Monday, September 30, 2013
Phil and Lit Society - October 4, 2013 - Change in Iowa Rivers, Diatoms, Society, and Climate: Getting with the Flow
There will be no meeting next week because of Homecoming.
UNCW semester in Wales (Swansea) for the spring 2014 term
_______________________________________________________________________
HONORS SEMESTER IN WALES WITH UNCW
Again for spring 2014, the Honors College at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will sponsor a semester study abroad program in Wales at Swansea University, winner of the coveted London Times award for "best student experience" among British universities, as determined by student votes. We welcome honors students from universities across the United States to join us!
The semester will be hosted by Dr. David E. Weber, Associate Professor, Department of Communication Studies at UNCW. Dr. Weber is a nationally recognized specialist in organizational communication, intercultural communication and applied rhetorical theory. He will be teaching two courses at Swansea in Spring 2014, including an honors seminar called "Ethnography and Public Memory."
The Setting: Swansea University, overlooking beautiful Swansea Bay, is situated within a large area of landscaped parkland within walking distance of the city center. To the west is the lovely Gower Peninsula with its broad bays and sandy coves. Swansea is a modern city of 200,000 with well-equipped leisure centers and cultural facilities. Swansea can be reached by train from London in about 2 ½ hours.
Course of study: Honors Students may earn up to 17 credits at Swansea as follows:
●Honors seminar (Ethnography and Public Memory) taught by Dr. Weber: 2 credits
●Pre-Semester British Culture & Politics Course (3 credits) (see http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/visiting-and-exchange/presessional-courses/ for more information).
●Courses of the student's choice from the Swansea University catalog: 12 credits
Undergraduates from any college or university, and any major, are welcome. Students must be honors students in good standing at their home universities. Students will be actively assisted by the American Studies Office at Swansea University in course selection. Course information is available at: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/ugcourses/ & https://intranet.swan.ac.uk/catalogue/. In addition to teaching the above honors course Dr. Weber will arrange field trips, social gatherings, and other social and academic events and activities.
Housing: Students will live with British students in the Hendrefoelan Student Village, an apartment style living arrangement. Read more about the Village here: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/accommodation/residences/hendrefoelanstudentvillage/
Here is a very rough schedule for the semester … more specificity in the dates will be available soon:
●Arrival: approximately mid-January 2014
●Pre-Semester Course/Internship: approximately last two weeks of January 2014
●Classes start: approximately end of January or beginning of February, 2014
●Easter vacation will be more than three weeks long – yes, you read that right! – and offers an outstanding opportunity to travel widely in Europe
●Semester ends approximately mid-June 2014
Costs and Application: $10,850. The cost includes tuition and fees, accommodation, study abroad health insurance, orientation, a bedding packet (including duvet), local bus pass and scheduled field trips. Not included are airfare, meals, and books; budget between $3500-$4500 for these expenses.
The first deposit of $225 (non-refundable) is due October 15, 2013 with completed application. The rest of the payment may be made in installments -- early November and early December. (Late applications will be accepted with a $40 late fee on a "space available" basis.)
Students interested in applying, or advisors interested in nominating students should send the names and email address of those students to Kara Pike in UNCW's Office of International Programs at pikek@uncw.edu.
I hope you can join us for the limited number of spaces on this unique opportunity to live and study in the UK. More information about the program is available at: http://uncw.edu/international/abroad/documents/swanseaunivspringprogram.pdf and http://www.uncw.edu/honors/academics/international.html.
You may find the following webpage of interest:
From the website of the UNCW Communication Studies Dept. (Dr. Weber's home department), link to information about the UNCW Swansea 2014 program:
http://www.uncw.edu/com/swansea2014/index.html
Also, you may find the following social media sites of interest:
UNCW Swansea 2014 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/uncwswansea2014
Twitter: UNCW Swansea 2014
Tumblr: http://uncw2swansea.tumblr.com/
For more information or to ask questions, please contact David Weber, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication Studies (weberd@uncw.edu), or Ms. Kara Pike, Assistant Director of Education Abroad (pikek@uncw.edu).
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Why College?
