Place Setting
In France, politeness is staging a comeback.
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January 27, 2009
December 17, 2008
The Adventurer
Beth Uding Seizes Opportunities
by Andi McDaniel
Going off the Beaten Path
A little Norwegian can make a big difference. Just ask Jonathon Rusch.
November 25, 2008
Aha! How three psychology professors are inspiring their students
by Emily Sohn
In a huge lecture hall, it can be easy for students to fade into the crowd while professors rhapsodize about abstract academics. But that scenario is no fun for anyone -- teachers or students. And passive listening rarely leads to a lifelong love of learning. Instead, psychology professors at the University find entertaining and unusual ways to engage their students, whether they are teaching a class of 20 or 200. Meet three professors who are inspiring students to learn -- and enjoying themselves in the process.
Continue reading "Aha! How three psychology professors are inspiring their students" »
Examining underlying reasons why we vote how we vote.
You have watched the debates, pondered the issues, and endured more campaign commercials than you ever wanted to see. Even with all of those good-citizen factors in place, you don't have the full equation for the votes you will cast on Election Day. >>> An array of other variables play into voting. They all are about you.
Continue reading "Examining underlying reasons why we vote how we vote." »
Visionaries
by Deane Morrison
University of Minnesota psychologists are the best in sight -- finding answers to how we make sense of what we see
New & Noteworthy
Renaissance Student
By Helen West
Svetha Janumpalli combines economic wisdom, global studies savvy, and artistic talent in her quest to solve social problems in the developing world
November 21, 2008
New Graduate Focus in Evolutionary Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology is offering a new graduate focus with training and research opportunities
in the integrated areas of paleoanthropology and behavioral biology.
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Faculty and Staff Awards
Faculty and Staff Awards for 2008
The Time Symposium
"Humans through Deep Time: Archaeology and the Pace of Change" was the title of a two-day symposium organized by the Department of Anthropology and held in the Cowles Auditorium in the Humphrey Center, March 13–14, 2008.
Remembering Daphne Berdahl
Daphne Berdahl was born on June 14, 1964, in Freiburg, Germany, to Robert and Margaret Berdahl. She
graduated from Oberlin College, earned her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago in 1995, and was a James Bryant Conant Fellow in German and European Studies at Harvard University. She joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota as an assistant professor of anthropology in 1997 and was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor in 2000. She was also a faculty member in the Institute for Global Studies at the University of Minnesota.
Out of Africa
Anthropology professor Martha Tappen investigates human evolution in Eurasia.
A Vibrant and Exciting Environment
Honors, awards, and fellowships: Fall 2007 to Summer 2008.
Visiting Faculty Spotlight: Barbara Wolbert
As an anthropologist from Germany and a German Studies scholar, it is my heartfelt concern to honor Daphne Berdahl. On my personal academic map, she became the star of the University’s Department of Anthropology. I am desolate knowing that when I come to the University of Minnesota I will not be seeing Daphne again. I not only enjoyed her warmth; my own research and teaching activities have benefited from
her scholarship. I will hence join your department with an acute sense of loss, but also with joy and a feeling of honor. I will do my best to support Daphne Berdahl’s students in their future scholarly endeavors.
Continue reading "Visiting Faculty Spotlight: Barbara Wolbert" »
New Faculty Spotlight: Gilliane Monnier
I am thrilled to be joining the faculty of the Department of Anthropology. Many of you are already familiar with my work and my teaching—I have been a lecturer and researcher in the department for several years. Most of you also know my husband, Gil Tostevin. It is with great enthusiasm that I accept my new responsibilities as assistant professor. One of the aspects of my new job I look forward to the most is meeting more students—I hope you will stop by my office to say hello!
Continue reading "New Faculty Spotlight: Gilliane Monnier" »
New Faculty Spotlight: Katherine Hayes
Katherine Hayes,
I am very pleased to be joining the anthropology faculty at the University of Minnesota. Up until now, I had only known the department, the University, and the region by reputation, so it is exciting to be given the chance to learn them first-hand instead. As an archaeologist, it’s like starting a new site.
News from the Chair
Dear Friends,
Our 2007–2008 academic year was saddened by the loss of our esteemed colleague, Professor Daphne Berdahl, whom we feature in this issue of World Views. Professor Berdahl was an inspiration to us all in her multi-year bout with cancer. She was a tower of strength to the end. We commemorated her at a wonderful symposium and dinner held at the University of Minnesota McNamara Alumni Center on
February 28, 2008. Thanks to the generosity of the Berdahl family, the Daphne Berdahl Memorial Lecture will be an annual event. Please see pages 10 and 11 for more information about the Daphne Berdahl Memorial Lecture.
