2021-2022 Conversations about Scholarship and Teaching

Fall 2021

Friday, September 3 – 12:00-1:00 PM (in person)
Re-connecting, reflecting, and thinking ahead: A “welcome back” to the Serie Center
Joan Ostrove (Serie Center & Psychology) and Karin Aguilar-San Juan (American Studies & Serie Center)
How (and where?!) have you been for the last 17 months? What are you carrying with you during this transition to Fall 2021? Please join us (in person! masked!) for small group conversation and connection as we come to the end of the first few days of classes and anticipate another complicated and uncertain, but also exciting, semester ahead. We will convene in the Barbara Davis Space (Library 309) then spread out in small groups to the Serie Center or outside as desired. We will serve grab-and-go beverages and dessert, but not lunch.

Friday, September 10 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Make Love Not War: Peace through a syllabus
Karin Aguilar-San Juan (Professor of American Studies and Associate Director of the Serie Center, and winner of the 2021 Jack and Marty Rossmann Excellent in Teaching Award)
At the conclusion of the decades-long US war in Afghanistan, a lot of questions emerge about how war affects us, not only through combat but through deeply embedded values and beliefs. We have many opportunities to observe the culture of violence as it has seeped into our everyday professional work lives. One place where we can try to replace the culture of violence with a culture of peace is a syllabus–a concrete action with long-ranging impact! Presentation and discussion. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, September 17 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
A collective pursuit: Teachers’ Unions and education reform
Lesley Lavery (Political Science)
Lavery argues that teachers’ unions are working in community to re-invigorate the collective pursuit of reforms beneficial to both educators and public education. Her book explores recent unionization efforts in charter schools, union work between and within contract negotiations, and the immense challenges today’s public educators must confront. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, September 24 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Affordability, inclusion, and engagement: An open conversation about open pedagogy and open textbooks
Louann Terveer (Digital Initiatives and Scholarly Communications) & Aisling Quigley (Digital Liberal Arts [DLA])
Open pedagogies are teaching methods that facilitate student agency over learning and in which students demonstrate understanding through the creation of information for their peers and/or others. How are faculty at Macalester and other institutions using open pedagogy to create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment? How can open textbooks be part of your teaching toolbox to help address issues of affordability, inclusion, and engagement in the classroom? Join us for a conversation to share your experiences, build your knowledge, and to challenge assumptions of these open educational practices. Facilitators will offer case studies and guide our discussion. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, October 1 – 12:00-1:00 PM  (Zoom)
What’s in a grade?: Let’s talk about grading (and ungrading)
Karin Aguilar-San Juan (American Studies and Serie Center) & Christine O’Connell (Environmental Studies)
On the heels of a whirlwind year full of online modules and unexpected ways of being with students, many of us discovered that how we give out grades can be tied into compassion, reflection and equity. What did we learn about our approaches to grading and what are we willing (and able) to change with regard to grades in the undergraduate classroom? Join for a discussion about ungrading and alternative grading approaches across the curriculum. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Monday, October 4 – 12:00-1:00 (in person)
Facing the Climate Situation…Together
The release of the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, combined with the up-close reality of what’s happening with Line 3 (and much more), has sparked many “what are we doing?! / what can and should we all be doing?!” conversations among Mac colleagues. It has also inspired more of those sobering, “Yup, this is scary!” conversations that we don’t necessarily often get to have with one another.

In collaboration with the Kofi Annan Institute for Global Citizenship and the Sustainability Office, and in consultation with many colleagues on campus whose work is centrally focused on these issues, the Serie Center is eager to open a space for monthly conversation where we can process the intensity and reality of this time, think about the IPCC report (and its implications) with a variety of colleagues, or strategize together about the opportunities and responsibilities all of us have in relation to the significant and deeply-interconnected-with-so-many-other-forces climate situation we are in. We will serve grab-and-go beverages and dessert, but not lunch.