After all, it is certainly possible in the Midwest to graduate from High School, learn a trade, and keep a good job. There are some skilled-jobs that do not require a college degree and make good money. Many of the Scholars are going to college because they want a specific job that does require a college degree. However, you might ask the question, why does that job require you to go to college? After all, a trade school could stuff Anatomy and Physiology into your brain quite well.
Going to college that changes you in deep ways. We tell you to live with strangers in rooms that, in some cases, are little better than the housing projects. We make you take all sorts of classes that, on the surface, do not have anything to do with your chosen career path. We talk about Leadership and Service, Faith and Learning. We refuse to give you a well-codified rubric and tell you we are looking for your best effort. Maybe most importantly, we make you back up your claims with data.
"A liberal education is at the heart of a civil society, and at the heart of a liberal education is the act of teaching." - A. Bartlett Giamatti Majors are a recent invention when it comes to college education. The essential part of college is the gathering together of students who want to learn deeply about "stuff". Although that stuff is different for each student, the learning happens when you share what you are passionate about with others around you. That sharing happens sometimes in the classroom, but more often in the coffee shop, the Mensa, the gym, and in the residence halls when no one can sleep. This is one of the reason I do my best to keep options open in SCH 101. After all, in order to learn deeply about your stuff, you need to be passionate about it. “Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
You can meet someone at an event, talk with them for 10 minutes about nearly anything, and be 95% confident that you know whether or not they have been to college. It isn't just that you "know more stuff," but that you are able to talk about other people's stuff, that you may not know a lot about, in a reasoned and logical way. You read books because you find them interesting, not because they are required for class. You take classes that are completely outside your comfort zone because they sound fun. And, when you have children, they develop a love of learning because that is what everyone else in the family is doing.
Finally - some humor from one of my favorite authors:
Tuesday Math Game night
Feel free to email any of our officers with questions.
adam.kucera@wartburg.edu - President, Wartburg Scholar
bailey.wilson@wartburg.edu - Vice President
sarah.white@wartburg.edu - Secretary, Wartburg Scholar
alyssa.hanson@wartburg.edu - Treasurer
Thanks,
KME Officers
2014 Conference Planning - Post 1
- 2013 - College of St. Scholastica - Duluth, MN - 2013 Conference Program
- 2012 - Clark University - Dubuque, IA - 2012 Conference Program
- 2011 - University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - 2011 Conference Program
- 2010 - South Dakota State University - Brookings, SD - 2010 Conference Program
- 2009 - Southwest Minnesota State University - Marshall, MN - 2009 Basic Information - 2009 Conference Program
- 2008 - University of Wisconsin-Stout - Menomonie, WI
- 2007 - Dickinson State University - Dickinson, ND
Friday, September 27, 2013
Campus Cleanup
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Technology I use
- Chrome - I use this as my go-to browser. One feature I like is that I can have it save my bookmarks and other items and share them on multiple computers.
- Dropbox - This backs up all the important data on my computer and synchronizes the files between computers. Plus, I can access all files from any computer using a browser. One too many hard-disk crashes and I keep everything backed up. Plus, if you accidentally delete or write over your paper, you can retrieve an older version.
- Feedly - This is what I use to keep track of everyone's blog posts. I can bring up one page and see all new posts, or look at all posts by a particular blogger if I wish.
- npr.org - I can't be listening to the radio all the time. My students would be discouraged if I did that during class. However, I have found this to be my source for the least-biased American news source. If you want a more worldly source for news, you will need to look at non-English news sources.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
APPLY NOW - DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 1 - Spring 2014 Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
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Monday, September 23, 2013
The 2013 Homecoming Court has been announced
- Justin Cartwright
- Crosby King
- Aaron Sackett
- Kyle Scobee
- Zach Sommers
- MacKenzie Compton
- Lanie Crouse
- Chantal Knepper
- Ellen Scott
- Ramey Sieck
Phil and Lit Society - September 27, 2013 - Slife Social Work Institute for Consultation, Research and Training
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Sabbath
Growing up in a secular household I never really appreciated the benefit of the Sabbath. For those of you who have not grown up with weekly church services, you do not have to attend church to celebrate the Sabbath. However, it helps because at the heart of it, church services were designed to make us mindful of our lives and our place within the universe.
Last year I challenged students to give up their electronic devices for a week. No cell phone, no mp3 player, no television, limited computer contact, etc. I was told it was impossible. I still think this would be an awesome Lenten Practice, but perhaps we could start smaller.
