Digital Commons Network^™

Why Darwin Remains A Problem For Theism, John Houston

Forum Lectures

Several recent works in theology have argued that evolutionary theory is compatible with theism. This, of course, is true: theism and evolutionary theory are indeed logically and metaphysically compatible. However, little is being demonstrated on behalf of theism when this conclusion is established. For, the logical and metaphysical compatibility of conceptual frameworks or narratives is a very low bar for attempting to analyze the world and its fundamental nature, and such compatibility tells us little about how the world really is. In this paper I focus on why Darwinian evolutionary theory, though logically and metaphysically compatible with theism, continues to …

A Visit To The Present: Potential Benefits Of Inclusion Of Mindfulness In Study Abroad Programs, Kevin Clancy, Ana Conboy, Henry V. Jakubowski, Dani Jakubowski

Forum Lectures

In this Thursday Forum, we explore benefits of inclusion of mindfulness in the study abroad setting. We describe some of the theory behind contemplative pedagogy, and offer examples of how mindfulness strategies were employed successfully in two of CSBSJU's recent study abroad programs.

The Philosophy Of Michael Polanyi: From The Discoveries Of Science To The Contemplation Of God, Vincent M. Smiles

Forum Lectures

Human uniqueness revolves around our knowing. All knowing is "tacit" (Michael Polanyi) and leads to "indwelling" of mind in reality, as of reality in mind. This is why we always "know more than we can tell," which corresponds with another old adage, "the whole is more than the sum of the parts." This presentation will try to show that the vast spectrum of knowing is continuous, running from discoveries of the inanimate world, through biology and the humanities and arts, and even to "the face of God."

Understanding Intercultural Learning In Csb/Sju Study Abroad Programs: 2010 To Today, Allison J. Spenader, Joy Ruis

Forum Lectures

Nearly a decade of research on CSB/SJU Study Abroad programs has yielded significant findings related to intercultural development and other desired learning outcomes. Join members of our research team to learn more about the work we have completed on semester faculty-led programs. Learn how to engage on-site with students and how different models of study abroad work at CSB/SJU, and implications for new short-term embedded programs.

The New Csb/Sju Honors Program, Emily Esch, William Lamberts, Elisabeth Wengler

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The new CSB/SJU Honors Program is a four-year, five course interdisciplinary general education program aimed intentionally at academically high-achieving students who have wide-ranging intellectual interests and a desire to put their theoretical learning into practice. In this academically challenging program, students develop interdisciplinary agility, research skills, and leadership abilities. It is a selective program, admitting only 60 students per cohort through a competitive application process. Students will move through the Honors curriculum with their class cohort and earn credit toward general education requirements.

We provide information about the redesigned Honors Program including an explanation of the rationale for the changes, …

“Thus Seyden Sadde Folk” : Chaucer’S Oxford Clerk On Theological Controversy In The 14th Century, Molly K. Kluever

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Of all of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the Clerk’s Tale is perhaps the most disturbing. The alarmingly submissive Griselda and her husband-cum-tormenter Walter have horrified and frustrated scholars with their irrational behavior for centuries. Although considered a teller of one of Chaucer’s “religious tales,” the Clerk’s seeming ambivalence about his tale’s moral has rendered most, if not all, theological readings unsatisfying and inconclusive. For this reason, the Clerk’s Tale has primarily been studied for the glimpse it provides into medieval gender politics. My research, however, attempts to situate the tale within its theological context by paying more attention to its …

The Talkabroad Case: Addressing Intercultural Communicative Competency In Fren311, Ana Conboy

Forum Lectures

In fall 2017, the online interactive exchange platform, TalkAbroad, was integrated into the curriculum of Introduction to Contemporary French Culture (FREN311). Twelve students independently conducted three 30-minute conversations with native speakers from six different Francophone countries to discuss cultural dimensions, in conjunction with in-class activities. As a final assignment, students collaborated in pairs to analyze information gathered during the exchanges, and to create oral presentations about the country of their interlocutors. The project employs three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretational and Presentational), as described by the American Council for Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). It creates meaning in the classroom, …