Friday, October 8 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Reflections on and next steps for the Challenging Complicities project (in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Institute for Global Citizenship)
As part of last year’s International Roundtable, the Kofi Annan Institute for Global Citizenship launched the Challenging Complicities project in an effort to encourage departments across campus to examine the colonial / white supremacist / exclusionary roots of our disciplines or administrative practices. Academic department project participants will talk about what they learned and next steps they are taking. Participating colleagues will also share ideas and recommendations for other departments or units on campus that are considering taking on a challenging complicities project. Please join us for a conversation and an opportunity to strategize ways to sustain efforts to challenge our complicities with the forces and ideologies of anti-Blackness, colonialism, exclusion, etc. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, October 15 –  International Round Table
We encourage all to attend

Friday, October 22 [Fall break]

Friday, October 29 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Engaging the media around your new research, book, exhibit, or project
Joe Linstroth (Communications & Media Relations)
 Getting the media to pay attention to your new book, research, exhibit or project can be very rewarding but also extremely challenging. What exactly are they looking for and is my work a good fit? Why do they cover some academic work but not others? When should I start thinking about a media engagement plan and how do I go about putting one together? Linstroth will discuss tips, tricks and techniques that are aimed to help widen the audience for your expertise and hard work beyond the classroom and the academy.  An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Monday, November 1 – 12:00-1:00 PM (in person)
First Monday: Facing the Climate Situation…Together
During this in-person conversation, we will gather to reflect on and strategize our individual and collective experiences, responsibilities, and goals as colleagues in relation to the current state of our climate. The release of the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, combined with the up-close reality of what’s happening with Line 3 (and much more), has sparked many “what are we doing?! / what can and should we all be doing?!” conversations among Mac colleagues. Following up on some key themes that emerged in our first gathering, at this meeting we will spend some time processing the emotional intensity of this moment and consider the possible relationship between climate change and the strategic plan as we imagine Macalester’s – and everyone’s – future. Grab-and-go fruit, dessert, and beverages (not lunch) provided.

Friday, November 5 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom) – This has been cancelled and will be re-scheduled for Spring 2022
Deep classroom observations: Faculty lessons from cross-auditing entire courses
Harry Waters Jr. (Theater & Dance) & Ron Barrett (Anthropology)
There are many ways of experiencing your colleagues and their varied styles in different disciplines. Techniques and options for connecting intensive material to student learning vary. Witnessing another’s pedagogy over a course of a semester reveals the unique ways that Macalester faculty are excelling in the goals of making global leaders. In addition, the personal connections that are unearthed by viewing alternate methods are fascinating. Share in our mutual discoveries. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, November 12 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom) – This has been cancelled and will be re-scheduled for Spring 2022
What your eyes reveal when you listen
Ariel James (Psychology)
Eye movements are one of the many observable behaviors that psychologists use to make guesses about the workings of the mind. Since the 90s, psycholinguists have sat people in front of eye trackers while they listen to speech as a way to understand language processing as it unfolds over time. In the decades that followed, the so-called “visual world paradigm” has taught us about how we recognize words, make meaning, and unpack grammatical structure in all sorts of different situations. James will talk about her attempts to characterize individual differences in eye movement behavior within this paradigm.

Friday, November 19 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Conversations & Choreographies: A Story of a Dance and Science Collab
Devavani Chatterjea (Biology) with Donna Sternberg (Donna Sternberg & Dancers, Santa Monica, CA)
Devavani and Donna met at the Djerassi Resident Artists Program’s inaugural Science/Arts Residency in July 2014. They have continued to collaborate ever since, co-creating dances that investigate patterns and disruptions of health in our bodies, communities, and planet. We will reflect on our process of co-creation and the power of art/sci (STEAM) in science communication, and share excerpts from performances. 

Friday, November 26 [Thanksgiving break]

Friday, December 3 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom) – This has been cancelled and will be re-scheduled for Spring 2022
Reflections on staff/faculty co-teaching: Our experiences during Mod 5
Hana Dinku (Department of Multicultural Life), Duchess Harris (American Studies), Marjorie Trueblood (Department of Multicultural Life), & Harry Waters, Jr. (Theater & Dance)
They will share their experiences with co-teaching across the faculty/staff divide during Module 5. Panelists will discuss ways in which they organized themselves, pedagogical techniques used, and the importance of covering the topics they chose in furthering Macalester’s mission, and inspiring change amongst students.

