Faculty and Themes
Faculty and Themes 2013 -14 Susan Barranca, "Voice" What does it mean to give voice to an idea? Writing teachers always want us to find our “voice.” What does this mean and how do we find it? These are a few of the questions we will be exploring this year as we study how our voices reflect and relate to Heritage, the Natural World, Diversity and Social Justice. We will start with Heritage by looking at the struggle for equality, and we will explore our own political ideas and voices. We will explore the Natural World and how we give voice to those who cannot. One cannot explore voice in regard to Diversity and Social Justice without thinking about silence, or the loss of voice. If we are empowered by voice, what oppression comes with silence? We will look at current events to discover if we are silencing people today. We will also develop your own voice through discussions and writings. By developing your academic voice, you will learn how to take a stand on issues and back up your opinions.
What is justice, how does one balance the rights of the individual in relationship to the common good of the community, and how do these questions impact our daily lives? A classic approach to the question, from Aristotle, is that to live justly means to give to each person what is due to them. However, in our North-American society and in our globalized world, what is due and to whom it is due, are not simple issues to sort out. In the fall semester we will engage in a critical conversation about justice in the light of the Franciscan Heritage of Siena College, as well as in the light of issues related to the Natural World and the environment; in the spring semester we will discuss justice in the light of the issue of Diversity (ethnic, religious, cultural, global, etc.) and challenges to human dignity, concluding the semester with an investigation of Social Justice and its practical implications.
We need to feed.” So speak zombies in horror movies. In reality the whole biosphere needs to feed. For humans this raises a host of questions: What counts as food? Is food a sacrament? A temptation? Body fuel? Who gets to share our table? How is our identity tied up with particular foods? Who goes hungry? Why? Where does food come from? Why are we hooked on salt, sugar, fat? This seminar will begin by exploring contemporary food issues and three classic cuisines: Mexican, Italian and Chinese. This opening will provide a foundation for serious reflection and research on all aspects (cultural, ethical, biological, medical) associated with food.
Prof. Cheverton is a Lecturer in the First Year Seminar and Psychology. She has been teaching at Siena since 1999. She is also the Coordinator of Tutoring Services at Siena and the faculty advisor for Best Buddies.
Dr. Daly is a Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the college-wide Honors Program. She is a former Dean of the School of Liberal Arts. Human beings seek a satisfactory response to the question of the meaning of life and we express those responses in cultural forms, especially in what is referred to as popular culture. In this seminar we will study several of the most common answers concerning the meaning of life, such as love, happiness, success and service, and then explore their expression in popular culture including movies, music, social networking, video games, tattoos, TV, graffiti, etc. Students will be required to investigate several different examples of popular culture throughout the year and to analyze the way they shape and are shaped by individual and communal quests for meaning. Dr. Peter Ellard “Science and Religion: Conflict, Compromise and Convergence” Dr. Ellard's research crosses the boundaries between Religious Studies and Environmental Studies. His recent publications are on the ideas of Thomas Berry. The course will explore the history of and contemporary relationship between religion and science. We will spend a great deal of time thinking about issues which lay at the “boundaries” of religion and science -- the origins and nature of the universe, of life, and of human consciousness. We will explore implications for how we act in the world – social justice & earth justice – and how we define what it means to be human and what it is that we call home. It will examine the issues of cosmology, quantum physics and evolutionary biology with the aim of discerning the extent of the impact on religious discourse when it is informed by science. We will also explore this within Chinese and Indian culture/religion and compare this to the Western experience with a specific eye toward the relationship between how we think and how we act toward nature and each other. Dr. Britt Haas "Women: Their voices, their value, their vision." Both men and women are invited to take this course, which will critically analyze what writers, activists, thinkers, and artists have to say about Heritage, the Natural World, Social Justice, and Diversity in order to understand if and how women’s perspectives about these ideas differ from men’s. Looking across time and across geographical boundaries, we will look at how women are valued (or not) in each of these four topic areas, paying particular attention to the roles women play, the policies they advocate and/or are the targets of, and the images of women presented through literature, music, art, media, etc. in order to gain a better understanding of the complex, gendered world in which we live. John P. Harden, Esq. "Community Engagement: Change the World” Dr. Harden is a lecturer in the First Year Seminar and serves as academic coordinator for Siena College Office of Academic Community Engagement. He is founder of the Writing Partnership a community engaged writing program working with adult learners and the refugee community. This seminar explores the relationship between community engagement and social change. Students in this seminar are expected to design, implement and assess community engaged projects. Students will explore community engaged learning methods and integrated, interdisciplinary educational models that further social change. Students are expected to participate with either domestic or international (online) community learning experiences. Students for this section should avoid Thursday night classes. Five hours of out of classroom learning are required each month. Dr. Tim Lederman “Local History” Dr. Lederman joined the faculty in 1981 and is a Professor of Computer Science,. He has served as the Chair of the Computer Science Department, Director of Academic Computing, Chair of the General Faculty, and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He is a recipient of the Jerome Walton Excellence in Teaching Award. His scholarly works have been associated with Software Engineering pedagogy and the computing background of incoming Business students. This theme will, explore a small number of local events that proved to have national and worldwide impact. Events such as the construction of the Erie Canal, the battles of Saratoga, the setting aside of large tracks of undeveloped wilderness as “forever wild” land for public enjoyment and the beginnings of the American Industrial Revolution in the Hudson-Mohawk Gateway will be examined through readings, music, film, and on-site visits. Their impact on our heritage, the natural world, society, and diversity will be emphasized. Students will be asked to research local events close to their home geographical regions and explore their impact beyond these regions. Dr. Michelle Liptak, "Crossing Borders in Literature and Film" Dr. Michelle Liptak is the Director of the Writing Center at Siena College. As markers of identity, borders help to define and limit who we are and who we can become. In this course, we will examine the fluidity of borders in relation to geography, sexuality, culture, socio-economics, politics, religion, gender, ethics and other highly-charged arenas as demonstrated in both visual and written texts. We also will analyze and discuss people's desires, motivations, fears, and restrictions when traversing or transcending such borders and the results of border-crossing, which may include awareness, freedom, imprisonment, acceptance, exile, violence, trauma, or transformation. Students in this seminar will be expected to participate in community engaged activities such as service. Paul T. Murray: “Race and Rights” Dr. Paul Murray is a Professor of Sociology. He has taught at Siena since 1979. As a young man he was active in the Civil Rights Movement and the Anti-War Movement. He has published a book and several articles about the Civil Rights Movement. He is writing a book about Catholic activists in the Civil Rights Movement.
