CAS Newsletter

2004-2005 #1

September 2004

We were thirsty for some form of beauty…

(Azar Nafisi , Reading Lolita in Tehran)

Welcome back!

It is so nice to see our very collegiate looking campus, thronged with students and faculty, and the busy hallways, the new tables in the B wing covered in books and papers… Life returns to a University in September. Yes, it is a season of shorter days and falling leaves, but it is also the time for new pens and paper, new books and ideas, new conversations and new students, and it always makes me feel like the world is a better place.  Buy yourself a box of crayons today and celebrate!

Musings

When I was regularly teaching political theory, I sometimes felt discouraged (especially at the end of the semester!)  about why we do what we do.  Although we put tremendous energy into our students, it is a rare pleasure when we hear from them, now grown and established in their lives, but, for us, eternally the shy or worried eighteen-year old who was afraid to ask a question in class.  Even my research sometimes seemed pointless—who cares, after all, what some long dead philosopher thought about justice or freedom or life itself?  Even when very well received, scholarly monographs and articles reach only tiny audiences. 

This month I have been reading an extraordinary book, Azar Nafisi’s Reading Lolita in Tehran.  Nafisi, a professor of English literature expelled from the University of Tehran, continued to teach a small seminar in her own living room. Her musings, and those of her students, about war and beauty, suffering and humanity, freedom and justice, and above all the overmastering power of literature,  restores us as much as it did her students, whose daily struggles and humiliations in war-torn and conflict- ridden Tehran seem enough to bring anyone to despair.  Reading James and Austen, Fitzgerald and Nabokov restored their courage, reminded them that beauty existed, and that by reading, they could ground their sense of personal integrity as well as transform their lives. It is a remarkable book, both personal memoir and social history, as it describes the transformative power of reading.

New Faculty! 

Our new faculty are as varied in background as we could wish, adding to the incredible diversity of thought and experience on our campus.

Here are some profiles (in their own words…mostly)

Sophia J. Mihic, -Political Science

Sophia will teach political theory for both PS and Philosophy.  She received her M.A and Ph.D. degrees from Johns Hopkins University, and has been very involved in a variety of academic projects including: a fellowship at the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities in Urbana, and at the Walt Whitman Center for the Culture and Politics of Democracy at Rutgers University. She writes “At Rutgers, [I] survived and loved teaching in and directing a service learning program on politics, literature and the arts.” Her current book project is entitled Entrepreneurial Privacy: The Politics and Political Theory of Life and Death in American Constitutional Law.                                                

 Ashwani K. Peetush -Philosophy

“I received my PhD from the University of Toronto in the area of Ethics and Political Theory.   I have three main areas of teaching and research interest. First, I am interested in theories of justice and cultural pluralism. Secondly, I am interested in post-colonial theory. My focus is on hidden theoretical assumptions that may uncritically exclude non-liberal non-Western groups from important social, political and economic arenas. Third, I am working on a cross-cultural approach to human rights. In addition, I am interested in Indian Philosophy and Sanskrit. In terms of my personal life, I enjoy listening to a variety of music. I play guitar, and try to sing (Emphasis on try). Photography is something I also enjoy.”

John C. Parker-Psychology

John attended Michigan State University as an undergraduate, earning bachelors degrees in psychology and anthropology, and remains a diehard Spartan football fan. he received his Ph.D. from the social-personality program at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY where he did research in social conflict, Prosocial behavior, and completed a minor in statistics. For the past 3 years, John held a full-time visiting position at Vassar College in New York’s Hudson Valley. His non-academic interests include college football, punk music, cooking, brewing beer, and his wife… not necessarily in that order

 Patricio Rizzo-Vast-Spanish

“I was born in the South of Argentina and I have traveled to most of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. I have a BA in Latin American Studies from UC Berkeley, an MA In Spanish from San Francisco State University, and Ph. D in Spanish from UC Davis. I enjoy teaching Spanish because it allows me to build bridges between the cultures of the Unites States, Latin America and Spain. In my publications I focus on Latin American Literature. Besides my professional work, my personal interests include hiking, swimming, as well as painting with tempera, reading and writing poetry.

