Fall Symposium Day 2015
Perspective(s)
The Fall 2015 Symposium Day spans a full day: From dawn to dusk, a day of music, science, art, social causes and literary discussion. It's an opportunity to exhibit our faculty, staff, and students' impressive diversity of creative expertise in order to model and explore the diversity and expression of what Perspective(s) can provide.
The day starts with an opportunity for music, yoga and reflection at dawn (6:30 a.m.) near the Slough. Student/advisor meetings (at 9 a.m.) then kick off the formal sessions, followed by four sets of concurrently scheduled presentations, discussions and performances from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. One featured speaker is scheduled during each concurrent session. Session V, from 3-4 p.m., provides another opportunity for reflection, by means of (metaphorically) walking in others' shoes or contemplating perspectives through a choral performance. The day then ends at dusk (7 p.m.) with another opportunity for reflection and music where the day began, by the Slough.
Schedule overview
6:30 a.m.
Reflection and Perspective Making: Dawn
9-9:45 a.m.
Advising sessions
10-11 a.m.
Featured speaker I/Session I
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Featured speaker II/Session II/ lunch on your own
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Featured speaker III/Session III/lunch on your own
1:45-2:45 p.m.
Featured speaker IV/Session IV
3-4 p.m.
Session V: Reflection and Music
7 p.m.
Reflection and Perspective Making: Dusk
Extended Sessions
Project SAVE: Join Our Campaign
Kimberly Roark (Project SAVE), Christina Gosiewski (Project SAVE secretary), Dr. Jessica Nodulman (communication studies, Project SAVE advisor)
Fourth floor hallway, Gerber Center
10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Project SAVE (Sexual Assault Violence Education and Empowerment) is a new group making a difference by improving the way our campus deals with sexual assault. Come learn more about the changes we've already made (such the new Title IX bathroom posters) and the many upcoming events and campaigns we are planning. This is also a chance to get involved, as we are now accepting applications to join our team.
The Clothesline Project: Sharing Your Voice Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Dr. Jessica Nodulman (communication studies), Eleanor Nolan and students enrolled in COMM265: Introduction to Health Communication.
CORE Commons, first floor, Olin
10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Gender-based violence deeply affects the identity of all those who experience it, directly or indirectly. The Clothesline Project allows members of the Augustana community to share their perspectives and express support for the effort to end violence on campus and in the community by making a T-shirt to hang on the Clothesline in October. Take a few minutes — or an hour — to make a shirt. Information, shirts and art materials will be available on-site.
What is music? An exploration through the creation of musical instruments
Dr. Samantha Keehn (music), Michael Avella, Rachel Bernicky, Hannah Buchanan, Alexis Crawford, Christina Culotta, Alyssa Diaczun, Daniel Giffels, Joseph Gonsiorek, Noah Greenberg, Teague Hagan, Joshua Harvey, Corey Jacobs, Oshiana Nephew, Ma. Mikee Angel Pagdanganan, Bryson Reyes, Greg Rusk, Jacob Stewart, Lauren Tropinski, Jessica Villanueva, Lee Whorwell.
Lower Quad, near Denkmann Hall
10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Two classes have been seeking to answer the title question, “What is Music?” through the exploration of how sound is created and organized. They have spent a tremendous amount of time questioning the assumptions and value placed on the most common musical instruments that have led them to designing and building their own instruments. Although the students will have instructions for how they intend the instruments to be played, they are also charged with observing how others use them. These instruments will be installed in the Quad all day. We would love to share with you our creations and observe you making “music” with them.
Solar Observing with the Augustana Astronomy Club
Dr. Lee Carkner (physics and astronomy), Dr. Bill Peterson (physics and astronomy), Scott Davis (Astronomy Club)
Outside Hanson Hall, near the clock
12:30-2:45 p.m.
The sun is the source of life on Earth and the most important thing in our solar system, but most of us have never really seen it. The Augustana Astronomy Club invites you to get a new perspective on the nearest star at our solar viewing event. See the sun through our telescopes and learn about the million-mile wide ball of nuclear fire that powers our planet.
Dawn: Music Reflection and Perspective Making
6:30 a.m.
