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Noted Scholar to Visit CSUN for Series of Lectures

(NORTHRIDGE, Jan. 30, 2008) — Noted political scholar Norman Finkelstein will explore the issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts as well as the relationships between academic freedom and civility during a triage of lectures at Cal State Northridge next month.

As the son of Holocaust survivors, Finkelstein has dedicated himself to educating the public on Jewish-related issues and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has been the center of much controversy concerning Israeli policies, often having been embattled with scholars and polemicists who view matters differently.

"Dr. Finkelstein speaks about controversial topics," said CSUN Provost Harry Hellenbrand, vice president of academic affairs. "His comments will provide the chance for us to think about our long term involvement in the Middle East and about the way we respond to each other’s views."

Finkelstein will speak first on "Civility and Academic Freedom" on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Presentation Room of the Oviatt Library, located in the center of campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

The scholar will then address the "Coming Break-up of American Zionism" from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Music Recital Hall, located in Cypress Hall near the southwest corner of campus.

On Thursday, Feb. 14, Finkelstein will offer "A Critique on the Walt-Mearsheimer Thesis" from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall. Chicago University professor Stephen Walt and Harvard professor John Mearsheimer have written a controversial paper concerning a view of history in which the Israel Lobby holds strong ties to American foreign policy, the American media, think tanks and academia.

Finkelstein received his doctorate in politics from Princeton University for his thesis on the theory of Zionism. He currently teaches political science at De Paul University in Chicago and has written numerous books based on the Holocaust and previous anti-Semitic events.

While the event is free and open to the public, reservations are required due to limited seating. For more information or to reserve a seat, call (818) 677-2957 or e-mail academic.affairs@csun.edu.