Monday, December 6 – 12:00-1:00 PM (in Person)
Facing the Climate Situation…Together
All faculty and staff are welcome to join the third in-person gathering to reflect on and strategize our individual and collective experiences, responsibilities, and goals as colleagues in relation to the current state of our climate. We will hear from our colleagues who recently attended COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, as delegates from Macalester. We will also consider how climate issues can become a strategic planning priority as we imagine Macalester’s – and everyone’s – future. Grab-and-go fruit, dessert, and beverages (not lunch) provided.

Friday, December 10 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Grading (and ungrading) Revisited
Karin Aguilar-San Juan (American Studies and Serie Center) and Joan Ostrove (Serie Center)
We will talk about grades and grading as we close out classes and head into finals (and grading!) period. Have your grading and assessment strategies or practices changed, even over the course of this semester? Are you considering doing things differently next semester? Come to share your thoughts, learn from others, and just chat about everyone’s “favorite” part of the job (!!).

Spring 2022

Friday, January 21 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Open Conversation and Connection
Joan Ostrove
Join the Serie Center for open session for conversation and connection.

Friday, January 28 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Oral Communication Anxiety in the College World Language Classroom
Claude Cassagne (French and Francophone Studies)
Professor Claude Cassagne will discuss oral communication anxiety in second language learners and the effects of educators’ teaching practices on these anxieties. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, February 4 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Universal Design for Learning Showcase
Melissa Fletcher (Disability Services), Brad Belbas (AIA),  Victoria Malawey (Music) and Brigetta Abel (German Studies and Serie Center)
You’ve likely heard again and again about the transformational power that UDL (Universal Design for Learning) approaches can provide to ensure better equity for all learners. But, what is UDL exactly? This session will provide information about the concept of UDL and will showcase concrete examples of changes that have been made in the courses to build access for all students. Faculty and staff colleagues will provide context, and answer your burning questions about UDL! An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, February 11 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Internships and Other Employment for International Students
Getiria Onsongo (Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science), Carrie Klaphake (Student Engagement and Career Advising, Career Exploration), Kara Warren (Advising, International Student Programs), Kate Larson (Career Exploration), and Luyen Phan (International Student Programs)
This session will focus on helping international students get off-campus internships and post-graduation employment opportunities. International students face many challenges including that all off-campus work must directly relate to a student’s major, start and end dates must correlate with terms, and many employers are reluctant to hire international students. The presenters will give an overview of different types of work authorization, the process, restrictions, how you can help international students with their careers, and will answer all of your questions. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, February 18 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
What Your Eyes Reveal When You Listen
Ariel James (Psychology)
Eye movements are one of the many observable behaviors that psychologists use to make guesses about the workings of the mind. Since the 90s, psycholinguists have sat people in front of eye trackers while they listen to speech as a way to understand language processing as it unfolds over time. In the decades that followed, the so-called “visual world paradigm” has taught us about how we recognize words, make meaning, and unpack grammatical structure in all sorts of different situations. In her talk, she will discuss her attempts to characterize individual differences in eye movement behavior within this paradigm. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, February 25 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
National College Health Assessment
Jennifer Jacobsen (Laurie Hamre Center for Health & Wellness), Bethany Miller and Adam Johnson (Institutional Research & Assessment)
Have you ever been curious about the health of Macalester students? Wondering which health-related concerns students identify as getting in the way of their academic success? Interested in new data on the flourishing of our students? In this session, staff from the Hamre Center and Institutional Research & Assessment will share data highlights from Spring 2021’s National College Health Assessment and facilitate group conversation on how we might continue to support student well-being in our work. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, March 4 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Engaging the Media Around your New Book, Research, Exhibit, or Project
Joe Linstroth (Communications and Marketing)
Getting the media to pay attention to your new book, research, exhibit, or project can be very rewarding but also extremely challenging. What exactly are they looking for and is my work a good fit? Why do they cover some academic work but not others? When should I start thinking about a media engagement plan and how do I go about putting one together? Come and join Joe, for a workshop about tips, tricks, and techniques that are aimed to help widen the audience for your expertise and hard work beyond the classroom and the academy. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, March 11 – No CAST

