February 7, 2014 “Intersectional Social Justice: From the Shoes on Your Feet to the Food You Eat”

This engaging talk from nationally respected scholar-activist Anthony J. Nocella II, Ph.D. explains why all social justice issues—such as racial, environmental, animal, disability, youth, queer, and women’s justice—are interconnected and why we cannot merely read and write about them. Rather, we must organize and resist in the streets in radical, creative, and transformative ways. This conversation will begin with theory and end with explaining how the audience can pragmatically address their own privilege, domination, and oppressive behaviors on a daily basis.

 

Bio: Anthony J. Nocella II, Ph.D., an intersectional scholar and community organizer. Dr. Nocella has published more than fifty scholarly articles or book chapters; co-founded the fields of eco-ability and critical animal studies; co-founded and directs the Institute for Critical Animal Studies; edits the Peace Studies Journal; and has published more than fifteen books including Earth, Animal and Disability Liberation: The Rise of the Eco-ability Movement (2012), The Global Industrial Complex: Systems of Domination (2011), and The End of Prisons: Reflections from the Decarceration Movement (2013). In 2009, he, along with incarcerated youth in New York, founded Save the Kids, a leading national grass-roots organization working to dismantle the school to prison pipeline. His areas of interest include social justice education, disability studies, Hip Hop, transformative justice, and peace and conflict studies. His Web site is www.anthonynocella.org.

December 6, 2013

The Artistry of Poetry:  Two Poets Read and Discuss Their Published Works

 Presented by Gretchen Marquette and Betsy Brown, Faculty in English

 

November 22, 2013

Title: “Animal Liberation: The Failure of Religion, The Promise of Atheism”

 

Based on her upcoming book Animal Liberation and Atheism: Remaking the Procrustean Bed (Freethought House, 2014), Kim Socha, Ph.D., will explore how the very concept of religion is inherently antithetical to the destruction of hierarchy necessary to free nonhumans from the human perception that other species are ours to use as we please. In contrast, animal liberation issues are best addressed through secular perspectives.

 

Book Web page: http://www.freethoughthouse.com/animal-liberation-and-atheism.html

November 1, 2013.

Louis Jenkins, Minnesota prose poet - guest lecturer - reading from 'Tin Flag.'

Louis Jenkins, a distinguished Minnesota author, is one of the masters of the prose poem. His work was recently presented at the Guthrie Theater in an adaptation by Mark Rylance as a play aptly termed ‘Nice Fish.’

November 1, 2013.

 

October 25, 2013

Applying Sociology: An Academician Works with Two Service Organizations

Scott Magnuson-Martinson, Faculty in Sociology

This presentation is based on activities during his third (and final) sabbatical. It may serve as a basis for others who might want to explore similar opportunities outside of academia. Whether the aforementioned is an objective or not, this colloquium should provide some illumination of what one can expect in similar situations.

October 11, 2013

Modernism as a Cultural Movement : presented by Richard E. Brown (Faculty in English).

Modernism was a cultural movement of wide scope and diversity.  It arose during the late 19^th century and evolved through much of the 20^th before being deconstructed by Postmodernism.  Modernism was expressed in many of the arts: Visual Art, Architecture, Music, and Literature.  It responded to many scientific, philosophical, and aesthetic influences that were emergent at that time.  It changed everything in an effort to “make it new.”  That tectonic shift in the aesthetic landscape had formative and lasting effects on the contemporary world—a treasured legacy in this Postmodern 21^st century.

 

May 3, 2013

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s: presented by Kari Fisher (faculty in English) and Normandale students.

 What we know of the Civil Rights Movement is all too often solely defined by a few events and key people.  1963 is no exception.  Framed by the inauguration of Alabama Governor George Wallace and the assassination of John F. Kennedy; the year is also remembered for the March on Washington, Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the murder of four “little girls” in Birmingham. During this presentation, we’ll examine how some of the lesser known stories, events, and people of  1963 created such a transformative year and how this time still shapes and inspires us.

Inspired by correspondence with Civil Rights veterans including Hunter Gray, Kari Fisher applied and was accepted for a 2011 National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks in Democracy Seminar: “From Freedom Summer to the Memphis Sanitation Strike” with the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute.  Kari and several students will share writing, photos, and stories of what they’ve learned about this transformative year.

May 3, 2013. [Note: this concluded the 2012-2013 Colloquium Series.]

April 19, 2013

SAAM Issues and Collaborative Publication Project: presented by Kurt Burch (faculty in Political Science) and Normandale students.

This colloquium directly and indirectly addresses issues related to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Boston Marathon bombings and subsequent manhunt, and activism. 

Students in Intro to World Politics will present research.  One topic is “Women’s Rights, Women’s Inequalities”.  The students will explore physical and institutional forms of violence against women around the world. 

