Who's in town
Tebelelo Mazile Seretse: Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States, discusses her nation’s notable democratic, economic and social accomplishments, and explores the basis for Botswana’s successful governance. [Noon, World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Lectures
Ian Morris: The archaeologist and professor speaks at this month’s “Monday Night Philosophy” session. “Why the West Rules for Now” is his theme. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Robert Lustig: The UCSF neoendocrinologist explores the damage caused by sugary foods. [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
Global town hall: The World Affairs Council’s Young Professionals International Forum holds its November discussion. “Dissecting Occupy Wall Street” is the topic. [6:30 p.m., WAC, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Literary events
Sarah Ladipo Manyika: The fiction writer, who was raised in Africa and currently lectures at San Francisco State University, discusses “In Dependence.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
Left coast writers: Anne Sigmon, author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness,” speaks. [6 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, S.F.]
At the colleges
Liam Young: The London-based architect, designer, independent urbanist and futurist speaks. [7 p.m., California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth St., S.F.]
At the public library
Environmental film: Program features a screening of “Bag It,” a documentary about plastic bags and the effect of plastics on our waterways, oceans and bodies. [7 p.m., Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Ave., S.F.]
Local activities
Contemporary music: The San Francisco Contemporary Music Players present “Zone 2,” a program of five unconducted works. Featured composers include David Lang. [7:15 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Words and music: Authors and poets Amiri Baraka and Ishmael Reed and musician Roscoe Mitchell headline an evening benefiting the Before Columbus Foundation. [8 p.m., Yoshi’s, 1330 Fillmore St., S.F.]
Comedy show: Kung Pao Kosher Comedy presents “Comedy Returns to El Rio.” Diane Amos, Loren Kraut, Mike Spiegelman, Paco Romane and Lisa Geduldig supply the humor this month. [8 p.m., El Rio, 3158 Mission St. S.F.]
