Dan Creed: Travel - Understanding Cultural Differences

Travel - Understanding Cultural Differences

A presentation by Dan Creed, faculty member in Business

Friday, November 12th (noon-12:50)

Room S1328

The purpose of this talk is to show why travel for students, the business community, and adults in general helps foster understanding of the differences in culture, religion, and etiquette from one country to the next.  This understanding gives companies an edge in doing business in foreign countries and provides an edge to students who are entering the job market. 

As always, all are welcome!

Guest lecture: Dr. Manoucher R. Khosrowshahi - Turkey: Islam, Modernity and Secularism

Turkey: Islam, Modernity and Secularism

Friday, October 29th

S1328 at noon

Abstract:

This presentation will create an integrated picture of Turkey by bringing together comparative perspectives on its past, present, and future, and delving into such issues as the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, secularism, religion, democracy, civil-military relations, and the European Union membership.

The issues Dr. Khasrowashahi will address are in the headlines every week. Don’t miss this chance to see an excellent colloquium talk from a guest scholar!  Let your students know!

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Manoucher R. Khosrowshahi (Dr. K.) is the Texas Professor of the year, a Piper Professor of 2010, Fulbright scholar, and the founder and director of the Middle East Center at Tyler Junior College.    He has been selected as “the Texas Professor of the Year 2008” by the Carnegie Foundation at Washington D.C.  He serves as a board member and web master at the Middle East Outreach Council (Nationwide network of Middle East centers).  He is also an adjunct faculty at the University of Texas at Tyler.

His fellow instructors, the administration, and his students regard him with the highest respect and admiration, as evidenced by his selection for the "Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence" and "the Mattie Alice Scroggin Baker Excellence in Teaching Award."   The city of Tyler awarded him the "Dr. Martin Luther King's Award for Non-Violent Social Change" in 2009.  Dr. Khosrowshahi has been recognized eight times as "Master Teacher" by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) of the University of Texas at Austin.  He has received “Excellence on Education” award twice from the student senate.

Dr. K. is an Internet veteran of 16 years and an e-learning expert.  He has been offering the online courses since 1995 via cyber-learning.  As a technology consultant, he has given many convocation speeches, conducted technology training sessions for faculty and students around the country.

Dr. K. is a selected speaker for the National Endowments for Humanities affiliate: Texas Council for the Humanities.   As a global education expert, he has extensive field work and travel experience in the Middle East, Far East and Near East.  Partnering with the University of Texas at Tyler, Johnson County Community College (Kansas), Dallas Community College, Normandale Community College (Minnesota),  and Sam Houston University, he has lunched travel/study programs in Turkey.    Hundreds of students, faculty and community members have participated in the program since 1998.  He has been a consultant to the State Department, the National Security Educational Program of Defense Department and Department of Education.  As part of his research in international education, he has traveled to Turkey (since 1998 twenty two times), England, Japan, Thailand, Iran, Germany, Canada, and Mexico.  He is fluent in English, Azeri Turkish, Turkey Turkish (Modern), Farsi, and Arabic.

Manoucher Khosrowshahi has received his Ph.D. from the University of North Texas at Denton and received three post doctoral fellowships from The University of Texas at Austin, Rice University and The United States Institute of peace.

There will be a lecture and orientation session for the trip to Turkey on Saturday, October 30 from 8:30-11:00 a.m (Room C2003).

Patrick O'Donnell - Parallel Satirists?

October 15th, 2010

Patrick O'Donnell (Faculty member in English)

“Parallel Satirists? Sinclair Lewis/Jonathan Swift: The critique of constricting environments in twentieth century Minnesota and eighteenth century Dublin”

Abstract:

Are there any parallels in how both Lewis and Swift assail the hypocrisy beneath the smug complacency of constricting environments in their respective societies? This talk will place Swift within the context of eighteenth century Dublin (in particular his caustic satire of Dublin’s Parliament House The Legion Club), and Lewis within the context of his critique of small town Minnesota (in particular his cutting portrait of Gopher Prairie in Main Street).

