Sara Mettlen
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 2
Most people think of going on sabbatical as a break from work.
This is hardly the case for Betty Levitov, full professor of English. She’s using her time off to write a book.
“I’ve got a full draft now,” Levitov said. “Two hundred thirty four pages; 90,000 words.”
Levitov says that the book, with the working title “Into Africa: A Semester on Six Wheels,” is a hybrid; it’s partially a travelogue and partially pedagogy, a book about teaching.
The book is about Levitov’s semesters teaching in Africa, both in 1998 and 2002. Levitov began the studies in Africa as an interterm, but quickly realized that three weeks was not enough.
“I realized the impact of three weeks on the students, so I wanted to see if I could do a full semester,” Levitov said.
With the support of her department, the dean, and the president, Levitov planned the semesters by sending out applications to the Doane student body a year in advance. After selecting the students, 11 in 1998 and 13 in 2002, Levitov and the students met every month for a year to prepare for studying abroad.
Students have a full semester of courses in Africa: INT 310 Introduction to Africa; Intermediate/Advanced English Writing; African Literature; and Beginning Swahili. Also, Levitov offered a one-credit yoga class and some of the students were able to design independent and directed studies electives in areas of their majors. During the semester, Levitov found and hired local people to speak, lecture, and guide the students in their studies.
Levitov said she is offering a three-week Interterm to Kenya and Tanzania in May 2005, after graduation. She hopes to lead the next semester of studies in the fall of 2006. (If students are interested in the Interterm or the semester, they can contact her at blevitov@doane.edu.)
Levitov has recently begun a Doane College Educational Exchange Program in Tanzania. She has been raising money to support the needs of the Shangarao primary school in Moivaro, Tanzania. Jason Kennedy, who earned an English degree in 2002, is the program’s first volunteer teacher. Kennedy has 117 students in his class and only about 30 desks. Also, the school has no textbooks.
“I just sent $400 so that they would have one textbook per desk,” Levitov said.
The second volunteer teacher, Amber Smith, who earned her degree in art in 2002, arrived in Tanzania on March 25.
For three months of her sabbatical, Levitov traveled to interview people for her book. She first went to Southeast Asia in November and then flew to Africa to meet Kennedy. She spent two weeks with Kennedy in Tanzania getting ready for the school year, and then ended her trip by going to Ethiopia.
Levitov said the book contains several interviews and first hand accounts from people involved with the students as they studied in Africa.
Now that Levitov is finished with the book she has been working on since May 2003, she is working on creating a final draft and investigating what she needs to do to get her book printed.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Mind Expo features student works
Sara Mettlen
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 3
Doane will hold its fourth annual Mind Expo this afternoon from 3-6 p.m. in the Lied Building.
Mind Expo is an annual event that recognizes students' academic work. Christopher Wentworth, associate professor of physics and a member of the Mind Expo organizing committee, said it is a time for students to show others what they have been researching and to generate curiosity and interest in the projects.
"It's an opportunity for students to share their work with the entire Doane community," Wentworth said. "It's a very positive thing for students."
Wentworth noted that another advantage of Mind Expo is that it allows freshmen and sophomores to get a sense of projects that they could do as juniors or seniors.
The range of topics of the presentations is very broad. A few titles include, "Mock Arson Investigation Using Gas Chromatography," "Online Voting Application," and "Evolution or Evilution." The projects will be shown in a variety of ways, from theatrical performances to artwork to oral presentations.
About five years ago, it was decided that Doane needed to find a way to emphasize undergraduate research on campus. Wentworth and biology professor Russell Souchek went to a conference and discovered that several colleges were holding campus-wide symposiums to recognize undergraduate research. The two took this idea and broadened it beyond science to include theater, art, and almost anything creative that students want to present.
"It seems to generate a lot of interest," Wentworth said. "We've had a couple hundred people show up in the past years, so we expect it to be fairly well attended this year."
Door prizes will be given away by a drawing at the end of the day.
A complete schedule is available at http://www.doane.edu/mindexpo.
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 3
Doane will hold its fourth annual Mind Expo this afternoon from 3-6 p.m. in the Lied Building.
Mind Expo is an annual event that recognizes students' academic work. Christopher Wentworth, associate professor of physics and a member of the Mind Expo organizing committee, said it is a time for students to show others what they have been researching and to generate curiosity and interest in the projects.
"It's an opportunity for students to share their work with the entire Doane community," Wentworth said. "It's a very positive thing for students."
Wentworth noted that another advantage of Mind Expo is that it allows freshmen and sophomores to get a sense of projects that they could do as juniors or seniors.
The range of topics of the presentations is very broad. A few titles include, "Mock Arson Investigation Using Gas Chromatography," "Online Voting Application," and "Evolution or Evilution." The projects will be shown in a variety of ways, from theatrical performances to artwork to oral presentations.
About five years ago, it was decided that Doane needed to find a way to emphasize undergraduate research on campus. Wentworth and biology professor Russell Souchek went to a conference and discovered that several colleges were holding campus-wide symposiums to recognize undergraduate research. The two took this idea and broadened it beyond science to include theater, art, and almost anything creative that students want to present.