Dr. Samantha Keehn (music), Steve Parker (COLLIDE), Dr. Margaret France (CORE) and the Augustana College Low Brass Choir
North end of the Slough, near Gerber Center
We welcome the entire campus to begin the day of “Perspectives” by joining together to greet the sun with music, meditation and movement. The Augustana College Low Brass Choir will surround the slough at 6:30 in preparation for its Dawn performance at 6:44. With guest artist Steve Parker leading us by boat, we will perform music for contemplation, while Margaret France guides a peaceful yoga practice. The audience may also choose to sit and listen in one spot or walk around and hear the sounds from multiple perspectives. Everyone is encouraged to use this time for listening, not speaking. “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” — Stephen R. Covey
Dusk: Music Reflection and Perspective Making
7 p.m.
Dr. Randall Hall (music), Pastor Kristen Glass Perez (Campus Ministries and CORE)and the Kali Yuga Improvisation Ensemble
North end of the Slough, near Gerber Center
The day will conclude with a gathering for a time of interfaith meditation and prayer led by Kristen Glass Perez. At dusk, 7:09 p.m., Augustana’s improvisation ensemble, Kali Yuga, will explore its meditative side to accompany and guide your thoughts to reflection on the day.
9-9:45 a.m. advising sessions
Students meet with their academic advisors in assigned rooms.
10-11 a.m. Session I
Featured speaker: Leonard Pitts Jr., nationally syndicated columnist with the Washington Post
The Innocence that Constitutes the Crime: How to be Decent and White in an Era of Black Rage
Gerber Center, Gävle Room
The first part of the title is from the Augie Reads book, The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin. The theme, as the subtitle suggests, is strategies for productive white American responses to African-American outrage.
Through the Looking Glass
Shylee Garrett and Ryan Silvola (Augustana Observer), David Sommers, Jackie Jastrzebski, Kevin Seelander, Charlie Bentley, Ryan Jenkins (Student Government Association).
Hanson 102
Join the Augustana Observer and the Student Government Association for a panel discussion about media-government relations. Leadership from both groups will answer questions about transparency, their responsibility to the public, and how they've approached tough topics on campus. An open discussion will follow.
Perspective in Einstein’s Relativity
Dr. Cecilia Vogel (physics), Augustana Physics and Engineering Society (APES).
Hanson 304
Einstein first developed the theory of relativity by trying to look at physical observations from various perspectives. What did he conclude? How different does the physical universe look from another perspective? What aspects of the physical universe do all perspectives share?
International Student Experiences at Augustana
Dr. Kimberly Murphy (biology), Dr. Mike Egan (education), Dr. Brian Katz (mathematics and computer science)
Old Main 132
College in the United States can be full of new experiences and obstacles for international students. In this panel discussion, a group of international students will share their stories about various experiences at Augustana. By listening to and engaging with these students, classmates and teachers will develop a deeper understanding of some of the challenges that international students face and hence be better prepared to support them as they navigate our campus community.
Feminism in Pop Culture: Who is it helping?
Audrey Johnsen (women's and gender studies, English, theatre), Keila Saucedo (theatre, women's and gender studies) and Vicky Gillon (sociology, religion).
Olin 305
Feminism has been a major aspect of American life for almost 200 years, and many of us are proud to call ourselves Feminists. But does feminism help every woman, or has it just been a tool for the privileged to maintain a status quo? From the perspective of underrepresented women, we will analyze and discuss modern and classical feminism from Susan B. Anthony to the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards.
Heywire — Improvisational Perspectives
Heywire (improv comedy group) — Camilo Duarte, Sydney Crumbleholme, Uxmar Torres, Annie Mitchell, Debo Balogon, Keenan Odenkirk, Jessica Holzknect, Erin Dunne, Jacob Kilburg and Angela Rembles.
Olin Auditorium
Learning to think in the eyes of others is a hard skill to learn. Improvisation helps with learning how to think differently and have a different 'perspective' in many situations. This is done by reacting on the spot in scenes that require character development and concentration, while also having a lot of fun.
