1:30 pm - 3:15 pm. The first panel deals with "whether or not we are at a fin de l'epoque – the conceptual culmination of an era – and if so, what phenomena and consciousness might characterize it," Bright says. In "Looking Ahead/Looking Back: Approaching the Year 2000" historian Scott Cook will explore the fin de sitcle concept as an historical phenomenon and discuss its usefulness to our times. English professor Susan Vander Closter will investigate what she calls "the state of cultural trauma" in contemporary literature and relate it to the recent controversy over "obscene" art. Art historian and critic Mary Anne Staniszewski will wrap up the first series of presentations by raising questions about the limitations of contemporary visual arts education at the university level and suggesting useful alternatives. A discussion led by Cathy Seigel of the English department will follow.

Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design and the Office of Academic Affairs. Supported by the Talbot Rantoul Fund, the Liberal Arts Division Humanities Fund, and the Rhode Island committee for the Humanities. Symposium coordinated by Deborah Bright.

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