 Isidor Ruderfer, Biology

“I received my B.A. from Wesleyan University New (CT) in the interdisciplinary Science in Society program. At the University of Georgia, I received a M.S. in the Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development Program. While a student and afterward, I worked on database design and programming for the Graduate School at Georgia. I am excited to use my experience as a scientist”

 Jennifer E. Slate -Biology

“I'm originally from the Chicago area so it's exciting for me to be joining the faculty at Northeastern. I'll be teaching aquatic biology and other ecology classes. I'm currently conducting research to determine past climate change in Northeastern Illinois. . The research is in coordination with teams at Northern Illinois University, The Illinois State Museum, and others. I'm looking forward to involving students at Northeastern.”

Dr. Nancy C. Wrinkle -Mathematics

 “I came to Chicago last July from a post doc at the University of Georgia, where I studied the geometry of knots.  My research is in topology which studies the aspects of geometry that remain unchanged when you stretch or twist an object. My research interest is in understanding knots topologically. I went to college and graduate school in New York City, where I met my fiancé (who is now an assistant professor of psychology at Northwestern University). Our wedding is in two months-- planning that has replaced most of my hobbies for now.  Ones that are surviving: I run regularly, and I enjoy cooking and entertaining. “

Dr. Asabi S. Yakini -Social Work

“My social work research interests are prevention of violence; actually I wrote my dissertation at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago on an aspect of that topic. What are my hobbies and interests? I'm glad you asked! If I could perform as a West African and Caribbean dancer professionally I would be in heaven. While living in Atlanta, Georgia I presented in a recital and did movement for fun. I have a collection of memoirs and personal treasures from countries in the African diaspora. Family---- I value them much. My nuclear family consists of my mother, older and younger sisters, two nieces, two nephews, three grand nieces (who are sweetie pies) and a special cousin. We enjoy barbecues, birthdays and holidays together. Actually we are forever in search of an opportunity to celebrate…”

They do sound like a great group of people—who will contribute in both academic and culinary ways! (and more bios next time…) Welcome all!

Speaking of first class faculty….

Dennis Mitchell (Art) had a show at the Dubuque Museum of Art this summer, highlighting his metal sculptures. Entitled “Time, Space, and the Cosmic Pulse” the catalogue refers to the “impression of fragile life” and poignant quality of his work. Bravo to Dennis. I hope he will exhibit on campus for this winter’s faculty show in the Art Gallery.

Charlie Shabica (ESCI) published an article in the Journal of Coastal Research (No. 33 2004) with two of his students. The article discusses coastal changes on the shores of Lake Michigan between 1880 and 2000.

Victor Ortiz (Mex/Car) participated in the Field Museum Urban Research and Curriculum Transformation Institute (URCTI) during Summer 2004. Victor was one of 10 faculty selected to participate.

Susan Stall (Soc) was funded by the Illinois Humanities Council for her project Gender, Multiculturalism, and Detective Fiction—which, you may notice, is a lively series of classes, talks, guests and fun that is taking place on campus this fall.

Andrew Shankman, (HIST) has been honored for his article, "'A New Thing on Earth': Alexander Hamilton, Pro-Manufacturing Republicans, and the Democratization of American Political Economy," which appeared in the prestigious Journal of the Early Republic (23:2003).  He has been awarded the Ralph D. Gray prize for the best article in that journal during the past year by the Society for the History of the Early Republic. This has been a busy year for Professor Shankman.  His Crucible of American Democracy: The Struggle to Fuse Egalitarianism and Capitalism in Jeffersonian Pennsylvania, published by the University Press of Kansas as part of their American Political Thought series, appeared last March. 

More Kudos:

Professors Jade Stanley (SW) Elizabeth Landerholm, and Joann Karr both from The College of Ed took a group of students to Jamaica as part of an outreach program with Moneague Primary and Junior High School.  The school’s principal wrote me to say: “The professional dialogue  and cultural exchange  promoted by this link have been phenomenal.”  Jade has also been working closely with CICS to launch our BSW program there. Go Jade!

