Bean East Courtyard

This website is maintained by David Reis, the 2015-2016 Faculty Fellow for the Bean East Residence Hall. I have designed this site to promote our academic program and facilitate communications with the students of Bean East.

The theme for this year’s academic program is “Envisioning Community.” I plan to schedule lectures, films, off-campus excursions, and other events that I hope will encourage you to appreciate the diversity of views on this subject and help you clarify your own values, establish meaningful relationships, and begin the process of creating your own vision of community life. Of course, the success of the program depends upon your participation, so please take a moment to bookmark this website. Most importantly, check the Calendar regularly and get involved! I am looking forward to meeting all of you!

ENVISIONING COMMUNITY

What does it mean to live in community?
What values are central for the formation and maintenance of viable, productive societies?
To what extent should human flourishing include discussions of animals, plants, and the environment?
How should we approach difference and how can we achieve the “good life”?

These perennial questions have captured the imaginations of political and religious figures, philosophers, novelists, poets, and artists throughout the world. This year we will explore issues that will help you think more deeply about these questions and sharpen your own vision for living in community.