"It seems to generate a lot of interest," Wentworth said. "We've had a couple hundred people show up in the past years, so we expect it to be fairly well attended this year."
Door prizes will be given away by a drawing at the end of the day.
A complete schedule is available at http://www.doane.edu/mindexpo.
Seniors prepare for their final projects
Megan Bowen
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 3
The end of the school year is just around the corner, and for the seniors, that means the end of their undergraduate experience.
Even though they are just weeks from being in the "real world," most of them are still required to work hard and finish up. One of the big things that some seniors have to do is the senior research projects. Not everyone has to do one, but a few majors require it.
Two of the prominent major fields where research projects are a must are the Biology and English departments. Biology majors do a two-semester lab or field research project. Students are to conduct a scientific study concluding with a report.
"There are quite a few working on research projects," said Barbara Clement, associate professor of Biology. "I believe there are two working on neuroscience projects, two on fish behavior, one is researching the genetics of prairie dogs and one is doing the endophytes of plants with medicinal value."
For the English majors, students are to come up with an argument about one or more of William Faulkner's works. Brad Johnson, assistant professor of English, said he requires the research to be thorough and the writing precise. Some of the current topics are "Images of Mechanization in Faulkner's Work," "Faulkner's Depiction of Confederate Women" and "The Linguistic Qualities of Faulkner's ‘As I Lay Dying.’" He wants these topics to be refined into focused arguments of roughly 20 pages.
"I enjoy assigning and reading literary research because it requires that students be tireless detectives who gather and examine evidence, formulate theories based on that evidence, and write convincingly about their discoveries," Johnson said.
He believes that research is the central activity in the college experience. When students write research papers, they weigh their views against the views of other critics. Although students may run into obstacles along the way, the process eventually leads them into a deeper understanding of literature and the values of those who respond to it.
"Students discover that they have a much greater appreciation for a work of literature when they examine the diverse, sometimes outlandish, things that have been said about it," Johnson said. "Hopefully, they also develop a greater appreciation for themselves as critics who are qualified to take part in the debate."
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 3
The end of the school year is just around the corner, and for the seniors, that means the end of their undergraduate experience.
Even though they are just weeks from being in the "real world," most of them are still required to work hard and finish up. One of the big things that some seniors have to do is the senior research projects. Not everyone has to do one, but a few majors require it.
Two of the prominent major fields where research projects are a must are the Biology and English departments. Biology majors do a two-semester lab or field research project. Students are to conduct a scientific study concluding with a report.
"There are quite a few working on research projects," said Barbara Clement, associate professor of Biology. "I believe there are two working on neuroscience projects, two on fish behavior, one is researching the genetics of prairie dogs and one is doing the endophytes of plants with medicinal value."
For the English majors, students are to come up with an argument about one or more of William Faulkner's works. Brad Johnson, assistant professor of English, said he requires the research to be thorough and the writing precise. Some of the current topics are "Images of Mechanization in Faulkner's Work," "Faulkner's Depiction of Confederate Women" and "The Linguistic Qualities of Faulkner's ‘As I Lay Dying.’" He wants these topics to be refined into focused arguments of roughly 20 pages.
"I enjoy assigning and reading literary research because it requires that students be tireless detectives who gather and examine evidence, formulate theories based on that evidence, and write convincingly about their discoveries," Johnson said.
He believes that research is the central activity in the college experience. When students write research papers, they weigh their views against the views of other critics. Although students may run into obstacles along the way, the process eventually leads them into a deeper understanding of literature and the values of those who respond to it.
"Students discover that they have a much greater appreciation for a work of literature when they examine the diverse, sometimes outlandish, things that have been said about it," Johnson said. "Hopefully, they also develop a greater appreciation for themselves as critics who are qualified to take part in the debate."
Ambassadors apply for positions
Kiley Mackie
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 3
The selection process for the 2004-2005 Doane Ambassadors is nearly over. Those chosen for this group will be announced Friday.
The Doane Ambassadors are student representatives of the Admissions Office who are selected each year based on their application, interview, academic standing and campus involvement. Current ambassadors only had to re-apply to be guaranteed a position. However, new applicants were also interviewed by three faculty members in Admissions.
This year, there are nearly 60 new applicants in addition to the 20 returning ambassadors.
From the new applicant pool, 25 to 30 students will be chosen to keep the number of ambassadors between 50 and 55.
Michelle Faltin, assistant director of Admissions, said she is excited about next year's group.
"As an entire office, we are pretty pleased with not only the amount of students who applied, but the quality as well," Faltin said.
The Doane Ambassadors is one of the only student groups that employ both an application and interview process to select its members.
Consequently, Faltin said she thinks the group is mostly comprised of academically superior students who care about the college.
"They're the best of the best," Faltin said. "They represent the college well."
Though not every applicant can be a part of the group now, any student is allowed to apply again in the future.
