Leffler announces interdisciplinary programs in media, Jewish studies

By Rebecca Arrington

Dean Melvyn Leffler announced plans for two new interdisciplinary programs at the Arts & Sciences faculty meeting Feb. 14. One is in media studies, the other in Jewish studies.

Media studies, directed by Robertson Professor of Media Studies Johanna Drucker, will focus on the forms and cultural effects of radio, film, television, photography, print and emerging digital and electronic media. Two prerequisite courses for the program will be offered this fall, and the full program will be offered in spring 2001.

The Jewish studies program, to begin in academic year 2001-2002, will be headed by Peter Ochs, Bronfman Professor of Judaic Studies in the religious studies department. The theme of the program is Judaism as a civilization.

Each program will admit a maximum of 20 students.

Leffler also doled out some sweet remarks at the Valentine's Day meeting. He complimented the faculty on the high caliber of internal candidates up for tenure, and reminded departments, all of which are in the midst of hiring, of the "opportunity for us to bring to the University outstanding faculty."

In addition, Leffler told the faculty he's presently establishing priorities for the next four to five years to sustain the efforts of the capital campaign. To date, Arts & Sciences has raised $120 million -- "only the beginning of the potential we have" for advancement, he said. "We need to think not only about professorships and scholarships, which we need, but also buildings." Arts & Sciences "can be competitive with anybody" in every aspect except facilities, he said.

Following Leffler's presentation, faculty heard updates on two of the University's Virginia 2020 Commissions. Rebecca Kneedler, chair of the public service and outreach commission, reported that her group is examining ways to develop a strategic communications plan. She also noted that a comprehensive web site that lists U.Va.'s public services and outreach efforts "goes live" next month.

Anita Jones, chair of the science and technology commission, reported that her area is hard at work with strategic planning and multidisciplinary efforts to grow the most promising areas at U.Va. "to be the best," she said.

Brantly Womack, chair of the international initiatives commission, and Robert Chapel, chair of the arts commission, will report at the next Arts & Sciences faculty meeting on March 24 at 3:30 p.m. in Minor Hall auditorium.

In other business, Lynn Davis, biology lecturer and assistant dean in the College, was named faculty secretary.

A report of this and past Arts & Sciences faculty meetings is available online at http://www.virginia.edu/artsandsciences/dean/cepc/cepc0200.htm