Ever wondered about the philosophy of music? Join Peter Kivy, the Board of Governors Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University, as he presents a talk titled, "First the Music, then the Words: Philosophical Reflections of a 'Philosophical' Opera." He has published five books dealing with musical expression, musical representation, opera, pure instrumental music and musical performance. (Thurs., 4:30 p.m., Pruyne Lecture Hall, Fayerweather Hall. No admission charge.)

Students interested in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) should listen to the advice of Peter Vahle. Vahle is a lifetime EFL teacher who teaches a training course for teachers of English as a foreign language in Barcelona, Spain. He will be discussing the need for English teachers around the world, and how college students can live and support themselves while making an important contribution internationally. (Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Career Center, College Hall. No admission charge.)

Don't miss the talk by Wendy Kopp, founder and president of the national teacher corps Teach for America, titled "One Day, All Children: The Unlikely Triumph of Teach for America and What I Learned Along the Way." Teach for America strives for a long-term goal that one day all children will have access to quality education. Kopp considers college graduates to be the driving force. (Mon., 7:30 p.m., Cole Assembly Room, Converse Hall. No admission charge.)

Hop over to UMass for a performance of "A Christmas Carol." This adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic by Maryann Lombardi takes a closer look at the relationship of Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley, the ghostly business partner who has a very personal stake in making sure Scrooge doesn't follow in his miserly, spectral footsteps. (Thurs. through Sat., 8 p.m., matinee on Sat. at 2 p.m.; The Rand Theater, UMass. $6 for students.)