Pete Murray “Democracy and Social Change" Prof. Murray is a lecturer in the First Year Seminar and Philosophy. He specializes in political philosophy, and his published work concentrates on elaborating, defending, and extending the arguments of the political philosopher John Rawls. This course will examine the origins of democracy and ask about our responsibilities as citizens. We will explore the distinctive challenges we face as a pluralistic society, and engage with philosophical arguments as well as debate contemporary political issues. We will also learn about and make use of the skills and techniques required to be activists and to create social change in our democracy, our community, and here at Siena College. Dr. Jim Nolan “Local History” Dr. Nolan is a Professor in both Quantitative Business Analysis and Computer Science. He served as Dean of the Business School for 10 years and won the College Administrator of the Year award. He has been a finalist for both the Siena College teaching and research awards. His research is in the areas of statistical and computer decision making modeling and artificial intelligence. This theme will, explore a small number of local events that proved to have national and worldwide impact. Events such as the construction of the Erie Canal, the battles of Saratoga, the setting aside of large tracks of undeveloped wilderness as “forever wild” land for public enjoyment and the beginnings of the American Industrial Revolution in the Hudson-Mohawk Gateway will be examined through readings, music, film, and on-site visits. Their impact on our heritage, the natural world, society, and diversity will be emphasized. Students will be asked to research local events close to their home geographical regions and explore their impact beyond these regions. Kevin Olbrys “The American Dream” Prof. Olbrys is a lecturer in the First Year Seminar. He taught at several colleges before coming to Siena in 2012. His research is primarily in ancient logic, theory of knowledge and mind. He has also written on rights in classical Athens. This course will examine the concept of the American Dream, be it a hope, a promise, a fulfillment, a right or a delusion. We will discuss many versions of the American Dream from the past and present. How many such Dreams are there? Is the Dream about the righteous and prosperous individual, community, nation or world? Is the Dream still alive? What role has/does/ought the natural world play in the American Dream? We will read documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the Unites States of America. We will also read literature and philosophy, and watch films looking for different versions, and criticisms, of the Dream. Dr. Wendy Pojmann, “Masculinity, Femininity and Sexuality in the West and the World” Dr. Pojmann is an Associate Professor in the History Department. She teaches a variety of courses in modern European history and has published three books and numerous articles and book chapters since coming to Siena in 2005. This course will explore the construction and performance of masculinity and femininity in multiple historical contexts and geographical locations focusing on biological, philosophical, religious, and literary understandings of sex and gender and their expressions. We will consider such questions as: What makes men manly or girls girlie? How have those ideas shifted in different historical periods and places? In what ways have western ideals of gender permeated non-western cultures and vice-versa? We will also discuss multifaceted experiences of sexuality as they have evolved over time and in different parts of the world and ask, for example, when monogamous heterosexual marriage become the norm and in what ways it has been challenged. Finally, we will examine forms of identity politics shaped by gender and sexuality. In addition to a selection of scholarly texts, we will look to popular culture for representations of masculinity, femininity and sexuality. Lizzie Redkey “Leadership” Lizzie Redkey is an historian who has been teaching here at Siena since 2001. She has earned numerous grants, fellowships, and awards for her scholarship, but counts working with students, both inside and outside the classroom, as her number one passion. What is leadership? Is it running a country? Raising a child? Working well within a team? Housebreaking a puppy? Teaching? Starting a business? It is, of course, all of these things and more. Indeed, it is a process we each participate in every single day. In this course we will look at what leadership is, how different people lead, how we ourselves lead (in many different situations), how we can lead better, why it is important to lead even when we are not sure we want to, and what key principles help us lead while remaining true to our own core values. We will do all of this in the context of a rigorous seminar that will hone our intellectual abilities through discussion, writing, reading and presentations. Come prepared to work hard, and you will reap life-long rewards. This course will have a substantial out-of-class service component Diane Strock-Lynskey, “What's the difference?: Exploring Diversity, Multiculturalism, and Human Rights” Professor Diana Strock-Lynskey has been a faculty member in the Social Work Department since 1990. She has served in a variety of roles such as Department Chair/Program Director, Coordinator of Field Education, Coordinator of Admissions and the Junior Volunteer Experience, and Co-Director of the Kendra’s Law (Mental Health) Documentation Project. She has served on committees such as multicultural studies, peace studies, and strategic planning and developed and organized initiatives relating to human rights. She has worked closely with the Center for Civic Engagement and VISTA Fellows Program to incorporate into existing academic courses and new courses, action-oriented, community-based service learning projects and work