Distinguished speakers and writers from across the nation and globe who specialize in literature, politics, social issues and international affairs are part of this fall's thought-provoking lecture series hosted by the Black Mountain Institute's Forum on Contemporary Cultures. Beginning in September, the Black Mountain Institute (BMI) at UNLV will be host to a wide array of literary thinkers that includes 2007 U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon and Joyce Carol Oates, a National Book Award-winning novelist. A schedule of spring events will be announced in late fall. With the exception of the Jane Smiley event, all events are free and open to the public.

"The Black Mountain Institute welcomes the public discourse of issues prevalent in today's society," said Dr. Carol Harter, executive director for the Black Mountain Institute. "This year's lineup of talented and outspoken writers will expose the public to political, social and cultural topics from which we can learn and engage in challenging discussion."

The following is a list of scheduled events. Times are subject to change.

Jane Smiley, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 6 p.m., private reading and reception for BMI donors
Location: Bauman Rare Books, The Shoppes at the Palazzo, 3327 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Description: Author of "A Thousand Acres," "Horse Heaven," and "Ten Days in the Hills"

Joyce Carol Oates, National Book Award-winning novelist
Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 18, 8 p.m.
Location: UNLV Student Union Ballroom, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Description: Reading and conversation with author of "We Were the Mulvaneys," "My Sister, My Love"

Charles Simic, 2007 United States Poet Laureate
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.
Location: UNLV Student Union Theatre, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Description: Reading and conversation with Library of Congress's 15th Poet Laureate, co-
sponsored by the UNLV Department of English

Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
Date/Time: Sat., Nov. 8, 6 p.m. reading and conversation
Location: Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Rd.
Description: Reading and conversation with author of "The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay," "Wonder Boys," co-sponsored by Nevada Humanities, the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and the Las Vegas Review-Journal

Susan Faludi, Katha Pollitt, Farai Chideya - Authors panel hosted by Dina Titus
Date/Time: Wed., Dec. 3, 7 p.m.
Location: Doc Rando Hall at UNLV, Lee and Thomas Beam Music Center, 4505 Maryland Pkwy.
Description: Panel discussion on "The Role of Race and Gender in the 2008 Election," moderated by UNLV Professor and State Sen. Dina Titus

For more information, please contact the Black Mountain Institute at 702-895-5542 or via e-mail at: blackmountaininstitute@unlv.edu.

Founded in 2006, the Black Mountain Institute (BMI) at UNLV is an international center dedicated to advancing literary and cross-cultural dialogue. Through public programs, residency fellowships, and publishing initiatives, Black Mountain provides a cultural lens through which today's most pressing issues can be addressed and evaluated.