So, students and friends, I challenge you to take a weekly Sabbath. Perhaps you can't afford 24 hours, but start with 6 hours and work towards 24. Take time to celebrate your place in the universe. Spend time with your friends creating community. Leave your cell phones on the charger. Attend a worship service. Go for a walk. Leave your email on the computer. Meditate. Ride a bike. Play a fun game. Eat a meal together. Listen to music and sing along.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Welfare
1. Kiva -- This is for my more conservative students. The point of Kiva is to loan money in units of $25 to people in third world countries with poor banking systems so that they can improve their lives and pay back the loans. When you make the loan, you decide who to loan the money to based on what the money will be used for (supplies, education, etc.). Then once you are paid back $25 you can loan it out again.
2. Give Directly -- This is for my more liberal students. The point of Give Directly is to find the poorest of the poor in Kenya. One of the amazing things about Kenya is that they don't have ATMs, but they have bypassed this entirely to use cheap cell phones to transfer money. Once Give Directly has identified these poor, they give them money directly to use as they see fit. The ideas is that the poor really know what will benefit them. "The most frequent self-reported use of funds is purchasing a metal roof. We estimate the annual rate of return on on metal as opposed to thatch roofing to be 15%-20%, suggesting this is an attractive investment."
I challenge the Scholars students to hold some fund raisers and then use this money to improve the life of someone who lives in abject poverty. It is up to the Scholars to decide whether to go the conservative path or the liberal path.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Next Big Project
We could create a database of lat-long data on where the marker is, what it says, and perhaps additional information. Then, we could make something you could load onto your car GPS that would bring up information when you drive by the marker.
Anyone else interested?
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
U.S. Department of Energy Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) Fellowship Program
Phil and Lit Society - Sept. 20, 2013 - YHWH is a Warrior: Images of Divine Violence in the Bible
The speaker on the 20th will be Professor Brian Jones and the title of his talk is "YHWH is a Warrior: Images of Divine Violence in the Bible."
The second meeting of the Wartburg College Philosophy and Literary Society for fall term will be held on Friday, September 20 at 4:00 in McCoy West. All are welcome.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
NCUWM 2014 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Unsubscribe from NCUWM Announcements
Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Conference in La Crosse, WI
· students who may be interested in completing research projects in the future (presenting is not a prerequisite for attendance),
· members of professional listservs you subscribe to, and/or
· colleagues at your institution who you think might be interested in attending.
Honors program in Guatemala
FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN LATIN AMERICA:
The Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Arizona and the
abroad program in Antigua, Guatemala. This is a summer, spring and/or fall
credit.
https://www.facebook.com/StudyAbroadCirma
Program highlights include:
* a variety of Latin American Studies, History, Anthropology, Politics,
Environmental Studies and Spanish classes, taught by professors, scholars, and
practitioners from Central America. Students can also study a Mayan language.
* classes give an in-depth and on-the-ground view of the history of revolution
* engaging field trips throughout Guatemala related to course material.
* opportunities to travel on your own (Guatemala is incredibly beautiful,
complex and fascinating!)
* a home stay with a Guatemalan family.
* for-credit internships at CIRMA and use of CIRMA's extensive research library.
CIRMA is located in a stunningly beautiful colonial mansion in the center of
Antigua, Guatemala.
* internships and volunteer opportunities in the surrounding community, organized according to student interests.
* study abroad students are also doing internships at Safe Passage/Camino Seguro
(www.safepassage.org) in Guatemala City. Safe Passage provides
life-transforming aid to children of families who live in a barrio marginal.
Study abroad students have found that lending a hand to this incredible
organization not only makes a real difference in the world, but that it changes
their own lives as well. This internship can be accompanied by a directed
reading in Latin American urban history or urban anthropology.
* a colloquium series that brings in renowned political, social and cultural
leaders to dialogue with the study abroad students.
Deadline to apply for Spring 2014 is Oct. 15. For deadlines for summer and fall 2014, please click on the U of A study abroad link below.
For more information about the application process, contact Jill Calderon at the
UA Study Abroad office:
jcaldero@email.arizona.edu.