A second topic asks “Which countries are best?”  This group compiled data on countries according to varied criteria, including security, crime rates, and protections of civil liberties. 

Both groups will field your questions.  Feel free to ask them to apply their insights to contemporary or current concerns. 

April 19th, 2013.

April 5, 2013

Tibet's Culture, History and Current Struggle: presented by Shenphen Sangpo (Zompo Sheuphen) and Lisa Tu (Normandale students).

Tibet has a rich cultural history that is under extreme duress as a result of its having been annexed by The People's Republic of China.  That threat to an ancient culture has been in many ways virtually unknown to people in America.  Normandale students Zompo Sheuphen and Lisa Tu will give us an introduction to Tibetan culture and history to better enlighten us on the current tragedy that is Tibet.









Friday, April 5, 2013.

March 22, 2013

Sir Tyrone Guthrie: His personality as expressed in his productions of Hamlet and Six Characters in Search of an Author: presented by Patrick O'Donnell (faculty in English).

Learn how Sir Tyrone Guthrie (1900-1971) found elements of his own personality and history as an Anglo-Irish Bohemian Protestant theatre director in his productions of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author.

March 22, 2013.

March 1, 2013

Legalizing Marijuana: Reasons and Obstacles: presented by Kim Socha (faculty in English) and Kurtis Hanna (Minnesota NORML).

The controversy over the legalization of marijuana has been ongoing for decades.  Kurtis Hanna, an advocate for marijuana legalization and the head of Minnesota NORML (National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws) will present the points of argumentation in the continuing battle.

March 1, 2013.

February 15, 2013

West Meets East: Hermann Hesse's Unique Place in World Literature: presented by Richard E. Brown, Faculty in English.

Hermann Hesse's unique fusion of Western and Eastern culture and tradition is exceptional in the landscape of world literature. It creates a synergy of culture, melding Western and Eastern philosophy, psychology, and theology in a way that challenges us as readers, and provides intricate possibilities for the understanding of the modern and contemporary world.













February 15, 2013.

The Battle of the Books: Finalists for the Normandale Common Book 2013-2014 Panel: Anna Gajdel, Robert Frame, and Thomas Maltman.

The Battle of the Books: Finalists for the Normandale Common Book 2013-2014 Panel: Anna Gajdel, Robert Frame, and Thomas Maltman.

February 1, 2013.

November 16, 2012

Magical Realism in World Literature: presented by Richard E. Brown (Faculty in English).

Magical realism is a style of writing that is worldwide and multi-cultural in nature. It is often satirical and ironic, and may have bold socio-political subtexts.  It often interweaves ancient indigenous mythology into its tales. While it is often identified with South and Central American authors, it is by no means limited in its worldwide and highly varied cultural scope.  Many diverse authors cast a magical realism net.

November 16, 2012.

November 9, 2012

Crossing the Global Divide Together: Education, Jobs, and Politics in the New Century: A Panel consisting of Joe Opatz, Ryan Winkler, and Laurie  Hollinger - moderated by Patrick O'Donnell.

Title:

“Crossing the Global Divide Together:  Education, Jobs, and Politics in the New Century.  A Panel Discussion with Joe Opatz, Ryan Winkler, and Laurie Hollinger in Room C1095 on 11/9 from 12:00-1:00.”

Description:

Join Joe Opatz,  Rep. Ryan Winkler, and Laurie Hollinger for an exciting panel discussion of That Used to Be Us, this year’s Common Book at Normandale.  Throughout the academic year we are gathering around the theme of “Is America in Decline?”

Today’s panelists will discuss trends in education, jobs in the Global IT era, and overcoming political gridlock. After a short presentation by each panelist, the panel will take questions from the audience.

Friday, November 9, 2012.

November 2, 2012

Stories: A Panel consisting of August Berkshire, Kim Socha, and Stephanie Zvan, Authors; and Anthology editor, Bill Lehto.

Three authors from the new book Atheist Voices of Minnesota: An Anthology of Personal Stories will be discussing a common question that nonbelievers/religious skeptics face: How do you develop a moral code of conduct without belief in a higher power?

August Berkshire, Kim Socha, and Stephanie Zvan will share their personal stories in response to this question. Please join this presentation and dialogue that we hope will usher in a new cultural perception of atheism, showing that morality can indeed exist even without the premise of a God or the promise of reward. Anthology editor Bill Lehto will provide a brief introduction to the talk.

Friday, November 2, 2012.

October 26, 2013

Revenge of the Flies! Anuran Disease Research at Normandale presented by: Brian Wolff (faculty in Biology) and Eric Wurm (Normandale student.)

