Another essay contest!
We in the Library are pleased to participate in the planning for Cornel West's appearance on campus on May 11.

There will be an essay contest, open to all currently-registered SWC students, based on West's book Democracy Matters. The essay topic is:
“Cornel West identifies three dogmas that threaten our democracy. One of the dogmas he describes is escalating authoritarianism in the context of terrorism and civil liberties. What does he mean by this? Is there such a thing as an optimal balance between liberty and security? If so, how should people determine which liberties should be sacrificed for the sake of security?”

Essays must be submitted electronically to essaycontest@swccd.edu no later than 2 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2006. Late entries will not be accepted! The essay must be no more than three pages, double-spaced, with an extra page at the end giving the student's name, ID number, address, phone number, and email address. The essay must be the student's own work and will be judged on originality and clarity of expression and should creatively and intellectually address the topic.

The prizes are a hardcover copy of Democracy Matters to be signed by Dr. West, attendance at the May 11 presentation and dinner before it, introduction to Dr. West and acknowledgement of the winner prior to his speech, and a $50 gift certificate to the Campus Store.

The Campus Store is offering copies of Democracy Matters at 25% discount. In addition, the Library has seven copies available for 7-day loans. Students who borrow these copies are expected to return them on time to make them available for others to read.

Questions? Call Diane Gustafson in the Library at 482-6433 or email dgustafson@swccd.edu.