ADMISSION EVENTS |
Publications & Media
Faculty & Staff
Steven Elliott
Interim Dean of Arts & Humanities
Wayne State College (402) 375-7394
Spring 2004
Honors Colloquium Students'
Abstracts and Autobiographies
Kelly Calder
THE CHANGING FACE OF SPORTS: THE RISE OF FEMALE SPORTSWRITERS
IN THE LAST 10 YEARS AND STRIDES FOR THEFUTURE.
Advisor: Dr. Max McElwain
Presentation: Wednesday, April 28, 2004, 2:30 p.m., Humanities
Student Lounge
Abstract:
Women sportswriters have made huge advances in their field
over time, specifically in the last 10 years. The roles women
were traditionally restricted to, such as secretaries, in
the newsrooms (especially the sports department) have been
relaxed. Women are now seen on the sidelines, courtside and
in locker rooms; that is, everywhere they were barred from
in past years. Although women have made vast improvements
in making their place on the sports pages, they have yet to
tap into management positions, such as editor positions, and
make a strong impact.
This paper will look at the advances of women sportswriters
in the last 10 years and what strides are being taken for
the next step to advance equality in the workplace and give
women a chance to succeed in management.
Jonathan Carlson
The Sixth Amendment on Trial: Fellers v. United States.
Advisor: Dr. Mark Leeper
Presentation: Friday, April 30, 2004, 12:00 p.m., Connell
Hall, Room 131
Abstract:
The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution gives each criminal
defendant “the right to the assistance of counsel for
his defense.” The Supreme Court has expanded this right
over time to offer more protection to individuals than the
Framers of the Constitution intended, yet certain Sixth Amendment
questions remain unanswered. The case of John Fellers poses
two pertinent legal questions: Firstly, when does the right
to an attorney “attach” in criminal proceedings
against a defendant? And secondly, can an indicted defendant
from whom incriminating evidence was illicitly gained claim
that a later confession given after a Miranda reading is “fruit
of the poisonous tree?” The Supreme Court partly dealt
with the issues of this case but avoided issuing a broader
ruling by remanding Fellers v. United States back to the Eighth
Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. The Circuit Court now has
a potentially landmark case pending before them and must decide
how much protection the Sixth Amendment offers and what conduct
is acceptable on the part of law enforcement in dealing with
indicted suspects.
Janet Coco
Learning Mathematics: The Differences in Gender.
Advisor: Dr. Jeffery Bauer
Presentation: Wednesday, April 28, 2004, 3:30 p.m., Carhart
Science, Room 122
ABSTRACT:
From an early age, students are taught various techniques
to solve specific math problems. Some students are receptive
to the given algorithms and step-by-step procedures and continually
use them throughout their education. Others tend to create
their own techniques whether out of frustration or because
they think in a different way. Is one gender more receptive
to the given procedures than the other? Students at a rural
grade school were asked to complete application problems to
determine if one gender was more likely to use proven systematic
algorithms or come up with creative problems solving strategies.
Jodie Dusel
Counseling Students’ Perceptions of the Inclusion of
Spirituality in the Counseling Process and Counselor Education
and Preparation.
Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Conway
Presentation: Thursday, April 29, 2004, 11:00 a.m., Connell
Hall, Room 017
Abstract:
Spirituality and counseling are inherently intertwined. Countless
researchers, theorists, practicing counselors, and counselor
educators have documented that not only is spirituality a
vital tool in the therapeutic process, but clients themselves
have indicated that their spiritual and religious beliefs
have a significant impact upon their lives as a whole. Despite
this evidence, spirituality is largely excluded in both counseling
and counselor training. This study aims to explore this contradiction
between the plethora of research supporting spirituality and
its scarcity both in therapy and in the classroom. Further,
it investigates the attitudes and opinions of Wayne State
College Human Service Counseling students regarding spirituality
in counseling and the implications these findings have for
the Wayne State College Counseling curriculum.
Christa Habrock
An Overview of the Economy of Argentina in the Twentieth Century.
Advisor: Dr. Alan Bruflat
Presentation: Wednesday, April 28, 2004, 3:00 p.m., Humanities
Student Lounge
Abstract:
Argentina is a country with a rich heritage. Argentina has
had a long and interesting history, which includes Spanish
colonization, a struggle to gain independence, the rule of
Juan Perón, and many political uprisings. In the middle
of all this turmoil, it has been challenging for the economy
of Argentina to reach stability. This paper discusses the
economic history of Argentina, some theories behind past economic
problems, and a look toward the future for the Argentinean
economy.
Trisha Hansen
The Changing Face of American Agriculture: The Effects of
the Mad Cow Scare on American Farmers
Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Hallgren
Presentation: Wednesday, April 28, 2004, 4:00 p.m. Gardner
Hall, Room 208.