Friday, March 18 – Spring Break

Friday, March 25 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Is Climate Anxiety Real?!? A Project Exploring the Mental Health Impacts of the Climate Crisis
Christie Manning (Sustainability Office)
According to 2020 polling data from the American Psychiatric Association, the number of Americans reporting that climate change is “probably” or “definitely” affecting their mental health is 68%. This number seems shockingly high, particularly given media analyses showing very low mentions of climate change in the broadcast media, even after extreme storms and wildfires. During her fall 2021 professional leave/sabbatical, Christie Manning set out to synthesize the research on climate change and mental health. Her work resulted in the co-authored report: Mental Health and our Changing Climate: Impacts, Inequities, Responses, which explores the main ways climate change affects mental health and well being, the prevalence of adverse mental health outcomes, who is most impacted, and what we can do about it. In this presentation and discussion she will briefly talk about the research process and share key findings. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, April 1 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Misogynoir and Sustaining AntiBlackness
Ebony Adedayo (Serie Center)
This presentation will explore the oppression of Black women in relation to the construction of racism in the United States. Tracing incidents of harm from slavery to the present, Serie Center Program Manager Ebony Adedayo will argue that white supremacy is upheld by the hatred of Black women who are descendants of African slaves. If academia is truly committed to antiracist pedagogy, we need to have a more robust analysis of how race is gendered. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the Integrated Ecosystem of Support (IES), a model constructed to advocate for a politics of care to support Black women in the academy as students, faculty, and staff. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, April 8 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Forensic economics?!?
Gabe Lade (Economics)
This presentation will describe how economists use statistics and economic theory to detect cheating in settings ranging from sports to regulatory evasion. We will then explore potential gaming under the U.S. Lead and Copper Rule in more depth.  In particular, we will use data on reported lead values for all U.S. Public Water Systems (PWSs) from 2011-2020 and develop a new strategy to quantify manipulation to test whether PWSs engaged in undesirable reporting behavior. We will document compelling evidence that some small and medium-sized PWSs manipulated their reported lead concentrations before the Flint water crisis. This behavior drastically decreased after the Flint water crisis, particularly for medium PWSs. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that our results are primarily driven by PWSs serving areas with higher poverty rates.  An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, April 15 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Deep Classroom Observations: Faculty Lessons from Cross-Auditing Entire Courses
Harry Waters Jr (Theater & Dance) and Ron Barrett (Anthropology)
There are many ways of experiencing our colleagues and their varied styles in different disciplines. Techniques and options for connecting intensive material to student learning vary. Witnessing another’s pedagogy over a course of a semester reveals the unique ways that Macalester faculty are excelling in the goals of making global leaders. In addition, the personal connections that are unearthed by viewing alternate methods are fascinating. Share in their mutual discoveries. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, April 22 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Reflections on Staff/Faculty Co-Teaching: Our Experiences During Mod 5
Hana Dinku (Department of Multicultural Life), Duchess Harris (American Studies), Marjorie Trueblood (Department of Multicultural Life), and Harry Waters Jr (Theater & Dance) 
We will share our experiences with co-teaching across the faculty/staff divide during Module 5. Panelists will discuss ways in which they organized themselves, pedagogical techniques used, the importance of covering the topics they chose in furthering Macalester’s mission, and inspiring change amongst students. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.

Friday, April 29 – 12:00-1:00 PM (Zoom)
Research and Teaching in Digital Formats
Walter Greason (History)
This conversation will highlight the evolution of digital technology in the liberal arts contexts since 1980. Dr. Walter Greason will offer insights based on his published research as well as professional experience as a classroom innovator in educational settings (P-20). Recent developments in simulation games, virtual reality, and augmented reality tools will be available for exploration by the participants. An email with the link to join the event will be sent via swap-news.