Abstract:  

In the second year of amphibian research at Normandale, the research team continues to track the fungal anuran disease chytridiomycosis in order to determine the distribution and infection rate of the disease. During the course of their field work, the team finds a strange case of parasitism seemingly unrecorded in the scientific and natural history literature. Everyone knows that frogs eat flies.  But can the tables be turned? Join us for a short presentation on scientific research at Normandale, and find out who's eating who in Minnesota's ponds and forests.  

Presenters:

Eric Wurm is currently attending Normandale Community College with plans to transfer to the University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology to pursue a degree and career in genetics and synthetic biology.  Eric's natural environment is the laboratory, and he is an avid keeper of tropical fish.  

Brian Wolff earned his M.S. in Environmental Biology at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and his Ph.D. in Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota. He has been teaching biology, environmental biology, and ecology courses since 1994.

 

Friday October 26, 2012.

October 12, 2012

Backstairs at the Minnesota Governor's Residence presented by: Dan Creed (Faculty in Business).

"Backstairs at the Minnesota Governor's Residence."  I will share insights into the kinds of events that were hosted during the Ventura administration, the guests who came, the unusual experiences, the moving experiences, and the overall excitement of the what the job entailed.  
Friday, October 12, 2012.

Friday, April 27th

Vertebrates and Disease

Presented by: Brian Wolff (faculty member in Biology) and Sarah Conway

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Room: C1016

Noon-12:50

Brian Wolff, a Normandale faculty member in Biology, and Sarah Conway, a student of Biology, will present their research on an emerging disease that may pose a significant threat to various vertebrate species. Please attend if you can—all are welcome.

Friday, April 13th

The End of Speciesism, Capitalism, and Environmental Destruction: 

An Introduction to Critical Animal Studies

Presented by: Anthony Nocella II, Kim Socha, and Travis Erickson

Friday, April 13th, 2012

Room: C1016

Noon-12:50

Friday, March 30th

The Science of Chaos and the Natural World
Presented by: Richard Brown (Faculty Member in English)

Friday, March 30th, 2012
Room: C1016
Noon-12:50
Richard Brown will be presenting a colloquium on the topic of The Science of Chaos and the Natural World.  This topic has great relevance to many disciplines: mathematics, physics, earth sciences, business, and even literature. 

Friday, March 16th

Is Business Etiquette Alive and Well at Normandale?

Presented by: Dan Creed (faculty member in Business) 

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Room: C1016

Noon-12:50

Business etiquette is a subject of considerable relevance in today’s global economy.  Considerations of culture and proper etiquette can make the difference between success and failure in this complex world of multinational/multicultural commerce.  All are welcome—please attend if you can.

Friday, February 24th

Publishing Your Poetry
Presented by: Normandale Faculty Members

Friday, February 24th, 2012
Room: C1016
Noon-12:50


Normandale faculty poets Kris Bigalk, Matt Mauch, and Anna Meek will discuss the process of publishing poetry in literary magazines, online publications, and books.  They will also read from their own work, take questions from the audience, and sign books (copies will be for sale at the event, thanks to the Normandale Bookstore).

Friday, January 27th

Battle of the Books: Finalists for the Normandale Common Book 2012-2013
Presented by: Normandale Faculty Members

Friday, January 27th, 2012
Room: C1016
Noon-12:50

Alicia Conroy, Patrick O’Donnell, and Molly Skjei have a vigorous discussion of the merits of their candidates for the Common Book for the Normandale Community College 2012-2013 academic year.

Friday, December 2nd

Predictors of Success in Online and Conventional Courses
Presented by Brian Wolff 
Faculty Member in Biology, Normandale Community College

Friday, December 2nd (2011)
Room: C1016
12-12:50pm

Abstract: Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate differences in student performance across online and conventional course delivery platforms. However, relatively little work has been done to evaluate differences in student performance at community and technical colleges, which are likely to draw students with less developed study skills than four-year institutions. I have evaluated ten predictors of student performance in my conventional and online environmental biology courses via multiple and logistic regression analyses and have found that students enrolled in online sections are associated with lower final exam scores and are at significantly higher risk of failure. However, mode of delivery is not a significant predictor of final exam performance and is not the best predictor of a negative outcome, defined as a failure to complete the course or pass the final exam.


Bio: Brian Wolff earned his M.S. in Environmental Biology at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and his Ph.D. in Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota. He has been teaching biology, environmental biology, and ecology at the University of Minnesota and Normandale Community College since 1994. Brian has fifteen years of experience as a distance and online instructor. He is the author of several scholarly papers and his research has been published in peer-reviewed pedagogical journals.

