‘Intellectual Salon’ engages Rice students in discussions with religious leaders

CONTACT: Franz Brotzen
PHONE: 713-348-6775
E-MAIL: franz.brotzen@rice.edu

Rice University students in the Religion and Public Life class taught by sociologist D. Michael Lindsay have been introduced to an array of local religious leaders in a unique format that encourages intelligent conversation.
 
Called “intellectual salons,” the sessions were sponsored by the Brown Foundation Teaching Grants Program. Guest speakers who addressed the classes included Samuel Karff. rabbi emeritus of Congregation Beth Israel; Duane Brooks, pastor of Tallowood Baptist Church; and Mahmoud El-Gamal, a professor of economics at Rice who preaches at his mosque.
 
Lindsay’s class examines the place of religion in various parts of public life, including medicine, education, politics and the economy.
 
In developing the “intellectual salon,” Lindsay was concerned that students have “very few structured environments in which they can practice the art of intelligent conversation.” The discussions were held at the Rice University president’s house and the houses of masters of the university’s residential colleges rather than in classrooms.
 
Lindsay, assistant professor of sociology and assistant director of Rice’s Center on Race, Religion and Urban Life, said the interdisciplinary program will help build better relations with the wider Houston community.