We live between fences. We may hardly notice them, but they are dominant features in our lives and in our history. Built of hedge, concrete, wood and metal, the fence skirts our properties and is central to the American landscape. We use them to enclose our houses and neighborhoods. They are decorative structures that are as much part of the landscape as trees and flowers. Industry and agriculture without fences would be difficult to imagine. Private ownership of land would be an abstract concept.

But fences are more than functional objects. They are powerful symbols. The way we define ourselves as individuals and as a nation becomes concrete in how we build fences.

Through an examination of boundaries, place, and space, Between Fences will explore how neighbors and nations divide, protect, offend, and defend through the boundaries they build.

This exhibit runs from November 29, 2008 - January 11, 2009

A Road Scholar Program by Penelope Bingham

Nanotechnology has been heralded as having the potential to lead to the next industrial revolution. But what is nanotechnology? What are the possible applications and how might it impact our world? At the Nanotechnology Town Hall Meeting you'll learn about nanotechnology from the experts.

The guest lecture will be followed by an open forum and reception.

Professor Mark Hersam is well known for his ground breaking work in the field of nanotechnology. He joined the faculty at Northwestern University in 2000 and is currently Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Professor of Chemistry. Hersam has been cited for outstanding research in applied science; silicon-based molecular electronics; nanoscale optoelectronics and atomic-resolution processing; and characterization of electronic, organic, and biological materials and molecules using scanning probe microscopy. He has also been honored for outstanding teaching and outreach in the fields of nanoscale science and engineering.

The Odyssey Project is a college-level course in philosophy, literature, art history, and history for men and women living below 150% of the poverty level.

Its anchor program is the first-year course, which is offered in partnership with Bard College and for which students may receive six units of college credit.

Faculty members are largely from first-rate universities such as University of Chicago, the School of the Art Institute, and DePaul University.

Tuition is free, and the Illinois Humanities Council provides free childcare, free books, and transportation. The six units of credit are fully transferable to other colleges and universities.

This course meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Admission is by application only. Refer to syllabus for changes in course schedule.