The Harbinger

September 7, 2005

Ethics Teach-In 2005: Authority and Questioning


On September 13, Hiram faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in this Fall's Ethics Teach-In.  The Ethics Teach-in is a series of informal, small group discussions clustered around a broad theme. This year's theme is "Authority and Questioning." Sessions consist of a short presentation and open discussion. Each session will be offered twice. Students can attend whatever sessions they choose. Grilled picnic lunch will be available (weather permitting) on the Campus Green, 11:30-12:30, with the usual card swipe. Classes overlapping the sessions may be adjusted -- ask your professor.

For more information, contact Professor Ken Alpern x5246, alpernkd@hiram.edu.

Session I: 12:20 - 1 PM   
Session II: 1:10 - 1:50  
Location: Campus Green 
Topics Below:

"Authority and Freedom in Academic Computer Systems"
Valerian Anderson and Ellen Walker
(Academic Computing / Computer Science Department)

"Showering Uranium in Our Name: What Can a Citizen Do?"
Linda Bourassa & Jason Johnson
(Art Department / Political Science)

"Don't Be Shocked! -- Authority and Obedience
Janis Breckenridge
(Foreign Languages)

"Authority On and Off the Field and Stage"
Carl Capellas and Rick Hyde
(Men's Soccer Coach/Theater Department)

"Questioning Authority in China"
Adam Cathcart and Xinlu Yu
(History Department/Communication Department)

"What Happens When Your Professors/Coaches Take Sides?  What Happens When They Don't?"
Bob Dean and Ken Alpern
(Women's Soccer Coach/Foote Chair in Ethics and Philosophy Department)

"Governmental Authority, Scientific Research, and Medical Practice: The Case of Stem Cells"
Carol Donley and Sandy Madar
(Andrews Professor in Biomedical Humanities and English Department/Biology Department)

"Says Who?  Authority in the Arts"
Tina Dreisbach, Lisa Safford, and student presenters
(Music Department/Art Department)

"The Courage That My Students Have"
Joyce Dyer
(English Department and Writing Center)

"Why Evolution Matters: On the Authority of Science and Religion"
Brad Goodner and Matt Hils
(Biology Department)

"Whose Classroom Is It Anyway? Issues of Authority and Control in Creating Contemporary K - 12 Learning Communities"
Don Guenther
(Education Department)

"Where Were/Are the Accountants?"
Earl Kissell
(Department of Economics, Business, Management, and Accounting and Financial Management)

"Reacting with Heart, Responding with Reason: How to Help in Catastrophe"
Jan Mock
(Barrows Field Station and Certified Red Cross Disaster Services Volunteer)

"Relational Commitments: Covenant and Infidelity"
Jon Moody and Linda Rea
(College Chaplain and Religious Studies Department/Communication Department)

"Attitude and Pride: In Your Face and Other Approaches to Being a Winner"
Tim Rice and Eric Riedel
(Men's Basketball Coach/Dean of Students)

"To Question or Not to Question Authority -- Now That's a Question"
Debra Rodriguez
Department of Foreign Languages

"Outsiders NOT Welcome?  Authority vs. Creativity in Science and the Arts"
Mark Taylor and Chris Ryan
Physics Department/Art Department

"These Unelected Judges!"
Vivien Sandlund
(History Department)

"On the Internet, No One Knows You're a Dog"
Obie Slotterbeck
(Computer Science Department)


New Art Show at Frohring


The Frohring Art Center will host "Fissures: New Paintings" by Matthew Kolodziej beginning September 19 and running through October 12.  Kolodziej will be available for a Gallery Talk and Reception from 5 - 8 PM on Thursday, September 22.

Kolodziej is a Visual Artist and Assistant Professor of Art at the Myers School of Art at the University of Akron.  A central theme of his work is the transitory quality of space and perception, using images of architecture and landscape to explore the presence of change.

The Frohring Art Center Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM until 4 PM.  The reception and gallery are free and open to the public.


Hiram Responds to Hurricane Katrina


The Hiram community continues to support the Gulf Coast region that has been ravaged by the effects of Hurricane Katrina last week.  The many responses to date include:

  • Hiram College President Thomas V. Chema is offering his home as housing for faculty members and residence hall rooms for students attending institutions impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The offer includes the use of campus facilities enjoyed by the rest of the Hiram community.  "We have room for approximately 15 to 20 students in our residence halls, and my home can comfortably house a few faculty members and their family members. Because we believe so strongly in the value of close faculty-student relationships, we are extending an invitation to the presidents of the institutions in the Gulf Coast states to keep a part of their community together by sending a group of faculty and students to Hiram so that the classroom experience can continue with as little disruption as possible."
  • Ten Hiram College students (pictured) traveled to Alabama and Louisiana last weekend to help with the recovery efforts.
  • Collection points have been placed around campus for items needed in the Gulf Coast region.
  • The Western Reserve Kiwanis Club (based at Hiram) donated $1,700 to relief efforts in the affected area.

Additional Information