DePaul University's Renaissance Circle has scheduled two topics highlighting Jewish culture in its 11-part 1997 lecture series, which focuses on Chicago's ethnic makeup. Chicago's Hispanic, Polish and African-American communities will also be spotlighted.

In a program entitled "The Jews of Chicago, From Maxwell Street to Suburbia," Irving Cutler, author and professor emeritus at Chicago State University, will trace the history of Jews in Chicago on Sept. 3. Cutler will give a slide tour that explores how Jews adjusted to life in Chicago and what their problems and success have been in areas such as Maxwell Street, Lawndale, Albany Park, West Rogers Park, Hyde Park and Chicago's suburbs.

On Oct. 8 Laurie Sucher, a soprano cantorial soloist, will discuss and sing Yiddish music in a program called "Yiddish Folk and Theater Song." Sucher studied at the Juilliard School in New York and is a frequent solo performer.

Both programs will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the 8th Floor Conference Center at DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.

Members attend free, non-members pay $20 to attend individual programs. Membership is open to the public. For information about membership or the program call Erin McLain in DePaul Alumni Relations at 312/362-8314.

Note: Reporters may attend free of charge by pre-registering with Denise Mattson in Media Relations at 312/362-6225.