The Davis & Elkins College Center for Spirituality, Ethics & Global Awareness is preparing to launch a new series of public lectures and events, beginning with a presentation by Dr. Shawn Stover on Sept. 15.

Continuing through December, the series features a variety of topics and a sampling of international cuisine, with both daytime and evening events.

Under the direction of Dr. Chandana Chakrabarti, all of the programs are designed to expand opportunities for learning, academic collaboration, and community engagement.

Sept. 15, 11 a.m. to noon in Booth Library. "The Great Divide: Resolving the War Between Science and Religion," presented by Dr. Shawn Stover. Anti-religious rhetoric forces non-scientists into a false dilemma. As a result, they align themselves with religion and become resistant to conceptual change. If the goal is to actually increase the scientific literacy of citizens, scientists must recognize the importance of religion in human cultures and must be willing to show respect for naturally occurring religious beliefs.

Sept. 22, 11 a.m. to noon, Booth Library. "Minds and Machines," presented by Steve Mattingly. This lecture introduces fundamental questions in the debate about artificial intelligence (AI). Can machines think? Are we thinking machines? What are the ethical and spiritual implications of findings (and failures) in AI research? Experts in many fields have joined this debate. The speaker will look at ideas from computer scientists, economists, biologists, philosophers, cognitive psychologists, neuroscientists, physicists, novelists and filmmakers.

Sept. 29, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Halliehurst. "The Role of the Priestess," presented by Dr. Helen Benigni. In the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and Europe in the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, women of high stature and intelligence were appointed the role of a priestess of the goddesses or gods. Often, those women were models of the goddesses or gods they represented, and they became emissaries for their respective deities. Their lives were modeled after the lives of the deities and took fantastic form. Women such as Sappho, Boudicca and Helen of Troy are among some of the most interesting and politically influential priestesses in recorded history.

Oct. 8, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Madden Student Center. "Bengal Night" - a Bengali feast.

Oct. 13, 11 a.m. to noon, Booth Library. "Once Upon a Time ," presented by Dr. Sharmi Roy. The present calendar predates the invention of the telescope, the mechanical clock and its development is one of the great untold stories of science and history. Hosts of questions have been raised and answered about the nature of human timekeeping and the majestic historical forces that have produced the miracle of the calendar.

Oct. 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Booth Library. Alumni seminar featuring "Self, Immortality and Freedom," presented by Kisor Chakrabarti, and "Miracles and Power of Mind: From Theological and Scientific Perspectives," presented by Dr. Robert McCutcheon and Dr. Chandana Chakrabarti.

Oct. 21, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Halliehurst. "Christian Buddhist Dialogue" led by McCutcheon and Dr. Chandana Chakrabarti. Part of the World Religion Evening Lecture Series preceded by an ethnic dinner at 5 p.m. Islamic banking has the same purpose as conventional banking except that it operates in accordance with the Islamic rules on transactions (Shari'ah). One of the basic tenants that guide Islamic banking is the outlawing of riba, a term that encompasses not only the concept of usury, but also that of interest. While Islamic banking employs various practices that do not involve charging or paying interest, the Islamic financial system promotes the concept of participation in a transaction backed by real assets, utilizing the funds at risk on a profit-and- loss-sharing basis.

Nov. 5, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Halliehurst. "Amazons and Queens: Warrior Women East and West," presented by Dr. Jane Woods. A discussion of the "female warriors" of Western Asia and Western Europe, their similarities and differences and how both came from the same cultural roots.

Nov. 6, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Madden Student Center. "Arab Night" - a night of Arabian fare.

Nov. 13-14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Robert C. Byrd Conference Center. International and Interdisciplinary Conference topics: "Spirituality, Art and Global Peace: East and West" and "Society, Culture and Religion of India."

Dec. 4, noon to 1 p.m., Madden Student Center. "Taste of International Dishes."

For more information about CSEGA, call Dr. Chandana Chakrabarti at 304-637-1293 or visit www.davisandelkins.edu.