Creating A Molecular Map Of The Pediatric Lung, Quinlen F. Marshall

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The newborn lung undergoes vast biochemical and physiological changes during adaptation from the intrauterine to the extrauterine environment. Lung morphogenesis continues from birth into early childhood, mediated by dynamic gene expression and a diversity of pulmonary cell types that exhibit remarkable heterogeneity. (Whitsett, JA. et al. Physiol. Rev, 2019). Surprisingly, few studies have solely focused on human lung development during this critical period, and many current studies of lung maturation rely on adult, murine, or diseased samples, limiting their insights and applicability to longitudinal pediatric lung development. Understanding the molecular and physiological nuances of pulmonary development has important clinical relevance, …

The Legacy Of Natural Species And Substantial Form For Thomistic Evolution, James R. Hofmann

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Exploration of theistic evolution within a Thomistic framework has taken on the label of Thomistic evolution. Although the conceptual boundaries of this approach are not precise, a historical trajectory of its scholastic methodology can be traced back to the views of Aquinas himself. An enduring central concept in this tradition has been the idea of substantial form. For Aquinas, distinct substantial forms were associated with the kinds of animals and plants that have no prior ancestry and are ascribed to God's production during the Genesis days of adornment. Later in the tradition, the early twentieth century Jesuit Erich Wasmann referred …

Lessons In Productivity: What I Learned By Writing For 30 Minutes A Day, Mary Stenson

Forum Lectures

Too often our scholarly and creative work takes a back seat to components of our jobs with built in accountability like teaching and service. During the fall 2018 semester, I participated in the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity's Faculty Success Program. The program emphasizes scholarly productivity and encourages work-life balance. The core component of the program is developing a daily writing practice. The program encourages participants to write for 30 minutes per day. NCFDD founder, Kerry Ann Rockquemore defines writing as "anything between the spark of an idea and a manuscript out the door." In this forum, I …

Rock And Roll’S First Decade - - A History And A Claim, Thomas Woodward

Forum Lectures

Looking at the early history of rock and roll with song snippets and supportive documentation from Billboard charts, Rolling Stone magazine “best of” lists and a rock-history compiler’s insights.

The Election And Impeachment Of Dilma Rousseff, Brazil's First Woman President, Pedro A. G. Dos Santos

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In October 2010 Dilma Rousseff broke Brazil highest glass ceiling by becoming the country's first woman president. After her re-election in 2014, her government suffered strong opposition both in Congress and on the streets, culminating in her 2016 impeachment. In this talk, I discuss the role gender played in the election of Dilma Rousseff, how being a woman influenced the nomination of cabinet members and policymaking, and the ways in which her gender affected the 2016 impeachment process. By comparing Dilma Rousseff’s presidency with her predecessor and successor, I elaborate on how Brazilian formal political institutions are gendered in a …

Working One-On-One With Students Who Have Learning Differences, Maria Frie, Stanton A. Charlton

Forum Lectures

Maria Frie (a CSB senior studying English and secondary education) and Stanton Charlton (an SJU senior communication major) present their research of strategies to increase student success through universal instructional design. Maria’s focus is on training for writing tutors and education majors to improve the experience of English Language Learner students in the classroom and in the writing center. Through surveys of writing tutors and work with Education 111 faculty, Maria has identified a range of strategies for educators to use with ELL students when working one-on-one; she emphasizes individualized techniques to overcome stigma. Stanton will present his work as …

Civic Engagement In The Trump Era: Increasing Political Understanding Through The Washington Dc Internship Program, G. Claire Haeg

Forum Lectures

For over three and a half decades the CSB|SJU Washington D.C. Summer Study Program has taken students to Washington over the summer months where they live in a learning community and work in internships all over the city. Some students find internships on Capitol Hill, others work in non-profits, government affairs organizations or for executive branch agencies. Students from a wide variety of majors have taken the program, interning at organizations such as the Smithsonian museums and archives, at news media including NBC, and in a number of science and technology related for- and non-profit organizations. All students, regardless of …

Sustainable Polymers: Plastics From Plants, Chris Schaller

Forum Lectures

Plastics and related soft materials are ubiquitous in today's world. This presentation takes a look at why polymers have useful properties, where they come from, and why attention has shifted toward new, biorenewable materials.