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 3
The selection process for the 2004-2005 Doane Ambassadors is nearly over. Those chosen for this group will be announced Friday.
The Doane Ambassadors are student representatives of the Admissions Office who are selected each year based on their application, interview, academic standing and campus involvement. Current ambassadors only had to re-apply to be guaranteed a position. However, new applicants were also interviewed by three faculty members in Admissions.
This year, there are nearly 60 new applicants in addition to the 20 returning ambassadors.
From the new applicant pool, 25 to 30 students will be chosen to keep the number of ambassadors between 50 and 55.
Michelle Faltin, assistant director of Admissions, said she is excited about next year's group.
"As an entire office, we are pretty pleased with not only the amount of students who applied, but the quality as well," Faltin said.
The Doane Ambassadors is one of the only student groups that employ both an application and interview process to select its members.
Consequently, Faltin said she thinks the group is mostly comprised of academically superior students who care about the college.
"They're the best of the best," Faltin said. "They represent the college well."
Though not every applicant can be a part of the group now, any student is allowed to apply again in the future.
Editorial: Advice for the StuCo Pres
Staff Editorial
April 22, 2004, Page 4
Managing a constituency of college students is harder than predicting when Stop Day will be.
Student Congress president holds an important position. She is in charge of and an example to the rest of the student body.
With this in mind, The Owl staff has assembled a list of advice for the new StuCo president.
April 22, 2004, Page 4
Managing a constituency of college students is harder than predicting when Stop Day will be.
Student Congress president holds an important position. She is in charge of and an example to the rest of the student body.
With this in mind, The Owl staff has assembled a list of advice for the new StuCo president.
- Take an active role in creating change. Be involved in decisions that affect students.
- Be accessible to students. Hold office hours.
- Communicate to the student body directly, not exclusively through e-mails.
- Live up to your campaign promises.
- Don’t be the administration’s lapdog.
- Be honest with students.
- Make students aware of StuCo responsibilities.
- Hold “StuCo President in Residence” at least once a semester to find out student concerns.
- Be aware that your actions will be watched by others.
- Be willing to listen.
- Don’t delay Stop Day until the last minute.
- Keep it in perspective. You’re never going to please everyone, no matter how hard you try.
This is an important role, but it’s not life or death. Remember to be a student first.
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down 04/22/04
- Thumbs up to the women’s tennis team for beating Morningside 6-3.
- Thumbs up to bringing a magician to campus.
- Thumbs up to Mitch Vernon for being GPAC and NAIA Region IV player of the week.
- Thumbs down to poor attendance at Sarah Weddington’s speech. She deserved a bigger audience.
- Thumbs down to a limited number of free tickets for the magician.
- Thumbs down to the hassle of housing
Column: Life’s lemons
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
April 22, 2004, Page 4
The flip-flop season is upon us.
The sound of plastic flopping down the path and the sight of bare toes exposed to the cool spring air reminds me of service.
Feet are a frequent topic in the Bible. Feet are a symbol of service and how we are to serve one another.
I realized after a road march this weekend how important it is to take care of your feet and the feet of those around you. When the blisters come the trail seems to grow longer.
It seems the older we get the harder it is to look at them. Each callus, each blister and each crocked nail reminds us of the roads we have all been down.
The service of feet was especially important during Bible times since everyone wore sandals.
Feet would become very dirty from the sand and dirt roads which they traveled on.
Traveling by foot was usually the only way to travel.
In Luke chapter 9 we are reminded of how important the feet of Jesus were.
"When a women who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." (Luke 9:37-38)
Jesus used this symbol of feet to show something to His disciples. In the Gospel of John we find how Jesus washed each disciples feet.
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ He asked them. You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:10-17).
Jesus asks us to do the dirty things and the tough things for each other, even if it involves washing each others feet.
Doing for others as He has done for us. No matter the roads or trails that we travel our feet will be guided by Christ.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
Columnist
April 22, 2004, Page 4
The flip-flop season is upon us.
The sound of plastic flopping down the path and the sight of bare toes exposed to the cool spring air reminds me of service.
Feet are a frequent topic in the Bible. Feet are a symbol of service and how we are to serve one another.
I realized after a road march this weekend how important it is to take care of your feet and the feet of those around you. When the blisters come the trail seems to grow longer.
It seems the older we get the harder it is to look at them. Each callus, each blister and each crocked nail reminds us of the roads we have all been down.
The service of feet was especially important during Bible times since everyone wore sandals.
Feet would become very dirty from the sand and dirt roads which they traveled on.
Traveling by foot was usually the only way to travel.
In Luke chapter 9 we are reminded of how important the feet of Jesus were.
"When a women who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." (Luke 9:37-38)
Jesus used this symbol of feet to show something to His disciples. In the Gospel of John we find how Jesus washed each disciples feet.
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ He asked them. You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:10-17).
Jesus asks us to do the dirty things and the tough things for each other, even if it involves washing each others feet.
Doing for others as He has done for us. No matter the roads or trails that we travel our feet will be guided by Christ.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
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