The Dean's Lecture Series 2003-2004

Dean's Distinguished Lecture in the Humanities

The Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series was founded at the College of Physicians & Surgeons in 1981 to provide a forum and formal vehicle for interdisciplinary academic exchange in the basic sciences, clinical sciences, and humanities. The lectures are designed to emphasize the cross-collaborative nature of scientific inquiry and to enrich the traditional scholarly exchange between the health sciences faculties, the other branches of Columbia University, and the metropolitan New York medical community—all while honoring the school's fundamental responsibility to maintain the highest standards of humanistic education.

Over the past twenty years, we have been fortunate to have as speakers some of the world's leading basic scientists, clinicians, and humanistic scholars, all of whom have made significant and outstanding contributions to their respective fields. Yet, as expert as all of these speakers are in their areas of specialization, they have been able to bring their thoughts and experiences to life for those outside their traditional academic disciplines—some of whom ultimately have found new ways to advance this knowledge at the intersection of the arts and sciences.

Through the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series, we look forward to continuing our tradition of bringing together students, professors, researchers and clinicians in the spirit of true intellectual curiosity and academic cooperation—sowing the seeds, perhaps, for the next great breakthrough discovery or cure in the process.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURERS IN THE HUMANITIES

1981-82: Fritz Stern
1982-83: Harriet Zuckerman
1983-84: David Rothman
1984-85: Edith Porada
1985-86: Robert Merton
1986-87: Barbara Aronstein Black
1987-88: Louis Henkin
1988-89: Zbigniew Brzezinski
1989-90: Howard Shanet
1990-91: Fred Friendly
1991-92: Henry F. Graff
1992-93: Osborn Elliott
1993-94: James H. Beck
1994-95: Simon A. Schama
1995-96: David N. Cannadine
1996-97: George Rupp
1997-98: Jack Greenberg
1998-99: Kenneth Jackson
1999-00: Robert E. Pollack
2000-01: Edward W. Said
2001-02: Eric Foner
2002-03: Jeffrey Sachs