November 14, 2008
Awards, Accolades & Updates
Having it all
Assistant Professor Kathryn Pearson on likelihoods of policy change
Letter from the Chair
I am very pleased to introduce the new format of PoliSci Connection, the magazine for friends and supporters of the University of Minnesota Political Science Department. Until now, PoliSci Connection was a departmental newsletter, capably managed by our undergraduate advisor, Rose Miskowiec. We have upgraded the newsletter to a magazine, now containing professionally written articles about the research and teaching of departmental personnel, as well as in-depth reports on select experiences of Political Science students.
Where Politics & Psychology Intersect
Perhaps you have a hard time giving up on the idea that political behavior is--or at least can be--based heavily on facts and ration-al processing of facts. But it's a hard conviction to maintain in the face of, well, established facts.
September 11, 2008
News of our American Studies community
September 9, 2008
From The Chair
Professor Carol Miller to Retire
"She routinely draws students into the palm of her hand..."
by Riv Ellen Prell
August 19, 2008
Lost and Found: Shoebox Yields Cuneiform Cone
In a two-part story, cuneiform expert Eva von Dassow recounts how a forgotten artifact led to the rediscovery of a forgotten Mesopotamian king. Part 1 | Part 2
Continue reading "Lost and Found: Shoebox Yields Cuneiform Cone" »
August 18, 2008
Faculty Update
Silha Center Update
By Christopher Gorman
Silha Forum examines media coverage of tragedies
August 15, 2008
Minnesota Journalism Center Update
By Rachel Johnson
The MJC's annual Premack Awards and Lecture celebrated Minnesota public affairs journalism and launched a new program format focusing on current issues in public affairs reporting.
Diverse Gifts
By Chris Ison
The Cowles family's commitment to racial and gender equality, combined with the power of the press, helped shape the course of history. This legacy, begun decades ago, lives on as a new generation continues to promote diversity and equality, and support journalism and journalism education.
Diversity discussion can be difficult, but SJMC makes the conversation a priority
By Rhoda Fukushima
Diversity is as close as a city bus or a college campus. Diversity is in the places we go and in the places we don't. Diversity is in how long we stay and how long we don't. Diversity invites us to come when we can and stay as long as possible.
New faculty position reflects University’s commitment to diversity
By Natalie Johnson
The conversation about diversity takes on new intensity with the addition of the John and Elizabet h Bate s Cowles Professor of Journalism, Diversity and Equality to the SJMC faculty. This position will directly enhance the strategic plan of the SJMC and the University overall to build the nation’s pre-eminent program in communication education, research and practice.
Continue reading "New faculty position reflects University’s commitment to diversity" »
Letter from the Director
By Albert R. Tims
A core value of American journalism is to give voice to those sectors of society for whom the forces of inequality have muted or denied their voices. The vitality of the public sphere depends on these voices.
August 11, 2008
Celebrating the Future
The SJMC celebrates student and alumni achievement
To Your Health
by Ami Berger
Four SJMC faculty explore the connections between health and communication--and how those connections affect the public's health and well-being.
The Undergraduate Experience
By Ami Berger
The SJMC is making its undergraduate curriculum one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking in the country. The result? Alumni who know how to make a difference in the real world.
Student Updates
The first Star Tribune Scholars graduate...and more student news from the halls of Murphy Hall.
August 8, 2008
MJC Update
The Minnesota Journalism Center hosted events this past semester with a local, national, and international flair.
Playing to Learn
Professor Kathleen Hansen and Institute for New Media Studies director Nora Paul are exploring the use of computer games as effective tools in the classroom.
Values, Principles, and Dilemmas: Teaching Media Ethics
Faculty Update
Recent awards, publications, presentations, and other accolades from the faculty in the SJMC.
Faculty Update
Recent awards, publications, presentations, and other accolades from the faculty in the SJMC.
Silha Center Update
Floyd Abrams Delivers 20th Annual Silha Lecture
August 7, 2008
Faculty Updates
Recent awards, publications, presentations by SJMC faculty...and a few new faces coming to Murphy Hall.
Silha Center Update
By Andrew Deutsch
This spring, the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law highlighted two topics very much in the news. The Silha Forum held in March focused on the rights of privacy in the digital age, and the April forum looked at the ethical and legal issues reporters face when dealing with confidential sources.
July 28, 2008
Student Update
SJMC's students continue to win awards, grants, honors, and recognition for their work.
Faculty Update
Minnesota Daily Update
As the Daily prepares to move locations, the paper's 2005-06 leaders prepare for life after the Daily and look back over the year's challenges and accomplishments.
INMS Update: Reaching Around the Globe
By Karen Kloser
Institute for New Media Studies director Nora Paul puts the U on the media world map with lectures in Mexico City, Caracas, New Delhi, and Chandigarh for the World Press Institute.
Silha Center Update
By Elaine Hargrove and Penelope Sheets
The Silha Center's two Spring Forums examine media objectivity and e-mail privacy
Spring Celebration 2006
By Ami Berger
The SJMC celebrates its scholars, donors, alumni, and 2006 graduates at a festive--and crowded!--Spring Celebration at McNamara Alumni Center.
