PACS Newsletter - October 15th

Monday, October 15, 2018

The text

In this newsletter you will find...
Events:

Jobs and Opportunities:

Notes:

Disclaimer: Events and opportunities above are not all endorsed by the PACS department; this bulletin includes opportunities that we think PACS students may be interested in but are not sponsored by PACS. Please use your own discretion to determine if an opportunity is right for you.


Events

The Eagle and The Condor Film Premiere

Date: October 16th
Time: 4pm-7pm
Where: St. Paul's University College, Alumni Room
Cost: Free

From 2016-2017 Standing Rock water protection camps located at the heart of Turtle Island became the largest assembly of Indigenous peoples in recent history. This film, based around the prophecy of the Eagle and Condor that originates with nations from the South, features ceremony held at the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) site on Indigenous People's Day, October 10th, 2016. The film will be followed by a discussion with Film Director Kahsto'sera'a Paulette Moore.

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Feminist Poetry Slam


Date: October 22nd, 2018
Time: 7pm-9pm
Where: The Bombshelter Pub
Cost: Free

This poetry slam is a non-competitive event hosted by the UW Women's Centre that will showcase the diverse talents and experiences of your fellow University of Waterloo students. Everyone is welcome to attend for an evening filled with art, passion, and feminism!

Note: trigger warnings will be provided when applicable.

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Human Rights at the Local Level: Opportunities and Challenges

Date: October 29th, 2018
Time: 1pm-2:30pm
Where: Balsillie School of International Affairs, Room 1-43
Cost: Free

Human rights promotion and protection is ever more important with the rapid process of urbanization. Local authorities have begun to accept human rights obligations, effectively implementing international human rights law in a practical way and close to the citizens. This talk will discuss the arising questions as to the status of cities and local authorities as human rights actors, individually or in international human rights coalitions.

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Levers for Food Systems Change: A Panel Discussion on Urban Food Security, Food Justice, and International Agreements

Date: October 23rd, 2018
Time: 8:30am-10:30am
Where: Balsillie School of International Affairs, Room 1-42
Cost: Free

International agreements have highlighted the need for greater coordination along the food chain and increased food justice in creating urban food security, setting the stage for a new urban food policy to emerge. This panel will feature food system experts from Wilfrid Laurier University, Carleton University, and the City of Toronto, who will explore the available levers for changing the food system. Registration is required.

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International Humanitarian Law Conference

Date: November 13th, 2018
Time: 8:30am-5pm
Where: Balsillie School of International Affairs, Room 1-42
Cost: Free

This conference aims to uncover the role that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) plays as an instrument of peace. It will address disarmament and arms control, the importance of education in conflict and peace times, and health and disability in armed conflict. Experts in the field, including academics, practitioners, and representatives from the Canadian Red Cross Society will be in attendance.

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New Grebel Gallery Exhibit Reception

Date: October 23rd, 2018
Time: 4:30pm
Where: Grebel Gallery
Cost: Free

Grebel Gallery's newest exhibition is entitled "Cultural Translation: Negotiated Third Spaces and Those who Live There." Artist Soheil Esfahani is an Iranian Canadian whose work emerges from her reflections on her experience in this "negotiated third space"- platforms that are created out of necessity when cultures collide. The exhibit will run from October 18th to December 20th, 2018. Attend the launch reception to hear from Soheila as she introduces her work and the inspiration behind her exhibit!

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Film Screening: Drew Hayden Taylor's "Search for Winnetou"

Date: October 24th, 2018
Time: 7pm
Where: Balsillie School of International Affairs, Multipurpose Room
Cost: Free

Years ago, Hayden Taylor, an Ojibway from the Curve Lake First Nations in Ontario, became aware of the German fascination with the Old West, as immortalized in the Winnetou novels by 19th century writer Karl May. He made this film to explore the issue of cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation in Germany. This screening of this CBC documentary will be hosted by the Waterloo Centre for German Studies and will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker.

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Jobs and Opportunities

Operation Groundswell Travel Opportunities
Discover the world and connect with change makers as you dig into social justice issues and work with local activists, non-profits, and communities to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. Backpacking with a Purpose through Operations Groundswell runs exciting trips all over the world, and many of them are eligible for PACS 395 "Travel Course' credit. Submit your application to the non-profit organization Operation Groundswell by November 23rd, 2018. Programs are filling up quickly. Financial assistance is available for all students on five- and six-week programs.
Walk For Freedom
The Waterloo region will be joining a global community of abolitionists on October 20th to rally their communities to shine a global spotlight on human trafficking. This will be the Waterloo region's first Walk For Freedom. This event is a collective effort led by A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization dedicated to abolishing slavery. The long-term goal of Walk For Freedom is to fund-raise and to turn awareness into action. Click "Read More" for further information.
Further Education Fair
The Further Education Fair will provide you with the information you need to start program research or support your application for further study. Talk to representatives from teaching, law, MBA, engineering, health, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine, social work, college post-degree/certificate programs in Canada and abroad. The fair is hosted by the Centre for Career Action and will take place from 11am-2pm in the Student Life Centre (SLC).

Notes

Special Topics in Peace and Conflict Studies


Here are two courses offered in the Winter 2019 term that may be of interest to you as a PACS student! Both of these courses will count towards your PACS degree requirements. You will have the opportunity to add these courses for your Winter schedule during the add/drop period from November 19th-November 20th. These course topics may not be offered again during your undergrad- don't miss this exciting opportunity!
 
PACS 301: Human Rights in a Complex World
Instructor: Andrew Thompson

Course Description: This course will examine the ethical and practical challenges that civil society actors encounter when trying to advance and defend human rights in a world that has become increasingly hostile to international human rights norms and laws. Topics discussed in the course will include but not be limited to: Human Rights at the United Nations, past and present; women’s human rights; LGBTQ+ rights; disability rights; refugee rights; the rights of Indigenous peoples; and “new human rights,” such as rights in an age of Artificial Intelligence.

PACS 302 - Peacebuilding and Social Innovation
Instructor: Paul Heidebrecht

Course Description: This course pilot will address the overlaps and synergies between social innovation and the theory and practice of peacebuilding.  While targeting PACS majors and minors, this course will draw on the expertise and connections of the Centre for Peace Advancement (CPA) to enable PACS to make a distinctive contribution to the growing variety of entrepreneurship course offerings at UWaterloo.
ARTS 490: The Social and Political Implications of Artificial Intelligence
The Global Engagement Seminar invits third- and fourth-year students from any faculty to apply for its Winter term course, ARTS 490: The Social and Political Implications of Artificial Intelligence. In this seminar you will have the opportunity to work alongside your peers from other faculties to develop critical thinking, writing, presentation, and teamwork skills. You will also get to meet AI practitioners who will share real world insights and provide mentorship. Applications close October 15!