Friday, November 18th

The Impact of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Business Decisions
Presented by Pierre Callies
Faculty member in Business, Normandale Community College

Friday, November 18th
12-12:50
Room C1016


Abstract: Marketing management courses tell us that "location" is primordial to be successful. Yet, how many companies actually select their retail locations scientifically? How many companies know where their clients come from? How many companies know what route their clients utilize to shop at their
location? How many companies know the areas of influence of their retail stores? Very few! So, they often fail to maximize sales,  because so many clients will not come as their retail location is not    convenient.

Today, with the power of Information Technologies combined with research, it is possible to know exactly what customer behavior is. GIS gives everybody precise maps of what is going on! That is because a  small drawing is worth a thousand words. Statistics that only renders numbers can now be displayed in ways that enlarges and enriches the business picture.

It will be discussed how GIS is used in making business decisions. Not only will maps be presented, but also tools that help at all levels of business and management that they can improve services and increase return on investment by cutting cost down.

Speaker Bio: A native from France with an M.B.A. from the Carlson School of Management, Pierre is working toward a Ph.D. in Geography Information Decision Systems and Economics.  He believes that the next business frontier is about the sound management of geographic resource.  Pierre also teaches business courses at Normandale Community College

Friday, November 4th

Ironies in the History of Dublin
Creation and Destruction in its Architecture and Literature as it Lost and Regained Political Independence
A lecture by Patrick O'Donnell
Faculty member in English, Normandale Community College

Friday, November 4th
12-12:50 in C1016

Speaker Bio: Patrick O’Donnell, originally from Dublin, teaches Shakespeare and Composition in the English Department. He completed his Ph.D. at University College Dublin in 2010.

Abstract: This is both an architectural and literary exploration of the history of the city that will prepare anybody interested in the Study Abroad class ‘Ireland: Literature, Landscape and Culture’ that is travelling to Ireland in May, 2012.

Friday, October 28th

Dostoevsky:  Madman or Mystic—Dostoevsky’s Importance in Nineteenth Century Russian Literature

A lecture by Richard Brown, faculty member in English (Normandale Community College)

Friday, October 28th

12-12:50 in room C1016

Abstract: Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky is arguably one of the most influential writers of his era in Russian literature.  The Nineteenth Century in Russian literature is reflective of a period of great social, economic, and political upheaval in Russia during that historical time.  Dostoevsky’s writing presents a complex and dynamic depiction of that turbulent period in many of its facets, bringing a deep thoughtful examination of the philosophy, sociology, psychology, and spirituality evident in that period of chaos and pre-revolutionary change in Russia.  In many ways, Dostoevsky is examining in his writing a definition of what it is to be Russian in those contexts.  His novel The Brothers Karamazov is an excellent example of how those themes are presented and developed, and is a fine representation of Dostoevsky’s genius.

Speaker Bio: Having taught English composition and literature at Normandale Community College since 2000 (a second career, by the way), Richard Brown has had a fascination with European literature throughout his academic career, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  Russian literature, particularly that of the Nineteenth Century, has been a special area of that interest.  Having read and studied Dostoevsky extensively throughout the years, and studied it in graduate school, it is the expression of that passion for Dostoevsky’s writing that has led to this presentation.

Anthony J. Nocella II: Anarchism and Higher Education

The Institute of Scholarly Inquiry (ISI) at Normandale Community College is pleased to announce its first colloquium of the 2011-2012 school year: 


Anarchism and Higher Education
A lecture by guest speaker Anthony J. Nocella II
Location: C1016*
Date and Time: Friday, October 14th, 12-12:50
(*Please note that all colloquia this academic year will be held in C1016.)

Trivia: Name this anarchist!

Bio: Anthony J. Nocella II is a Visiting Professor teaching critical urban education in the School of Education at Hamline University. Nocella has published more than ten books and twenty-five academic articles, co-founded more than fifteen active political organizations including the Anarchist Studies Initiative, the first anarchist academic center in the world. His interests include peace and conflict studies, critical criminology, and critical pedagogy.


Abstract: Although there are many expressions of anarchism, a basic definition poses it as a marco socio-political economic ideology rooted in a non-governmental direct democracy in which individuals live and participate in collaborative society free from domination and authoritarianism. Anarchism is founded in the belief that the individual can best determine how to live his/her life. Anthony J. Nocella II, an internationally recognized scholar for his work in the field of anarchist studies, will integrate material from his co-edited anthologies Contemporary Anarchist Studies: An IntroductoryAnthology of Anarchy in the Academy (Routledge, 2009) and TheAccumulation of Freedom: Writings on Anarchist Economics (forthcoming from AK Press, January 2011) to speak of the rise of anarchist studies within higher education, stressing the importance of continuing to view the academy as a site of radical contention against and challenge to dominant power structures such as capitalism, a plutocratic government, the military and the prison industrial complex.  


As always, colloquia offered through the ISI's educational lecture program are free of charge and open to the public.

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.