Join University of Regina Professor Salvador Orlando Alfaro to discuss the extent to which universities in Canada can--and should--integrate other kinds of knowledge, beyond the traditionally academic, into their everyday practices.

In his talk, “Contested ways of knowing: The politics of place and the role of “other” knowledge in the academy,” Professor Alfaro will consider how universities can make themselves more open to different ways of seeing the world, including those from indigenous and minority communities. As Professor Alfaro will point out, the university, as a public institution, could draw on the expertise and wisdom of grassroots organizations and individuals to broaden its knowledge base and establish more meaningful relationships and dialogue with members of local communities. The barriers to such openness, though, he will argue, are deeply ingrained in the history and structures of the academy.

The latest installment of the Faculty of Arts’ popular Coffee House Controversies series will take place Thurs., Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Chapters bookstore behind the Southland Mall (2625 Gordon Road).

Coffee House Controversies aims to bring the research interests of Faculty of Arts members to the community. Speakers give an informal 20-minute talk focusing on a controversial topic of interest to the general public. The talks are intended to encourage the open exchange of ideas. Twenty minutes of discussion follows each talk, during which members of the general public can ask questions or raise issues with the speaker or other audience members. The events are free and open to the public. Contact Jennifer Arends at 585-4226 for more information.

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