Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum, RG 15/27/1, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
16.81 Cubic Feet 18 boxes and 4 reels
Creator:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Science and Technology Studies Department
Abstract:
The Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum contain correspondence, meeting notes, articles, plays, advertisements, grant applications and reports, videos, audio tapes, and more from the development of the first 22 Choices and Challenges fora, from 1985 to 2003. The Choices and Challenges Forum at Virginia Tech was founded in 1985 by Doris Zallen, who served as its director until 2003. Each forum addresses the ethical and social issues created by advances in science, technology, and medicine.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum, RG 15/27/1, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum contain correspondence, meeting notes, articles, plays, advertisements, grant applications and reports, videos, audio recordings, and more from the development of the first 22 Choices and Challenges fora, from 1985 to 2003.

The records are divided into eight series, subdivided by forum: I. Doris Zallen, director files, ca. 1985-2003; II. Photographs, 1985-2003; III. Videos, 1985-2002; IV. Audiocassette Tapes, 1985-1989; and V. CDS, 1992-2001; VI. Floppy Disks, 1992-2003; VII. Posters, 1985-2003; VIII Teleconference Transcripts 1992-1997.

In the first series, Doris Zallen, director files, ca. 1985-2003, each forum files contains folders devoted to forum planning (with notes or items from the planning process), pre-forum publicity, correspondence related to planning and publicity, and items related to the awarding of continuing-education credits to doctors or other professionals. Additional material pertains to speakers and session leaders, such as CVs and correspondence, and to post-forum activities, including articles and evaluations. Some fora include materials related to teleconferencing, outreach, lessons plans, and other activities.

The second series, Photographs, 1985-2003, document forums 1-19 and 21-22.

The third series, Videos, 1985-2002, contains videocassettes and film reels from local tv programs, and the different panels at forums 1, 6, 8-19, and 21.

The fourth series, Audiocassette Tapes, 1985-1989, consists of audiocassettes of the different panels from forums 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, and 15-18. This series also includes miscelaneous tapes in the "various tapes" file.

The fifth series, CDs, 1992-2001, contains Choices and Challenges website back ups and files from different fora.

The sixth series, Floppy Disks, 1992-2003, contain files from various fora.

The seventh series, Posters, 1985-2003, has forum posters as well as a poster about the project, "The Choices and Challenges Project - exploring the social and ethical dimensions of science and technology," from in between the 20th and 21st fora.

The last series, Teleconference Transcripts, 1992-1997, contian five transcripts for various forums.

Grant application and reports to the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH) for forums #1 thru #4

Grant application and reports for forums #5 thru #7 for the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH)

Grant application and reports to Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH)

Quality of Life in the Global Environment: Preparing for the Next Century; Quality of Life At the End of Life; Quality of Life in the Electronic Village; The Genie in the Genome: the Human Genome Project; Quality of Life in the Global Environment: Sharing the Earth's Water Supply

The UDPs started a forum series and picked a subject (Climate Change) that the Choices and Challenges project had already selected and for which funding was awarded by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH). This created the need to suddenly change the topic to "Pesticide Dilemma" and threatened funding from the VFH. The Presidential Symposia lasted only for a few years.

One tape with 4 Standpoint Programs (Star Wars, Limits to Care, Coal, and IQ Testing) Standpoint Program on Nuclear Power and Space Science BlueRidge Nightline program on Limits-to-Care forum BlueRidge Nightline program on the Six-Million-Dollar-Man forum

Gary Hodgen talk Noel Keane talk Q and AQ on use of surrogacy in pregnancy with Noel Keane and audience

Arthur Jensen and Jonathan Baron talks with response by Richard Burian Arthur Jensen talk Jonathan Baron talk

Richard Burian, Lee Edson, William Harris, Frank Mac Hovec

Richard Hirsh intro, Alvin Weinberg and Kristen Shrader-Frechette talks International Panel (UK, Sweden, and India) in Washington answering questions from Blacksburg audience

Four vignettes, performed by Interplay, used to begin discussion by panelists

Thomas Dunlap on history of pesticide use in the US General panel discussion on safety and effectiveness of pesticide use and on alternative strategies

Vignette 1 and panel discussion on physician-assisted suicide Vignette 2 and panel discussion on proceeding with futile interventions Vignettes, 1 and 2 only

Panel discussion on education, the workplace, and medicine Panel discussion on issues of equity Donald Lindberg discusses telemedicine, including "Nintendo surgery"

Animation explaining gene therapy and genetic enhancement Edited program based on the main conference session

Edited program based on the main conference session

24:30:15

James A Ionson, John E Pike, Robert E Marshak (moderator)

Gary Hodgen talk on new reproductive options; Q and A with Gary Hodgen; Noel Keane talk on use of surrogate parenthood

Talks by James Ionson and John Pike; Discussion with Ionson and Pike; Ionson and Pike discussion (continued)

Panel discussion of a case study; Panel discussion (continued)

Talks by Michael Quillen and Curtis Seltzer; Talks by Helen Lewis and James Zoia; Panel discussion; Discussion Group: Extended Ecosystem; Discussion Group: Workplace Environment; Discussion Group: Coal and the Local Community

Discussion at AAUW program held on November 24, 1986

Discussion Group: Alternatives to Agricultural Pesticides

Posters, Brochures, Eudora Speakers

Brochure 3/24/1994

Choices and Challenges info, Video/TV, Outreach, NEH 94-95

Contacts, labels, letters - 94

Pub - 94, 94 Evals, 94-Thanks, Outreach, NEH 94-95 Final Report

Brochurs for 1 pg, flyer (grants, etc.)

94 Transcript and mail labels, 94 Open Univeristy program, 1992 - HGP

Labels, marketing letters, etc.

Display, lunch invitation, registration, ads, brochure

Program Development, DZ addresses, Timeline, NEH 94-95 Final Report

95 Brochure Final

95 Transcript - Microsoft Word, Labels, Special Requests, Marketing Labels

Program Development, 95 Contracts, 95 Pub, Lavels (94+), 95 Evals

Includes bib

Early notices, Press Releases, Display Ads, CEC Mail List

Lavels, Posters/Flyers

Intro/Case Studies - Water, Outlines of Forum Sessions, Evals

Transcript requests and order forms, 97 Graphics

Press releases, display ad letters, CEC mail list requests, pub. cover letters

Poster, BT Poster

Attn: Science Dept Labels; Attn: Social Studies Dept; Principals of Alt. Schools; CEC Labels; Kirsten Worley

Biographical / historical:

The Choices and Challenges Forum at Virginia Tech was founded in 1985 by Doris Zallen, who served as its director until 2003. Each forum addresses the ethical and social issues created by advances in science, technology, and medicine. The fora also examine the historical, philosophical, societal, and legal components.

Acquisition information:
The Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum was transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in July 2018. Additional materials were transferred in May and June 2019.
Appraisal information:

Several items were removed from the collection and destroyed: duplicate items, empty photo envelopes and zip drive holder, blank and unused CDs and audiocassette tapes, software program CDs and instruction booklets, and an AV cord.

Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum was completed in October 2018. The processing, arrangement, and description of additional materials was completed in September 2019.

Arrangement:

The Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum are organized into the following series:

  • Series I. Doris Zallen, director files, ca. 1985-2003
  • Series II. Photographs, 1985-2003
  • Series III. Videoscassette Tapes, 1985-2002
  • Series IV. Audiocassette Tapes, 1985-1989
  • Series V. CDs, 1992-2001
  • Series VI. Floppy Disks, 1992-2003
  • Series VII. Posters, 1985-2003
  • Series VIII. Teleconference Transcripts, 1992-1997