For questions about CIRMA and Guatemala, contact
Jennifer Casolo, CIRMA study abroad director: jcasolo@cirma.org.gt
For program information, including price, see:
http://global.arizona.edu/study-abroad/program/center-mesoamerican-research-cirma-guatemala
or visit http://cirma.org.gt
To remove yourself from the list, send the command: "UNSUB Honors" in the first line of the message box and send this to <listserv@hermes.circ.gwu.edu>. Do NOT include the quotes. This will automatically unsubscribe you from the listserv. But be sure to use the same machine you subscribed on to unsubscribe.
Mariah Birgen
Professor of Mathematics
Wartburg Scholars Director
Office Phone: (319) 352-8565
Office: SC 358
Scholars Facebook: www.facebook.com/Wartburg.Scholars
Constitution Day on Thursday, Sept. 19
Monday, September 16, 2013
Capital Semester in Washington, DC
*******************************************************
WASHINGTON, D.C.
www.DCinternships.org/CS
EARLY DEADLINE: October 1, 2013
FINAL DEADLINE: November 5, 2013
SAMPLE PAST INTERNSHIP SITES
- Aerospace Industries Association
- American Legislative Exchange Council
- Children's Rights Council
- Congressional Offices
- First Book
- Foreign Embassies
- Institute for World Politics
- Philanthropy Roundtable
- U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Voice of America
- WTOP News Radio
- Internships – Competitive placements with government agencies, congressional offices, public policy groups, international affairs organizations, news outlets, communications firms and nonprofit organizations
- Housing – Roommate matching and furnished Capitol Hill apartments in the heart of D.C.
- Classes – Full-time course load accredited by George Mason University
- Guest Lectures – With Washington's top policy and economics experts
- Exclusive Briefings – At the World Bank, State Department, U.S. Capitol and Federal Reserve
- Leadership & Professional Development – Leadership, mentoring and career building activities
- Networking – Interaction with seasoned professionals and student leaders from around the world
- Scholarships – Generous scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need
EARLY DEADLINE – 5% DISCOUNT
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Christmas Break Book Club
Check out NPR's author interview and book review and let me know if you think it could be good. Or, if you have another suggestion, give me that as well. Comments welcome.
Congratulations Jill
2013 Scholars Dinner with President Colson
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Posters on the Hill 2014--Call for Abstracts
Submission Period: September 2-November 4, 2013
Council on Undergraduate Research
734 15th Street NW Suite 550
Washington, DC 20005
p: 202.783.4810
f: 202.783.4811
www.cur.org
Mariah Birgen
Professor of Mathematics
Wartburg Scholars Director
Office Phone: (319) 352-8565
Office: SC 358
Scholars Facebook: www.facebook.com/Wartburg.Scholars
Monday, September 9, 2013
Congratulations - Second Year Election
Shikinen Sengu: 1,300 Years of Ritual Renewal in Japan's Shinto Tradition
Sunday, September 8, 2013
All Work and No Play?
Fwd: 11 Ways College Athletes Are Treated Worse Than Unpaid Interns
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/06/college-athletes-unpaid-interns_n_3865911.html
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, September 6, 2013
Elections coming up
Speaking of voting, while I was being trained to run the new computer system and vote my early ballot, I picked up some brochures for becoming a Precinct Election Official. They are always looking for people who are comfortable with computers. If you are interested, I have the brochures outside my office.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Fwd: BBC News: Green compensation scheme outlined
Green compensation scheme outlined
The UK government has outlined its proposals on compensating for the loss of biodiversity through development.
Read more:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23972980
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Orange Exceleration - Day 5
Monday, September 2, 2013
Interesting competition from the NY Times
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/02/what-memorable-experiences-have-you-had-in-learning-science-or-math/?ref=science
BBC News: How many climate migrants will there be?
I saw this story on the BBC News iPhone App and thought you should see it:
How many climate migrants will there be?
An estimate that 200 million people could be forced to flee their country because of climate change has been repeated many times. But how reliable is it?
Orange Exceleration - Day 4
- Environmental Justice
- Educational Justice
- Minority Justice
- Political Justice (To be continued later)
- No more than one debate per week.
- No more than two writing assignment per week with the ability of students to have choices on what they are going to write.
- Variety of modes of learning.