Red Deer, October 11, 2011 – Join Perspectives: Canada in the World, hosted by RDC’s Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, as we welcome Gwynne Dyer to speak at Red Deer College. 

RDC Arts Centre, Main Stage

7:30 p.m.

Dyer’s topic is The New Middle East. While at RDC, he will share with the audience his perspective on the recent waves of revolution in the Middle East which promise advances in freedom and human rights to those living in the region, but which also bring much uncertainty. What does the future hold? What does it all mean for the West?  

Originally trained as an historian, Gwynne Dyer has worked as a freelance journalist, columnist, broadcaster and lecturer on international affairs for more than 20 years. Born in Newfoundland, he has received degrees from Canadian, American and British universities, finishing with a Ph.D. in Military and Middle Eastern History from the University of London. 

He served in three navies and held academic appointments at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Oxford University before launching his twice-weekly column on international affairs, which is published by more than 175 papers in some 45 countries, including Canada. 

Dyer is an accomplished author, whose books include: Ignorant Armies: Sliding into War in Iraq, Future: Tense and The Mess They Made: The Middle East After Iraq. In Crawling from the Wreckage, published last year, Dyer traces what he describes as the world’s halting emergence from the dark tunnel of the past decade, a time marked by exaggerated fears of terrorism, futile and unnecessary wars in the Middle East, neglect of climate change, and financial near-collapse.

Perspectives: Canada in the World is a public lecture series presented by RDC’s Humanities & Social Sciences Department. This Series features internationally recognized speakers on topics important to our community, our country and the world. Proceeds from this lecture series support scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences students at the College.

Tickets are still available at the Black Knight Inn Ticket Centre. In person at the Black Knight Inn (2929 50th Avenue, Red Deer); Phone: 403.755.6626 (toll free 1.800.661.8793); or online: www.bkticketcentre.ca

Visit www.rdc.ab.ca/perspectives for more information about this dynamic speaker series, including a look back at past speakers. 

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RDC is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Arts Centre. First opened in 1986, this state-of-the-art community performing arts centre has housed the training of over 40,000 actors, technicians, musicians, filmmakers, and dancers that contribute to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of Alberta. 25 years has culminated in approximately one million audience members who have been entertained, taught and delighted during more than 5,000 performances and events.

About RDC: Red Deer College has served the needs of students and the community for more than 45 years. With greater than 75 programs to choose from, we pride ourselves on providing a practical education, in a genuine and sustainable learning environment. Our 7,800 full-time and part-time credit students and more than 13,000 continuing education students are at the core of everything we do. RDC – when you get here you understand.

For more information on RDC, please visit our website: www.rdc.ab.ca

For additional information, contact:

Greg Wells

Co-Chair, Perspectives: Canada in the World Organizing Committee & Psychology Instructor

Humanities & Social Sciences Department

403.314.2480

OR

Andrew Kooman

Public Relations Consultant

403.341.3218