Social Sciences Newsblog

Author: College of Engineering

Sue Hill is the Digital Content Manager for the College of Engineering.

Winkler’s Class Focuses on Calumet Art Scene

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Calumet ArtStudy: Art Strengthens Community Ties in Calumet

Art has long fostered human connection. Now a Michigan Technological University social sciences professor and her class are examining how art is working as a social glue in Calumet.

Students in Richelle Winkler’s Topics in Rural Community Sustainability class focused on the art scene in Calumet to better understand how the village’s First Fridays art tours benefit the community. On the first Friday of each month, Calumet’s participating art galleries and cafes extend their business hours late into the evening, offering refreshments, artist receptions, demonstrations, menu specials and more, depending on the season.

Read more at Michigan Tech News, by Karina Jousma.

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Norman Publishes on Ecocolonisation

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Boundary BayEmma S. Norman (SS) recently published an article, “Who’s counting? Spatial politics, ecocolonisation and the politics of calculation in Boundary Bay,” in Area and has been made freely available for a year as part of a Virtual Issue on New geographical frontiers, the theme of this year’s conference (www.rgs.org/AC2013). You can see the Virtual Issue at: www.rgs.org/FrontiersVI.

From Tech Today.

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Peace Corps Program Number 1

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Peace Corps Number OneMichigan Tech’s Peace Corps Program Ranked Number 1 in the Nation

Michigan Technological University ranks as the top Peace Corps Master’s International (PCMI) university nationwide for the eighth consecutive year. With 35 PCMI graduate students currently serving as Peace Corps Volunteers, Michigan Tech has earned the top spot in the 2013 rankings of PCMI and Paul D. Coverdell Fellows graduate schools.  Tulane University placed second.

“Students in our PCMI programs experience a truly interdisciplinary curriculum at Tech that prepares them to take a holistic and culturally-sensitive approach to solving real-world problems,” said Kari Henquinet, director of Michigan Tech’s PCMI programs. “They then are immersed in a new culture for two years and take on the challenges of language learning, building relationships and working together collaboratively with individuals and groups in their host countries.”

Read more at Michigan Tech News, by Jennifer Donovan.

Michigan Tech Peace Corps best in the nation

And for those thinking about joining the Peace Corps, they caution it’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.

“It’s a strong commitment. I mean, a lot of people don’t necessarily always make it through,” Brian Barbre explained. “It is difficult. There’s a lot of family separation, but for anyone who is thinking about Peace Corps, I would say, go get it!”

Read more and watch the video at Upper Michigans Source, by Sarah Blakely.

Michigan Technological University Remains Top Peace Corps Master’s International Graduate School Nationwide

“Every year, hundreds of Peace Corps Volunteers make a difference by combining meaningful service with graduate studies through Peace Corps’ Master’s International and Coverdell Fellows programs,” Peace Corps Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “After completing Peace Corps service, volunteers return to the United States as global citizens, with leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and language and technical skills that position them for success in today’s global job market.”

Read more at Midwest Peace Corps Volunteers Making a Difference.

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Emma Norman Accepted as Writing Fellow

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Whiteley CenterEmma S. Norman (SS) has been accepted as a writing fellow to the Helen R. Whiteley Center at Friday Harbor Labs (Washington State) for July-August 2013. She will be working on her book project, “Whose Border, Whose Water? Postcolonial Governance of (Trans)boundary Waters–First Peoples, Canada, and the United States” (Routledge Press, Earthscan Series). http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/Whiteley/

From Tech Today.

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Retirement Celebration for Susan Martin on May 3

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Susan MartinThe Department of Social Sciences is happy to invite friends and colleagues to a party that celebrates the career of Susan Rapalje Martin, who will retire at the end of May. Martin began working at Michigan Tech as a research scientist and instructor in 1979, accepting a tenure-track position in 1993. Her work in regional archaeology has been recognized by several awards and publications. Her teaching and research direction has touched hundreds of students in anthropology and archaeology at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Our celebration will be held in the second floor of the Academic Office Building Annex from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday May 3. Join us to congratulate Susan and mix with friends over hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

From Tech Today.

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Research Excellence Funds for Social Sciences

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The vice president for research is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Research Excellence Fund Awards, and would like to thank all of the review committee members for participating in this important internal award process.

Emma Norman and Steven Walton received Scholarship and Creativity Grants.

Adam Wellstead received a Research Seed Grant.

Read more at Tech Today.

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Mayer Introduces a Travel Resource for Locals

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OHare AirportAudrey Mayer (SS) has started a new resource for the Tech community called “Stuck Huskies.” It is an open-to-the-public page where people who are on cancelled flights to/from Chicago can post on the wall to find ride shares back up to Houghton (or down to Chicago), buses, etc.

“I decided to establish it after a conversation with Shari Stockero (CLS),” Mayer said, “as we were both taking the bus up from Chicago after our flights were cancelled to Hancock.”

Visit the Facebook open group “Stuck Huskies.”

From Tech Today.

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Richelle Winkler’s Creative Canvas Course

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Winkler CanvasCreative Canvas Course Contest (C-4) Results

The Center for Teaching and Learning’s first Creative Canvas Course Contest (C-4) saw students nominate more than 100 different courses from almost every department. Richelle Winkler is one of the winners of the C-4 contest.

Winkler’s course focuses on the use of modules, peer review, and discussions. Watch a video course tour to learn about these design features.

From Tech Today.

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