Center Stage

Julie Moos: Monsanto Series, through November 3. This photographic series examines American farmers working with genetically modified organisms. Renaissance Society; call 773/702-8670.

Confronting Identities in German Art: Myths, Reactions, Reflections, through January 5. This exhibit examines how 19th- and 20th-century German artists and their artworks defined or responded to individual, social, and national identities. The chronological presentation explores such themes as the relationship between portraiture and fantasy, war as both idealized continuity and rupture, the city as a site of carnivalesque inversions, and the ongoing effort to identify how German art looks. Smart Museum; call 773/702-0200.

Chamber music series, through April 11. The University of Chicago Presents 2002-03 concert season includes cellist Pieter Wispelwey performing Beethoven's cello sonatas on November 1. The University of Chicago Presents; call 773/702-8068.

Humanities Open House, October 26. Keynote speaker Jonathan Lear, the John U. Nef distinguished service professor in philosophy and the Committee on Social Thought, addresses Plato's relevance to the development of children's outlooks. The open house, titled "The Battle for Hearts and Minds," includes more than 40 faculty presentations, as well as gallery tours and performances. Humanities Division; call 773/702-4847.

Benjamin Franklin, November 19, 9 p.m. Ralph Lerner, AB'47, AM'49, PhD'53, the Benjamin Franklin professor in the College and the Committee on Social Thought, served as adviser for this three-part PBS narrative of Franklin's life.