Students Dig Archeology:

Cyndi Moran ( CMT) Lesa Davis and Jon Hageman have joined forces to document the history and pre-history of our campus with a team of students from both Anthropology and CMT. This project, called the Northeastern Documentary Archeology Research Community (NDARC) was recently funded as one of the Provost’s first Research Communities. Using oral histories, archival research, and shovels, screens and trowels, the students have already  begun two test sites and have found a number of interesting artifacts, attesting to the joys of digging in the dirt.  We hope to have a display soon so let the cameras roll!

Student news

G &ES News

Student Cameron Rex was selected for the Outstanding Senior in Geography Award presented by the Illinois Geographical Society. He was also was selected for the Illinois GIS Association Outstanding Student Award.

Graduate student Michael Adamski was a NSF intern this summer helping coordinate a new NSF initiative in "Oceans and Human Health."  NSF is sponsoring a new initiative jointed with the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences.  New Research Centers of Excellence in Oceans and Human Health are being set up at Woods Hole, University of Miami, University of Washington and University of Hawaii to study various marine phenomena that impact human health (harmful algal blooms, pathogens in coastal waters, marine natural produces with potential for development as pharmaceuticals.)  Michael traveled to all of these places aiding in the startup of this new program.

            Women’s Studies

Anne Mothkovich and Robin Matthies were recently featured in the Windy City Times as two of the “30 under 30” list of community leaders and activities. Robin and Anne also presented on their work as activists at the National Women’s Studies Association Conference.

Sciences

Three NEIU students spent their summer at “summer camp”-- the University of Montana’s  Undergraduate Summer Diversity Research Program: Mayra de los Reyes (ESCI), Shital Rami (ESCI), and Sarah Carson (PSYC).  They joined students from the University of Puerto Rico/Mayaguez and San Francisco State University for a ten-week summer research program on the Missoula campus. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Montana to see our students present their research—it was amazing!

The students engaged in individual research in their fields under the guidance of faculty mentors at the U of MT.  Students lived in campus dorms—a first for our students-- and participated in outdoor wilderness/adventure activities, as well—a double first! Recruitment will begin in November for next year’s winners

More Science News:

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) will help lead a new federally funded center that will provide research experience to university freshman and sophomore chemistry students to increase their enthusiasm for careers in the sciences. “This center, made possible by the National Science Foundation, will make sure younger students get research experience,” said Pratibha Varma-Nelson, chair, of CESP.

Please Remember:

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) faculty cannot publicly display grades for students using the student’s names OR social security numbers OR CARS ID.

Grant Activities: $$$$$$$$$$

CAS faculty have been very busy, and a 60% success rate is terrific!

A faculty member writes:

“It is with great pride I summarize some of my recent student's accomplishments. This is a terrific statement about what our students are capable of accomplishing academically, given concern, support, stimulation, and direction.”

National Conference: Papers (title and abstract) accepted for presentation at the Sixth Annual Conference: Justice Studies Conference, Madison, Wisconsin, June 2-5, 2004.

1. Desmond Jagmohan, "Postcolonial Theory, Essentialism, and Social Justice: Rereading Said and Spivak through Deleuze for a Just Society"

2. Cha-Jung Eun, "Mythology in Recent American History" (this student has recently transferred to Northwestern University)

3. Rachel Cohen, "Socialists in Movement: Making Sense of and Effectively Opposing the Injustices of Class Society"

4. Sophia Zori and Patricia Gomez, "Prejudices in our Environmental Society"

5. Sir Martin Williams, "Fear in American Media: From a Marxist Perspective"

It takes faculty commitment, to get this kind of student work, so thank you, Dragan Milovanovic (JUST)!

Woo-Hoo!

Here are some of the projects for which COR grants and sabbaticals have been awarded:

Joel Olfelt, the greenhouse guru is collaborating with plant geneticists studying the wild apple (Malus sieversii) forests of Kazakhstan, Central Asia.  These forests are thought to be among the closest relatives of domesticated apples.  They may be able to reveal parts of the history of apple domestication, and are believed to harbor traits which will be useful in apple breeding programs.  I think this is very cool because of the importance of apples to the liberal arts in general—not only does it play a role in myth and story (Eve, Snow White) but there is something incredibly nostalgic and beautiful to see the remnants of an ancient apple orchard, when all other signs of a once thriving farm have disappeared….