Richard Brown - Isn't it Sublime? The Aesthetics and Purposes of Art

Presented by Richard Brown, Faculty Member in English

Friday, October 1st

Noon-12:50 in S1328

"Isn't It Sublime? The Aesthetics and Purposes of Art" 

Abstract:  The concept of "The Sublime" has been a part of the landscape of philosophy and art for centuries, and has been difficult to define with any degree of certainty.  The whole idea of what makes art worthwhile, as well as the purpose and function of art in human experience has perplexed us for ages. This presentation explores "The Sublime" in various social and historical contexts to show those complexities and what they may mean to all of us in the 21st century.

All Colloquium Series talks are free and open to the public. Invite your knowledge-hungry friends, family, coworkers, students, et cetera!

On Publishing - Normandale Faculty Poets and Writers

Welcome back! The colloquium series has a fantastic new schedule of talks for the fall semester, so please stay tuned for upcoming colloquia!

First talk of the semester: On Publishing - presented by Normandale faculty poets and writers
Where: S1328
Time/Date: 12-12:50 on Friday, September 17th

Abstract:

Several Normandale creative writing faculty will discuss their experiences with publishing their work, and will share excerpts from recent publications. 

The participating authors will be…
Matt Mauch (moderator)
John Reimringer
Tom Maltman
Alicia Conroy

All Normandale Colloquium Series talks are free and open to the public.

Michael Bielmeier - The Faces of Evil in American Film

Presented by Michael Bielmeier, Faculty in English
Friday, April 23rd – from noon until 12:50
Room C1016

Abstract:
The Faces of Evil in American Film:  The conflict between Good and Evil has long been at the heart of many a plot within a variety of cinematographic genres.  Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Rocky Balboa are popular choices when it comes to naming heroes who overcome great malevolence in order to insure social well-being.  It is, however, the intriguing and varied face of evil that is the focus of this study.  In a power point presentation employing numerous film stills and video clips, evil will be discussed briefly from theological and philosophic perspectives, and then individual American films, both older and modern, will be examined.  A good time should be had by all (demonic forces notwithstanding).

Presenter Bio:
Dr. Michael Bielmeier has been a college English professor for over twenty years, having happily spent the last four at Normandale.  He earned his B.A. at St. Norbert College, his M.A. at Arizona State, and his Ph.D. at Marquette, specializing in Renaissance literature.  Although Dr. Bielmeier's primary scholarly focus has been Shakespeare, having published and presented on Bard's tragedies and existential philosophy, his academic avocation has always been film.  Dr. B and his wife Kathy, who teaches for NCC's Business Dept., have four children, six grandchildren, and a recently castrated golden doodle puppy who secretly prays for opposable thumbs.

Colloquia Greatest Hits - Tuesday, April 13th

Come one, come all, to five encore performances of past colloquium presentations!

Five colloquia are scheduled for Normandale's Community Success Day, which will be an all-day event on Tuesday, April 13th. Come for the colloquia, stay for all of the other great events on the 13th.

All five talks, below, will take place on the Normandale campus in room S2336.

10-10:50: Dave Lake (Psychology) - "Do Polygraph Lie Detector Tests Work?"

11-11:50: Creative Writing Faculty Members Read Original Poetry and Prose

12-12:50: Richard Brown (English) - "Tolstoy"

1-1:50: Carina Belinco (Biology) - "Do you really want to know your future? Issues surrounding predictive genetic testing in adults"

2-2:50: Tony Dunlop (Mathematics) - "Reason Dethroned: Why Logic Can't Answer Every Question and Computers Can't Solve Every Math Problem" 

"Educational Uses of Second Life"

Presented by: 
Jenny Hanson, Faculty in Theatre
Julie Johnson, Faculty in Physics
Hattie Dambroski, Faculty in Biology

