"Fugitive Denim" by Rachel Snyder and "Piece Work" by Barbara Presnell are the two readings selected for the upcoming year. What is the story behind our favorite pair of jeans? How are people, economies, global markets, farmers, mill workers, and fashion designers "woven" into an experience we take for granted as we flip through stacks of jeans or wrap ourselves ina fluffy towel?  Snyder interviews people from around the world to create her story of denim.  Presnell interviewed a North Carolina mill workers, then tells their story in a series of poems, giving voice to their lives. Because UHP is an interdisciplinary program, we will be discussing the book from many vantage points and looking at the larger issues of textiles and the hands that create it. 

You can purchase the books from our campus bookstore or from any other vendor you like.  Our UHP webpage will begin a Blog for early discussions and provide weblinks on the authors and related information. Various classes will discuss the books, and we will contiue our faculty-discussion night tradition.  Rachel Snyder is currently researching in Cambodia, and will join us at UNC Charlotte in Spring semester.  The Charlotte Symphony will perform their original work "Mill Village: A Rhapsody...." followed by a panel discussion with Barbara Presnell.  This promises to be an exciting September event. 

So, start reading, thinking, enjoying.  Get ready to take a second look at the jeans you love.

Roundtable Discussion Night

September 9
5pm
Cone Center, Lucas Room

On September 9 at 5pm, honors faculty and students will get together for dinner and discussion of the books in a unique and lively format. Students from last year’s discussion night said,

It was a very successful format. By having discussions led by professors who studied various fields of academia, my thoughts and understandings of the book were expanded and I felt like the books had much more elements to it than when I initially read it on my own.

The round table was my favorite part. I thought it was a nice informal way to get to know people and view the book from a different perspective.

This discussion night is open to everyone in UHP, and first year students are especially encouraged to attend.

 If you are a member of UHP, please rsvp if you plan to attend the event.

Charlotte Symphony performs “Mill Village: A Piedmont Rhapsody” by David Crowe.

September 24
7pm
Belk Theater, Robinson Hall

The Symphony will perform on September 24, 2008 at 7pm in the Belk Theater of Robinson Hall.  It will be open to both the university and Charlotte communities. Ticket information will be announced in August.

“Mill Village” was inspired by oral histories of members of local mill communities collected by musicians and staff of the Charlotte Symphony, along with the studying of textile artifacts and historical materials; from these sources composer David Crowe created musical ideas and images that he used to create an original multi-media chamber work.

Tickets

Seating if Free and Open to the Campus and Charlotte Communities. Open Seating begins at 6:30pm for the 7:00pm performance.  

Directions

From north of Charlotte via I-85
Take exit 45A ( Harris Blvd ). Merge onto Harris, go 1 mile to the exit for UNC Charlotte/Hwy 49. At bottom of exit ramp, turn left on 49; campus is 1 mile on left.  See below for parking info.

From north of Charlotte via I-77
Take exit 18 ( Harris Blvd ). Turn left onto Harris and go 7 miles to the exit for UNC Charlotte/Hwy 49. At bottom of exit ramp, turn left on 49; campus is 1 mile on left.  See below for parking info.

From south of Charlotte via I-85
Take exit 45A ( Harris Blvd ). Turn right onto Harris and go one mile to the exit for UNC Charlotte\Hwy 49. At bottom of exit ramp, turn left on 49; campus is 1 mile on left.  See below for parking info.

From south of Charlotte via I-77
Take I-77N to I-85N and follow above directions via I-85.  See below for parking info.

From east of Charlotte via US 74
Turn right onto Harris Blvd, and travel 9 miles to UNC Charlotte\Hwy 49 exit. At bottom of exit ramp, turn left on 49; campus is 1 mile on left.  See below for parking info.

From Concord area via US 29
Turn left onto Harris Blvd and go 1/2 mile to UNC Charlotte\Hwy 49 exit. At bottom of exit ramp, turn left on 49; campus is 1 mile on left. See below for parking info.

Parking once you are on campus …

Once you turn into the main entrance to the university, bear right at the traffic circle onto Mary Alexander Blvd. Robinson Hall will be the first building on your left. Continue past Robinson Hall until you see the entrance to Visitors' Parking (also known as the East Deck) on your right. Upon parking, you may follow the well-lit path back to the front of Robinson Hall. Parking is free on Fridays after 5 pm and all day Saturday and Sunday.

For easy pick up and drop off, patrons are welcome to use the circular drive at the front of the building.

Take a look at a campus map at http://facilities.uncc.edu/maps/.