Social Work Commons^™

A Blend Of Absurdism And Humanism: Defending Kurt Vonnegut’S Place In The Secondary Setting, Krisandra R. Johnson

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

This essay argues that Kurt Vonnegut blends a unique humanist stance into his absurdist plots and characters, ultimately urging readers to confront the absurd with a kindness and human decency his protagonists often find rare. As a result of this absurd and humanist synthesis, I defend and promote Vonnegut’s place in the secondary English curriculum, despite his rank on many banned books lists, since his characters’ journeys correlate thematically with the growth and process of postmodern adolescents and encourage moral responsibility without sentimental manipulation.

Focusing on Cat’s Cradle, God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, and Slaughterhouse-Five as primary sources, specifically …

Circles Presentation.Pdf, Brandie Oliver

Scholarship and Professional Work – Education

This presentation will share the results of two pilot studies using Circles. Circles give people an opportunity to speak and listen to one another in an atmosphere of safety and equality. Circles were used to build and strengthen relationships as well as deliver academic content and increase social/emotional learning principles. One pilot study focused on infusing children’s literature into Circle lessons in a 3rd grade classroom and the second pilot study targeted academic motivation and lack of connectedness for high school students in 9th and 11th grade.