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Session II (or lunch on your own)
Featured speaker: Dr. Stanley Hauerwas (with Dr. Jason Mahn, religion), professor emeritus of divinity and law at Duke University
The State of College and Christianity: A Conversation with 'America's Best Theologian'
Center for Student Life, Gävle Room
Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, the Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Divinity and Law at Duke University, was named "America's Best Theologian" by Time Magazine in 2001. In this interview with Dr. Jason Mahn (Augustana associate professor of religion), Dr. Hauerwas will field questions about Christianity in the contemporary world, the state of church-related colleges, what faith has to do with learning, the changing demographics of American religion and much more. He may even tell a story or two about his years teaching at Augustana College in the the late 1960s.
Off-campus volunteering
Earl Hanson Elementary School Outreach
Eric Rowell (admissions) and Claire Stephenson
10-11:30 a.m.
Earl Hanson Elementary, Rock Island, Ill.
Students will be going to Earl Hanson Elementary School in Rock Island IL to provide classroom assistance to teachers and promote higher education to youth, grades Kindergarten through 6th. Students will need to carpool and leave campus at 9:45 a.m. to arrive on time. To participate, email Eric Rowell or Claire Stephenson.
Elementary School Physics Outreach
Nathan Frank and Cecilia Vogel, physics/astronomy; Augustana Physics and Engineering Society
Noon-3 p.m.
Bowlesburg Elementary School, East Moline, Ill.
The Augustana Physics Engineering Club will go to Bowlesburg Elementary school in East Moline, Ill., to bring physics into first-grade classrooms. Volunteers will perform physics demonstrations involving motion, electricity and magnetism and liquid nitrogen. The first-graders will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with some of the demonstrations.
Royalty in Chains: New perspectives on Urban Slavery in the Danish West Indies
Alicia Odewale, invited presenter (doctoral student in anthropology, University of Tulsa)
Hanson 304
The island of St. Croix is a popular tourist destination attracting millions of visitors every year and boasts of a large Crucian community with important ancestral ties to the African and Afro-Caribbean slaves that were forcibly brought to the Danish West Indies. Despite this high traffic of visitors and the current population’s connection to the past, only recently has new data been uncovered about the enslaved Africans who worked in the Christiansted wharf area and became property of the King of Denmark.
New investigations conducted throughout the month of July at the Christiansted National Historic Site have focused on the archaeological material recovered from the approximate location of the “Negro chambers” within the old boundaries of the Danish West India and Guinea Company Warehouse, to discover what life was like for these royal slaves living and working within the walls of this urban military compound. Unearthing these new cultural resources allows researchers, park management, and the larger Crucian community to gain a better understanding of the living and working conditions, daily activities, eating habits, and cultural patterns of the “warehouse slaves” living in the urban center of Christiansted.
This new research, touted as the first archaeological investigation to focus exclusively on the former activity areas of enslaved laborers within these grounds, is actively changing perspectives on slavery to include the little known story of the Afro-Caribbean royal warehouse slaves and the urban slave experience far removed from the traditional plantation environment.
Young Alumni Perspectives of the 21st Century Workplace
Moderators: Kevin Carton and Alex Washington, CORE (Career Development)
Panelists: Panelists: Anna Letendre ’13, Mark Leveling ’10, Ellen Loechner ’13, Anissa Pemberton ’15, Oliver Rorer ’08, Deanna Zwicker ’11
Hanson 102
Come listen and engage with a group of young alumni who have successfully entered into the 21st century workplace. This panel discussion will examine how these young professionals landed their current positions and their thoughts on the world of work. We'll also learn how they used their Augustana education to assist them in marketing their skill set and what advice they have for current students concerning professionalism and work. Of course, there will also be time for questions from the audience.
Anna Letendre '13 (business and psychology) works as an account manager at The Sedona Group staffing agency.
Mark Leveling '10 (psychology) works as a development coordinator at Transitions Mental Health Services.
Ellen Loechner '13 (biology) works as education and program manager at the Quad City Botanical Center.
Anissa Pemberton '15 (anthropology and political science) works as a grant specialist at Quad City Arts.
Oliver Rorer '08 (business) works as a sales and service consultant at MegaGen Implant.
Deanna Zwicker '11 (business) works as a grain marketing specialist at Cargill.