Victor Ortiz (Mex/Car) is using his COR grant to update research on his study of the responses to the increasing integration of the U.S. and Mexican economy represent to “cities on the edge” like El Paso, Texas. What has NAFTA meant, after all the rhetoric at its signing???

Karen Bartels likes fire! She spent her sabbatical looking at volcanic rock and found an unexpected level of complexity. In response to my (naïve) questions about that complexity she responded: “If there is some regularity to the chemical changes, it might indicate an evolving magma chamber that is recharged with a fresh batch of magma from a fairly homogenous source.  If the chemical changes don't have a regular pattern, then there may have been other factors (different source regions for magma production, magma mixing after different stages of differentiation, contamination of magma with continental crust, etc).  One can use the data to constrain possible models for the production of the volcanic rocks.”

Student Feedback:

A student writes: “I am happy that I discovered the study abroad program.  Its staff too, has done such an excellent job with all their detailed planning and arrangements.  I cannot think of a better way to explore new destinations than taking a course related to that location, studying affiliated information, meeting new people, familiarizing oneself with them and them participating in a trip with them as well as the instructor.  It has been a perfect avenue for me to complete my educational requirements in my goal for earning my B.A. degree from NEIU.” 

Another one writes: “It is my privilege to inform you of one of the most wonderful learning experiences I had recently at Northeastern Illinois University. I was a new transfer student from Wright Jr. College and was told that I was short one class to meet my Human Relations requirement. My disappointment quickly diminished when I met my Linguistics 120 professor named Judith Kaplan -Wenger. What a wonderful semester I had with her! I learned many new things from her class and more importantly she was very kind and professional. Northeastern is very fortunate to have somebody as wonderful as Judith.”

She’s baaaaak….CLS Drop-in on the Dean Hours

(Wednesday 3:30 -5 in CLS 4090) will resume on September 29! Just knock on the door….

Did you know?? New Academic Policies:

The following policies changes were made by FACAC and approved by the Provost:

CMT COMM 100: Introduction to Communication fulfills the Improving Human Relations Requirement (See Fall Schedule of Classes, p. 17 for further information regarding Improving Human Relations Requirement)

MATH 108: College Mathematics I fulfills the Mathematics Competency Requirement (See Northeastern Illinois University Academic Catalog, p.38, No. 11 (a) for further information)

 42 Credit Hours of Upper Division (300 Level ) Requirement has changed to successful completion of 24 credit hours at the 300-level and 18 credit hours at either 200 or 300 level.

New graduate program - M.A. Latin American Literatures and Cultures (See the department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, CLS 2040)

New minor program – African & African American Studies (See the department of Sociology, CLS 2090, for more information or Northeastern Illinois University Academic Catalog, p. 59)

The Department of Speech and Performing Arts has changed its name to the Department of Communication, Media & Theatre

New Ventures!

The Philosophy Department is creating an Ethics Bowl Team!  Like the old “College Bowl” on which it was modeled, students combine a valuable educational experience with the excitement of competitive team sports. Stay tuned!

Pre-Law Advising:

Under the leadership of Associate dean Roger Gilman, the College is developing a “team approach” to pre-law advising. The team is composed of faculty from a number of disciplines who will help mentor students on to success at law school.

Shelley Bannister, Justice studies,  Paul Neal, Business Law,  David Leaman Political Science, Jackie Campbell, Justice Studies,  Dragan Milovanovic Justice Studies, Audrey Natcone, Justice Studies, Roger Reinsch, Business Law,  Lorn Coleman Placement Director, Victor Ortiz, Latin American Studies,  and David Helfand, Career Development are the committee members. More details can be found at the CAS website:  http://www.neiu.edu/~casdept/pre-law.htm

 ***

In conclusion…hey, with one thing and another, it is turning out to be a tough semester.  I know that everyone is trying to do the right thing and to act in good faith,  so let’s be thoughtful and respectful of each other….. and be gentle with yourself, too.  Cheers.

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