Free blood pressure readings. – 4 p.m., "Around the World With the Peace Corps," Room 220-222, Lory Student Center. Members of the Peace Corps will give a slide presentation and conduct a question-and-answer session on the organization’s mission, goals and activities. – 6:30-9:30 p.m., "India Nite,"Lory Student Center Theatre. Enjoy the rich and varied cultural heritage of one of the world’s largest continents. Traditional costume, dance, music and folklore. – 7-9 p.m., "The Rise of Islamic Fundamentalism," Room 228, Lory Student Center. Shaker El Sayed, secretary general of the Muslim American Society in Washington, D.C., will explain the tenets of the Islamic faith and discuss the reasons behind the emergence of Islam as a world political force.

Thursday, Nov. 12 – 11 a.m.-noon, "Animals and People in Africa," Room 224-226, Lory Student Center. Professor Delwin Benson and Ethiopian exchange student Jason Roussos explore the role of living and dead animals in folklore and modern African culture. – 11:30 a.m.-noon, "Chinese Taiji and Wushu," Sunken Lounge, Lory Student Center. The ancient Chinese martial arts, or Wushu, have been created and developed for self-defense and survival throughout human history. Correct Chinese Wushu training improves physical ability, health and willpower. Wushu philosophy is closely related to Taosim " and emphasizes the harmony between nature and human being, between Yin and Yang. The demonstration will include an explanation of the history and philosophy of these ancient arts. – 6-7 p.m., "Muevete!! Learn to Dance!" Cherokee Park Room, Lory Student Center. Learn traditional and hot, new Latin American dances: samba, tango, merengue, salsa and much more. Bring a partner or come alone.

Friday, Nov. 13 – 11a.m.-1 p.m., "Salmunori," Lory Student Center Theatre and again 6:30-8:30 p.m., North Ballroom, Lory Student Center. This internationally renowned Korean performance troupe will give two shows of Korean dancing, singing, music and celebration. Salmunori has performed in many countries around the world and will be available for these two performances only.

Saturday, Nov. 14 – 5-10 p.m., "International Festival and Stage Shows," Main Ballroom, Lory Student Center. The final day of the weeklong celebration includes 23 booths of food from around the world, cultural information and a number of final performances by singers, dancers and artists.