Integrative Pedagogy And Foreign Language Learning, Adam Konczewski, Patricia Bolanos-Fabres, Ana Conboy

Forum Lectures

This presentation explores different opportunities outside of the classroom setting that enhance the learning and practice of a second language (L2), as well as the intercultural competency of learners of L2. The use of academic technology available at CSBSJU and of interactive online platforms allow for students to practice their language skills with native speakers from around the globe, respond to aural and written cues, discuss readings, view films, and take tests and quizzes outside of the classroom. As a consequence, instructors can delve into more nuanced language and cultural topics as language proficiency is achieved. We address strategies currently …

Demographics And Food Waste Trends Of Common Ground Garden Csa Members In Central Minnesota, Kendra M. Butkowski

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The Common Ground Garden is a ministry of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, and provides CSA produce shares for 18 weeks to community members. A summer research project was conducted to evaluate the general demographics and food waste habits of members of Common Ground. Access to fresh, in-season produce is a struggle in many parts of the country, and this pilot study was designed to better understand the demographics, vegetable consumption, and food waste behaviors of the members of this particular CSA. Investigating the accessibility of local agriculture and CSA programs, as well as the health demographics …

Arithmetic: Math As 'Pure' And 'Applied', Sunil Chetty

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One often hears mathematics classified into two categories: pure or applied, abstract or concrete, elementary or modern. We explore how arithmetic can dismantle such highly artificial distinctions. More specifically, we play with tiles and draw pictures to highlight how arithmetic can be both good mental exercise and a very useful tool for modern communication.

How Long Does Savings Last When Retirees Need More Money (Or Less) Than Conventional Wisdom Suggests?, Steven J. Welch

Forum Lectures

Popular convention is to initially withdraw approximately 4% of the retirement savings and increase that dollar amount each year by inflation. But, what if 4% isn't enough? How long will retirement funds last if a newly retired person needs 5%, 6%, or even 10%? Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) suggests that an investor only needs to choose between 2 assets, the risk free rate and an optimal risky portfolio. In this research, five U.S.-based assets are tracked from 1934 until 2015 to see how long they survived independently and in combination with one other asset. Obviously the more a person needs …

What Are "Inclusive Pedagogies"? What Must Faculty Do Differently To Teach Inclusively?, Jean Keller, Kyhl Lyndgaard, Jeffrey Dubois, Kelly A. Berg, Charles W. Wright

Forum Lectures

At the 2016 All Campus Forum President Hinton called for us to create an "ecosystem of inclusion" at CSB/SJU. Faculty members' work with students is central to creating such an ecosystem, but what, after all, do we mean by "inclusion?" In this presentation, FYS and Humanities Mellon cohort members provide an overview of our evolving understanding of "inclusive pedagogy," the research that supports it, as well as examples of such pedagogies that we are implementing in our fall 2016 courses.

Personality And Leadership Profiles Of 2016 Presidential Candidates Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump, Aubrey Immelman

Forum Lectures

Aubrey Immelman presents the psychological profiles of the Democratic and Republican nominees in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The presentation outlines the leadership implications of the profiles and compares the nominees’ scores on the locally developed Presidential Electability Index (PEI). The PEI, which has accurately predicted the outcome of every presidential election since 1996, projects that Trump will win the election.

Why 1517 Matters: On The Relevance Of The Commemoration Of The 500th Anniversary Of The Reformation, Benjamin Durheim

Forum Lectures

This Fall begins a year-long commemoration of the Reformation's 500th anniversary. Based as this number is on the 1517 date of Martin Luther's 95 theses, one might expect the commemoration to center on Luther's contributions, or carry significant tones of Lutheran triumphalism. However, much of the official planning and documents have formed the commemoration into a present- and future-looking exercise. This presentation traces some of those avenues of discussion, and argues that the relevance of 1517's legacy has at least as much to do with popular ecclesial self-understanding as it does with official ecumenical or theological advances.

The discussion begins …

Experiential Learning Through A Real And Live Case Study Model, Kingshuk Mukherjee

Forum Lectures

Experiential learning is active learning process mainly through reflection and analysis.

Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) provides a holistic model of the learning process and is a multi-linear model of adult development, both of which are consistent with what we know about how we naturally learn, grow, and develop. The theory is called "Experiential Learning" to emphasize the central role that experience plays in the learning process. The way I integrated experiential learning through "a real and a live case study model" as part of fulfillment for our Capstone Strategy class is as follows:

1. 6 weeks of "student consulting cell" …

Climate Change In Alaskan Native Communities: Lessons Learned In Adaptation And Resilience, Sarah M. Mclarnan

Forum Lectures

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the average temperature in Alaska has risen by 3°F in the past 60 years, over double the rate of warming in the rest of the nation. Nowhere are the consequences more severe than in rural communities. Rising temperatures have resulted in numerous threatening conditions in Alaskan Native villages such as increased rates of erosion, melting permafrost, flooding, poor air quality, severe storms, and declining access to subsistence resources. These conditions affect not only the health and safety of the community, but also traditional culture and lifestyle. This presentation covers research performed at the EPA …

Sustainable Global Medical Mission Work: The Csb/Sju Global Medical Brigade, Tyler J. Bruinsma

Forum Lectures

International medical mission work, especially programs that include undergraduate students are under increasing fire as an unsustainable method for providing care to marginalized populations in developing countries. Medical mission work is often short-sighted and neglects to address the underlying causes of diseases. Annually, the CSB/SJU Global Health Affairs Club plans and executes a "Global Medical Brigade" to Honduras in conjunction with Global Brigades, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Global Brigades is different than most medical mission organizations in that it follows a holistic model to address health concerns. Through seven separate "brigades," Global Brigades addresses both immediate health concerns and their …

Developing Policies For Gender Non-Conforming Students, Mary Geller, Doug Mullin Osb

Forum Lectures

Transgender people within higher education continue to be an invisible, often forgotten community. Only about 10% of colleges and universities have trans-inclusive nondiscrimination statements. Research suggests that trans people face higher rates of harassment when compared to cisgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, and are three times more likely to fear for their physical safety on campus. In the last decade, however, a number of campuses have become leaders in creating trans-friendly policies, programs, and practices.

As Benedictine institutions, CSB and SJU are committed to the value of respect for persons regardless of gender identity or conformity. As Catholic institutions, …

Collegebound: History, Outcomes And The Future Of Outdoor Orientation At The College Of Saint Benedict And Saint John's University, Tyler Thompson

Forum Lectures

Outdoor orientation programs at four-year colleges and universities have a rich history of easing student's transition into college and helping students be successful. Collegebound is the outdoor orientation program for first year or transfer students at St. Ben's and St. John's. This program itself has a rich history with almost 30 years of trips that began in 1987. Recently the program grew nearly 50% in one year alone and received its highest participation rate in its history with 63 student participants in 2015. Collegebound is more than just a wilderness trip, but rather an experience that fosters community, learning, healthy …

Personality Profiles Of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidates, Aubrey Immelman

Forum Lectures

Aubrey Immelman and his summer research assistant Joe Trenzeluk present summaries of the psychological profiles of Republican contenders in the 2016 U.S. presidential election (including Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, and Scott Walker) and outline the leadership implications of those profiles. In addition, the presenters discuss the personality profile of Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton and compare the candidates’ scores on the locally developed Personal [Presidential] Electability Index (PEI). The PEI, which has accurately predicted the outcome of every presidential election since 1996, projects that Trump will win the election.

What Is 'Sustainability' And How Do You Know If You're 'Doing It?', Alexandra Miller, Judy Purman

Forum Lectures

Sustainability and 'being green' are common buzz words, but what do they really mean and how do we know if we're 'doing it?' What is a carbon footprint and how does that relate to being sustainable? What initiatives and projects are going on around us? Why should I want to be involved? We addressed these questions and more at this Thursday Forum.

My Husband Is Now A Woman? The Experiences Of Transgender Individuals In Partner Relationships, Lisa Platt

Forum Lectures

How would you react on a first date if the person disclosed they used to be the other gender? Or if your partner/spouse decided to switch genders? This research examines the psychological and social challenges transgender individuals often face when seeking and maintaining romantic partner relationships. The experiences of the transgender community are beginning to receive more attention in both psychological research and mainstream culture. One area conspicuously absent is comprehensive research regarding the nature and challenges of transgender individuals' partner relationships. This study was a qualitative exploration of the transgender partner experience. Participants were recruited nationwide through convenience sampling. …