to address the needs of diverse communities. She has received awards at the state and national levels for her role as a social work educator, leader, and advocate. Her teachings and other areas of work have concentrated on individuals with a broad range of disabilities, individuals and groups whose life experiences are racially, ethnically and culturally diverse, the advancement of gender equity, GLBTQEA rights, environmental and restorative/healing justice, the rights of 9-11 and other first/disaster responders, as well as other dimensions of justice and human rights. Diversity, multiculturalism, and human rights are terms that are often used interchangeably. While aspects of these complex constructs do interrelate with one another, there are major distinctions that need to be understood particularly in relation to the experiences of individuals, groups, and communities and within the context of broader multi/cross-cultural and international perspectives. In this seminar, we will engage in a collaborative process of exploring ways in which the broader first year seminar themes of nature, heritage, diversity, and justice interrelate with the rich tapestry of human experiences based on aspects of diversity such as gender, age, race, ethnicity, disability, GLBTQEA, religion, spirituality, class, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and cultural values, beliefs, traditions and practices. Selective examples of multicultural perspectives that compare and contrast experiences based on diversity will be examined. The interrelationship between diversity, multiculturalism, “world views” (biases, prejudices, and progressive thinking), and historical, political and social patterns of injustice will be explored. Selective examples of approaches to promoting justice and human rights will be presented. Course materials, in-class discussion and activities, and student’s own written work will present a strong base from which to engage in a process of self-exploration, reflection and critical thinking. Over the course of the year, students will also be expected to participate in selective campus-sponsored and community-based service-related events/activities that relate specifically to the overall course themes. Dennis Tamburello, O.F.M., “Technology and Human Community” Fr. Tamburello is a Professor of Religious Studies and self-professed techno-geek. Technology can be wonderful. We live in a highly advanced technological age, with airplanes, smart phones, computers, high definition televisions, social networks . . . the list goes on and on. No one would dispute that these things have made life easier and more enjoyable in many ways. But technology can also have a dark side. It has also brought us weapons of mass destruction, cyberbullying, the spread of false and misleading information, and violations of personal privacy. This course will examine the impact of technology, positively and negatively, on the human community. It will include attention to such questions as: How has technology aided or impeded social justice, diversity, and environmental responsibility? What are the implications of advances in artificial intelligence and the possibility of computers gaining a form of consciousness? Is a "virtual" community a real community? A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Dr. Woolbright is a Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology. Exponential growth in the human population has combined with an increased reliance on technology to create numerous environmental crises that will be major challenges for the next generation of college graduates. This course will explore human relationships with the environment through readings taken from literary, philosophical, and religious perspectives. Through writing assignments, students will develop the themes revealed in these sources and apply them to contemporary environmental issues. Although the issues themselves are not the focus of the course, class discussions are anticipated to include a variety of current topics including climate change, population control, food production, and loss of biodiversity. Dr. Meg Woolbright, "War" Dr. Woolbright is a Professor of English and Director of the First Year Seminar. She has served as the Director of the Writing Center, as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and twice as Chair of the English Department. She has been presented with the Student Senate Administrator of the Year Award, 2004; the Outstanding National Research Award for Writing Centers, 2004 the Jerome Walton Excellence in Teaching Award, 2011, and the Matthew Conlin Award for Outstanding Service to Siena. Her research interests include the literature of trauma and the literature of the War in Vietnam. In this seminar we will explore the meaning, function, and lasting effects of war. Our year-long study of war will be organized around the four themes of our college core curriculum: Heritage, Natural World, Diversity, and Social Justice. In the Heritage Unit we will ask the question: What is our Western heritage of war? In answering this question, we will look at selections from The Iliad , the Bible, Shakespeare’s Henry V, and Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried. In the Natural World Unit, we’ll pose the following questions: What is the effect of war on the environment? How is the environment used in war? And more broadly: What is our present–day relationship with the environment? Our primary model for this unit will be the Battle of Saratoga. As part of this unit, we’ll spend a full day at the Saratoga Battlefield with a Revolutionary War re-enactor. In the Diversity Unit, we’ll look at women’s voices in war from Vietnam through our current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And finally, in the Social Justice unit, we’ll examine the treatment of veterans as they return from war.
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