Friday, April 9th, from noon to 12:50

Room C1016

Abstract:

This talk will begin with a brief introduction to the online game, Second Life. Launched in June 2003, Second Life consists of an online virtual world that currently boasts 18 million registered user accounts. Following a brief introduction to this popular game, the presenters will visit MnSCU island within the world of Second Life and meet with the island's administrator, Magdelena Wesley.  From there, they'll take you on a series of virtual field trips.  They'll visit a schizophrenia simulation, German language sims, the Sistene Chapel, one or more science sims, and religious/cultural sims.  If there is time, they'll visit more simulations based on the audience's interests.

Chuck Nikles - "Daydreaming: Worthwhile or Worrisome?"

Chuck Nikles, Ph.D., Faculty in Psychology

Friday, March 26^th - from noon to 12:50

Room C1016

Abstract:

Daydreaming has had a bad reputation throughout much of modern human history.  It’s been viewed as a sign of laziness (at best) and a sign of mental illness (at worst).  This presentation will address the scientific evidence on daydreaming, identifying several benefits of this very common activity and some circumstances under which it may predict disordered thought processes.

Biographical Statement:

Chuck Nikles majored in psychology and philosophy at the University of Minnesota, Morris before continuing on to earn his Ph.D. in personality psychology at the U of M, Twin Cities.  He started at Normandale in spring of 2005 and primarily teaches General Psychology, Personality, and Human Sexuality.  His main area of interest is human consciousness (focusing particularly on daydreaming & night dreaming), and he plans to offer a topics course on the subject in Fall 2010.

Resources from Chuck's talk on daydreaming:
For general audiences:
-Klinger, E (1990). Daydreaming: Using waking fantasy and imagery for self-knowledge and creativity.
-Singer, J.L. (1975). The inner world of daydreaming

For those willing to risk brain explosion (e.g. Honors students):
-Klinger, E. (1971). Structure and functions of fantasy

For those allergic to books:
http://www.philoctetes.org/Past_Programs/Daydreaming_Night_Dreaming_and_Stimulus_Independent_Thought
Roundtable (October 6, 2007): Daydreaming, Night-Dreaming, and Stimulus-Independent Thought (featuring Klinger and Singer)

Questions? Comments? Contact Chuck Nikles at:
Charles.Nikles@Normandale.edu 

Corrinne Bedecarre and Chris Ferro - "Binge Drinking: The Ethics of Choosing to Lose Control"

Presented by Corrinne Bedecarre and Chris Ferro, Faculty in Philosophy
Friday, March 5^th from noon – 12:50 p.m.
Room C1016

Why do people choose to binge drink, and can drinking possibly be a virtue (when done in moderation)? Bedecarre and Ferro's research covers Aristotelian Virtue Theory and action theory, respectively, as methods for exploring the concept of binge drinking. Aristotle tells us that we should follow the "middle way" between virtue and vice - but should we necessarily see drinking as a vice? There are thousands of English words that are synonyms for being drunk - why is drinking so important to us, and what benefit does losing control provide us?

Presenter Bios

Corrinne Bedecarré has been philosophically engaged by questions of rationality, feminism and society for many years. Her presentations and writing began in concerns about critical thinking and pedagogy; in particular how sustained consideration of complex moral and social issues review ideological commitments. The issues which she has found particularly compelling include racism and racial identity and feminist responses to sexuality, sexual assault, mothering and education. For the last few years, Bedecarre’ has been looking at everyday applications of moral reasoning at the level of society moral reasoning.  She examined claims about dieting and problems of female empowerment in “Does the Hag Diet?: Feminist Analysis of Dieting” and the ethics of binge drinking.  She continues in this talk to review how virtue theory provides a useful framework for evaluating the ethical ambiguities of intoxication.

