‘Does marriage matter?’ SU seminar to tackle thorny issue

Wednesday, September 1, 2004, By News Staff

‘Does marriage matter?’ SU seminar to tackle thorny issueSeptember 01, 2004Amy Schmitzaemehrin@syr.edu

On Sept. 19, Syracuse University and Syracuse Stage will host a symposium entitled “Marriage: Does it Really Matter?” from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The seminar will take place in the Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage.

The symposium focuses on the historical, political, religious, cultural and legal issues surrounding the institution of marriage. Marriage is currently under considerable pressure as a state-sanctioned institution. This symposium brings together the leading voices presently engaged in examining the issues. This discussion includes a broad and diverse spectrum of scholars, journalists, advocates, experts and artists.

The day will open with a brief address by SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor. Following her introduction, the first panel will address “The Evolution of Marriage: Why and to Whom it Matters.” Keynote speaker Stephanie Coontz, author of “The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap,” will be joined by Sarah Lawrence College professor Julie Abraham; Samuel Gorovitz, founding director of SU’s Renee Crown Honors Program; Deirdre Neiland, faculty member of the Center for Bioethics and Humanities at SUNY Upstate Medical University; and Sarah Ramsey, director of the Family Law and Social Policy Center. SU professor Amy Lang will moderate.

The afternoon session is titled “Cultural Representation of Marriage: From the Greeks to ‘How To Marry A Millionaire’.” The keynote speaker will be Adam Haslett, a past finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award and author of “You are Not A Stranger Here.” Panelists include SU professors Amy Falkner, Peter Moller, and R. Gustav Niebuhr; Robert Thompson, Trustee Professor of media and popular culture and director of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications’ Center for the Study of Popular Television, will moderate.

Tickets for the symposium are $50 for the general public and $35 for SU students with I.D. The ticket price includes breakfast, lunch and a ticket to a performance of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” at Syracuse Stage. Tickets may be used basis for the Sept. 19 performance at 7 p.m. or for other selected shows on Sept. 15-23.

The symposium is sponsored by The College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Law, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Newhouse School and the Center for Bioethics and Humanities.

For more information, call (315) 443-1150.