You Americans... — International Perspectives on the United States
Dr. Allen Bertsche (international and off-campus programs), international students and American students with study abroad experience.
Old Main 132
Shining beacon of hope or imperialist meddlers? Friends of freedom or the world's largest arms dealers? Friendly and outgoing, or loud, obnoxious and arrogant? Just how is the United States seen by others? What of who we believe we are gets through, and what can others see in us that we may be blinded to? Let's explore the idea that sometimes the best way to know something is to not be too close to it. Let's look at the United States from the perspectives of those who see us from the outside, looking in.
Mythical Men and Gun Violence in America
Dr. Kirsten Day (classics), Dr. Brian Leech (history), Dr. Jane Simonsen (history, women's and gender studies)
Olin 305
This session will be a moderated discussion about the influence of Western film on American models of masculinity and how the persistence of these notions play into current problems with gun violence and debates over gun control. We will consider how the image of the Western hero in movies relates to historical reality, and how western images and films use women and racial “others” to justify violent white masculinity. Warning: This session will include short DVD clips that contain graphic imagery and profane language.
From Neurons to Neighborhoods: Understanding the Development and Neuroscience of Perspective-taking
Dr. Jamie Nordling and Dr. Rupa Gordon, psychology
Olin Auditorium
In the first part of this session, we will discuss the development of perspective-taking skills and empathy. Are we born with a predisposition to be able to take others’ perspectives, or must we learn these skills from our environment? In the second part of this session, we will explore the neural systems involved in the ability to take another person’s perspective. Specifically, we’ll discuss the areas of the brain that allow us to mentally put ourselves in the “shoes” of another person to understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
12:30-1:30 p.m. Session III (or lunch on your own)
Featured speaker: Sheila (Nguyen) Ryan '03, executive director and CEO of Houston VA Research and Education Foundation; director of clinical research, neurosurgery faculty, at Texas Children's Hospital
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, Accompanied by Dr. Seuss and a Degree in Public Health
Center for Student Life, Gävle Room
The talk will mainly focus on Ms. Ryan's career path since graduation from Augustana, with a synopsis of a current quality improvement research protocol recently implemented at Texas Children’s Hospital and studies in pediatric hydrocephalus, but the theme of the talk will also have imagery from the inspirational book Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
A Time for Burning: an Augustana story of Race and Religion
Dr. Marco Cabrera Geserick (history), Dr. Brian Leech (history).
Hanson 304
This session will show "A Time for Burning", a documentary about Augustana Alumnus William Youngdahl's attempt to integrate two Lutheran Churches — one white and one black — in 1960s Nebraska. Discussion will follow.
Pangolin, Violin, Village Inn: An Open Poetry Reading
Rebecca Wee (creative writing/English), students of ENCW201 Writing Poetry; audience members are welcome to participate as well.
Hanson 305
Come read and listen to poetry together. Students from ENCW201 will start the reading off by sharing poems that, for them, have to do with the symposium's Perspectives theme. Audience members are invited to bring poems to share.
Perspectives on Language
Dr. Lisa Seidlitz (world languages, literatures and cultures), Dr. Ian Davis (communication studies), Dr. Nick Dobson (LSFY), Dr. Brian Katz (mathematics), Dr. Jacob Romaniello (Reading/Writing Center), Dr. Christopher Strunk (geography); co-moderated by Dr. Allison Haskill (communication sciences and disorders)
Old Main 132
Although everyone speaks a language, not everyone thinks much about how they use the language that they know. In contrast, some people think a lot about language, as it is crucial to many academic disciplines — some fairly obvious, others less so. In this panel discussion, faculty members from classics, communication studies, geography, intercultural education, and mathematics will discuss their personal and academic perspectives on language.
Intergroup Monopoly and Perspective Taking
Dr. Lisa Szafran (psychology), Dr. Austin Williamson (psychology), Dr. Carolyn Yaschur (communication studies).
Olin 305
Ever heard the phrase, don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes? Why not learn that same lesson while playing a game according to someone else's rules. Come play a game of Monopoly and get a lesson in perspective taking at the same time! Game play will be followed by a discussion of your experience moderated by a group of faculty members representing social, clinical and media perspectives.