Chris Ferro received his PhD in philosophy from the University of Chicago in 2007, and before moving to Minneapolis this past fall he spent two years teaching for the philosophy department at Tulane University in New Orleans. He is currently a part-time faculty member both here at Normandale and at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. His dissertation work was on the nature of human agency, intention, and practical rationality, and he currently has teaching and research interests in (among other things) the philosophy of mind, ethics, and the history of philosophy.

Linda Armstrong - "The Sun is Not Your Enemy: The Benefits of Vitamin D"

Presented by Linda Armstrong, Faculty in Health

Friday, February 19^th, from noon – 12:50 p.m.

Room C1016 (Please note that this is a room change!)

Abstract:

Hearty Minnesotans have more to worry about than snow shoveling! We aren't getting enough Vitamin D. About 60% of Minnesotans are estimated to be deficient in Vitamin D. Who cares, you ask? You may if you want to decrease your risk for cancer, heart disease, depression and other chronic diseases. Find out more about Vitamin D and what you can do if you can't travel to the beach over spring break!

Bio
Linda is a Registered Dietitian with expertise in clinical nutrition, food service management and online learning. As a nutritionist, preventing chronic disease has always been an interest of Linda's. She likes to spread the prevention message whenever she can. It's her contribution to cutting health care costs!

New Ideas and Discussion

Normandale Colloquium Series 2009 - 2010

Jennifer Isaac - "The Language of Love: How Do I love Thee?"

On Friday, February 5th, from noon to 12:50 in C1016

Abstract:
How do I love thee? I'm not sure...how should I love you?

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, thoughts and expressions of love can be found in the Hallmark card aisle and boxes filled with Godiva chocolates. The varieties of symbols used to express love and affection are often confusing for both the sender and the receiver of the emotions. Chocolate, it turns out, doesn’t always = love. Go figure.

As human beings, we use language and nonverbal expressions to communicate love and affection. Knowing how different people interpret this abstract word and how they show love to others may help minimize confusion and strengthen interpersonal relationships. Learning our own love currency may also help us communicate our needs to others.

Presenter Bio:

Jennifer Thompson Isaac is a faculty member in the Communication department at NCC. She is also a practicing communicator of many emotions, including this one. And she really likes chocolate.

Charlotte Sullivan - “The Frog Prince and Other Dating Advice for the New Millennium”

(Please note that the meeting location for this colloquium is not the same as those held last semester. The room for this colloquium talk is listed below:)

Presented by Charlotte Sullivan, Faculty in English

Friday, January 22nd, from noon – 12:50 p.m.

Room C1018

Abstract:

When your mother told you, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs,” you knew what she was talking about. She, like countless storytellers, artists, and filmmakers before and since, was offering her own vision of The Frog Prince fairy tale, and in so doing, revealing her thoughts about the nature of love and mate selection. Disney’s The Princess and the Frog makes just such a run at reimagining this essential fairy tale. But why are we so obsessed with this story about a disgusting amphibian who won’t take no for an answer?

A look into the evolution of this and other transformation fairy tales, like Beauty and the Beast or The Riquet with the Tuft, reveals our continuing need to explore our cultural ideas about partnering. English, French, German, and American literary and film versions of these stories limn just how much our ideas about gender roles and mate selection have and, in some cases, haven’t changed over the past three centuries. Find out who the Princess will kiss next....

Presenter Bio:

Charlotte E. Sullivan writes children’s fiction, essays, and poetry. Her work has been published or honored by Fourth Genre, Rockford Review, Freshwater, Front Range Review, The StarTribune, a Pushcart nomination, and other publications. She interviews children’s and young adult authors for KFAI’s Write On Radio! and participates in the GLBT Intermedia Arts Reading Series. She earned an MFA in fiction from Hamline University and an MS in Curriculum and Instruction from Mankato State University. Having taught English and Creative Writing for 14 years, she currently works at Normandale Community College, Luther Seminary’s Center for Writing and Research, and The Loft Literary Center. In her spare time she serves as a freelance editor of children’s and young adult novels for The Queue at Scarletta Press.