Lessons from the Past: Historical Research
By Ami Berger
For three SJMC faculty, history helps define the future of mass communication
Continue reading "Lessons from the Past: Historical Research" »
Learning Outside the Classroom: SJMC's Student Organizations
By Ami Berger
SJMC’s award-winning student organizations are classrooms of their own, giving students a chance to learn from industry professionals and from each other.
Continue reading "Learning Outside the Classroom: SJMC's Student Organizations" »
July 27, 2008
Beyond Blue Eyes
Ask the average American what Scandinavians look like, and you're bound to get an answer like this: "Tall, blond, blue eyes." But ask associate professor Monika Žagar that question, and she'll tell you a more complicated story. Continue Reading...
July 25, 2008
Faculty Update
Silha Center Update
Geoffrey Stone delivers 21st annual Silha Lecture: "The Freedom of the Press versus The National Security"
Creativity Confronting the World: Global Learning and Study Abroad
July 24, 2008
Reclaiming History
A model of the engaged scholar, Brenda Child works to expand the meaning of historic preservation in Minnesota.
Picturing America
By Kate Tyler
Studying a century of American moviemaking, Lary May probes the links between pop culture and national politics.
July 23, 2008
Happy to be Here
One tends toward land, one toward sea. Meet our two newest faculty members.
All in a Day's Work
By Kate Tyler
Jennifer Pierce ventures directly into the workplace to explore intriguing puzzles about in equality.
The Giving Trees
Physical geographers like Susy Ziegler are helping Minnesotans make wise decisions
July 16, 2008
French as a Second Language
By Margot Wagner
Truth Telling
By Lisa Lillie
Mind Travel
Undergraduate research opportunities take students to new places
July 14, 2008
Global Movements
By Kate Tyler
Partnering with Mayan migrants on the Yucatán Peninsula, Bianet Castellanos probes the implications of the new global economy.
Finding Meaning in the Classroom
By Jim Curran
Jim Curran left a budding business career to become a schoolteacher
July 11, 2008
I See but Cannot Hear the Wind
By Edén Torres
‘Shameless outlaw’ Edén Torres reflects on the view from a campus window.
June 27, 2008
Still fascinated
The Life of Language
French in the wider world
By Sheila M. Eldred
The emergence of Francophone studies
Thinking Outside the Pyramid
By Danny LaChance
For Juliette Cherbuliez, absolute power isn’t so absolute
Imagining terror
By Andi McDaniel
A summer conference explored the meaning of terrorism
Balancing Act
By Kermit Pattison
Exploring Ambiguity: Professor Ruth-Ellen Joeres’s odyssey through German studies, feminism and biography
Laughing & Learning
By Kermit Pattison
State of the (Language) Arts
With the aid of technological advances and expanding resources, language study at the University is advancing by leaps and megabytes. Continue Reading…
June 26, 2008
Mr. Holland’s Opus
To become one of the forefathers of modern career counsleling, John Holland first had to become a revolutionary.
Thinking About Thinking
Grad student Sara Kvidera goes where few have gone before
It’s in the Genes?
Siri Scott follows parents’ path into new territory
Working on Leisure
Jo-Ida Hansen applies vocational psychology to our free time
Leading Leaders
Joyce Bono and colleagues explain what makes for effective leadership
June 25, 2008
Putting Their Heads Together
By Elizabeth Hillberg
Working in collaboration has paid off for graduate students Ananth Ramanarayanan and Costas Arkolakis, whose ongoing research has already received accolades.
June 24, 2008
A Wealth of Nations
By Douglas Clement
Professor Timothy Kehoe weighs in on economic theory and practice.
Webbing and Bone
By Time Brady
Undergrad Molly Watters tastes the pleasures of life as a student leader at the U.
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Rethinking Teen Sex
By Tim Brady
A new study by assistant professor Ann Meier has made waves with its fresh look at adolescent sexuality
June 23, 2008
Exits and Entries
By Tim Brady
A new, large-scale project in the Department of Sociology looks at how young adults fare once they leave an institutional setting
Letter from the Chair
Celebrating Civic Engagement
June 11, 2008
Incentives For Giving
Private gifts support cutting-edge research and enable the department to recruit the very best students, both graduate and undergraduate. Just as today’s research benefits future generations, today’s students will be tomorrow’s scholars and practitioners.
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Bridging Languages, Bridging Cultures
Ph.D candidate Pui-Fong Kan studies the relationship between language acquisition and culture.
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One Floor Up
Mary Kennedy is taking research on traumatic brain injury to the next level by studying how we think about how we think.
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The Sound of Silence
For Peggy Nelson, the sound of silence is the sound of children learning.
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June 10, 2008
Letter from the Chair
With your financial support, we have been able to make a tangible difference for students: to help them pay tuition, buy books, attend professional conferences, take part in teaching workshops, and carry out research projects— all things that we could not do without you.
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