1:45-2:45 p.m. Session IV
Featured speaker: Steve Parker, slide trombonist, composer, curator and community arts organizer
The Artist and Social Perspective
Center for Student Life, Gävle Room
This talk will explore the societal function of the artist in the 21st century. Parker will present documentation of his community-based art along with the work of other contemporary artists. He will also speak broadly about how liberal arts students can abstract lessons learned from work in community art and apply it to their own career trajectory.
You Say Tomato, I Say Toronto: The Salon Tackles Failures in Communication
Dr. Margaret France (CORE/Academic Affairs) and Dr. Brian Katz (mathematics), The Salon.
Hanson 304
Listen as Margaret France recounts inadvertently insulting people all over the world in the course of her employment in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Share moments in which your own culture or identity was belittled. Discuss the possibility of “best practices” in respecting and anticipating differences in perspectives.
Continued Conversation with Dr. Stanley Hauerwas
Dr. Hauerwas (professor emeritus, Duke University), Dr. Jason Mahn (religion)
Old Main Forum
Students, faculty and staff at Augustana, as well as guests of the college, are invited to some continued conversation with Dr. Hauerwas. Want to know what it was like when Hauerwas taught here 40-some years ago? Want to talk about his and your reaction to Augustana's Five Faith Commitments? Have a burning theological or ethical question? Ask him (but be ready to be asked some questions back!). Want to hear a few more stories in that delightful Texan accent? Sit back and listen.
Perspectives in Programming: Art, Science and Agents
Dr. Forrest Stonedahl (mathematics and computer science)
Olin 204
"Agents" are independent entities that can run code. Some computer programming languages include special support for agents and provide ways to shift between perspectives of different agents. First, Stonedahl will demonstrate these features with the NetLogo modeling language, and how these concepts can be applied to both art and science. Second, *you* can shift to different agents' perspectives by writing some code in this language and perhaps create a piece of abstract art. No prior programming experience required.
Lessons from Pinocchio: Learning About Honesty and Ethics From the Perspective of Children
Jackie McCall '98 (education director at the Old Creamery Theatre in Amana, Iowa), Emma Brutman (theatre), Jake Phillips (theatre), Rowan Crow (secondary education, history)
Potter Theatre (Bergendoff 104)
Join the director, designers and cast members from the Augustana Theatre Arts Department's production of Pinocchio Commedia by Johnny Simons as they share their perspectives on the joys and challenges of creating a commedia dell'arte performance that will entertain and educate children of all ages.
3-4 p.m. Session V
Faculty Learning Together: A Privilege Walk
Dr. Jose Boquin (chemistry), Dr. Deb Bracke (education), Dr. Jacob Romaniello (Reading/Writing Center), Dr. Sharon Varallo (communication studies)
Carriage House
"Privilege walks" have been introduced across the country as a tool that has the potential for powerful learning of perspective taking. This faculty-only session asks faculty to personally consider the structural inequities in a system that we did not ask for but in which we all are operating. By focusing on personal experiences we can potentially see beyond the self into a larger system that affects the starting points for all of us — an awareness that can help us be better teachers and colleagues.
Take A Walk in Someone Else's Shoes
Kim Roark, Naomi Castro, Lisa Claros (Multicultural Programming Board)
Gävle Room, Gerber Center
In an effort to identify and understand the various different backgrounds and lifestyles of the students here at Augustana, OSL's Campus Outreach committee will hold a Privilege Walk. Afterwards, we will have a discussion about what we discovered and how we can be more empathetic of others' circumstances.
Folding the Physical into the Musical
Dr. Michael Zemek (music), Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble.
Wallenberg Hall, Denkmann Hall
The Blessing of Cranes by Abbie Betinis is a musical composition inspired by the story of a young girl who survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima only to face leukemia caused by the radiation from the blast. A Japanese legend promises a wish granted to those who fold a thousand origami cranes, so the girl made over 1300 cranes hoping to be made well. What if a choir could “fold” a paper crane musically, just by singing? Come fold cranes with the Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble as we perform this new work created from the perspective of geometry and art transformed into sound.