Abstract:
On December 23, 2003, the finding of a dairy cow infected
with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopthy (BSE), otherwise know
as Mad Cow disease, in Washington State created havoc in the
American beef industry. In the months since the finding, much
scrutiny has been focused on the safety of the beef supply
as well as the future of the industry as a whole. By incorporating
the results of a self performed two year livestock study,
the effects of the BSE scare on beef marketability and production
are detailed along with the measures being taken to prevent
another scare in the United States.
Heather (Hein) Oltmer
Using a Social Norms Model to Aid in the Reduction of Substance
Abuse on the Wayne State College Campus.
Advisor: Dr. Keith Willis
Presentation: Thursday, April 29, 2004, 9:30 a.m., Brandenburg
Education, Room 326
Abstract:
Social norms are people’s beliefs about the behavior
that is expected of them in a particular social context. People’s
perceptions of social norms are often a good predictor of
what they will say and do. Surveys of college students reveal
that most students greatly overestimate the amount of high-risk
drinking that occurs on their campus and on college campuses
in general. Based on this misconception, students may conclude
that high-risk drinking is the social norm, which in turn
may lead them to increased alcohol consumption. A survey was
designed to determine attitudes and behaviors about substance
use among Wayne State College students. The purpose of this
survey was to aid in the reduction of alcohol use among students
attending Wayne State College. The survey was administered
anonymously to approximately 550 students. The results were
positive attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use.
The topics that will be discussed include the background and
effectiveness of social norms on college campuses, the current
research regarding social norms and the method and results
of the current survey developed specifically for Wayne State
College.
Jacob E. Petersen
Investing: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis.
Advisor: Dr. Jeryl Nelson
Presentation: Wednesday, April 28, 2004, 3:30 p.m., Gardner
Hall, Room 208
Abstract:
Intelligent investing requires qualitative and quantitative
analysis. This paper contains a brief history of investing,
followed by the basic essentials required to understand how
the stock market works. It then breaks down how to qualitatively
and quantitatively analyze a company. Finally, it closes with
a section that helps determine buy, hold, and sell criteria.
Lila Preston
The Power of Narrative in Everyday Life.
Advisor: Dr. Deborah Whitt
Presentation: Wednesday, April 28, 2004, 3:30 p.m., Humanities
Student Lounge
Abstract:
This study focuses on how narratives affect individuals in
their everyday life. Research is reviewed on narratives and
story telling. Ten individuals will be interviewed and observations
have been made throughout the research project. Narratives
and the stories people tell may have a long lasting affect
on oneself and other individuals that person may come in contact
with. This research gives a better understanding of how narratives
make changes in individuals’ lives and decisions.
Audry Prosterman
A Night in The Woods: Writing and Illustrating a Children's
Book.
Advisor: Mr. Vic Reynolds
Presentation: Monday, May 3, 2004, 4:30 p.m., Peterson Fine
Arts, Room 204
Abstract:
Graphic Design, studio art and creative writing merge in the
imaginative process of storybook illustration. Most of us
can fondly remember storybooks and their descriptive illustrations.
This project entailed investigation of the processes used
in writing and illustration of children’s books. These
processes were applied in creating (writing and illustrating)
a book, A Night in the Woods, directed at young children.
This is a story of two girls and their experience during a
camping trip.
Anna Stubblefield
A Descriptive Study of Secondary Math and Science Substitute
Teachers.
Advisor: Dr. Timothy Sharer
Presentation: Wednesday, April 28, 2004, 3:00 p.m., Connell
Hall Room 131
Abstract:
With the rapid increase in demand for substitute teachers,
many states are lowering their substitute certifications requirements.
The typical student spends and average of five school months
with a substitute teacher before they graduate. These facts
have inspired a study focusing on the intrinsic and extrinsic
qualities successful substitute teachers possess. A closer
look examines qualities held by successful math and science
substitutes, two content areas difficult to fill. Recommendations
are given for the implementation of a substitute training
or orientation program to ensure greater success for all substitutes.
ROSS SUKUP
GEOGRAPHY OF NEBRASKA’S GROUNDWATER: WHERE IS IT AND
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THIS RESOURCE?
Advisor: Dr. Randy Bertolas
Presentation: Thursday, April 29, 2004, 4:00 p.m., Connell
Hall, Room 131
Abstract:
Nebraska has one of the largest supplies of fresh water in
the world. It is located over the heart of the Ogallala or
High Plains Aquifer. Water is Nebraska’s most important
natural resource. This paper looks at where the water is located,
why it is so valuable to the state, and with the ongoing droughts
across the region, what the future holds for Nebraska’s
groundwater.
Andrew Tonnies
Explaining Tribal Economic Development: Lessons from the Winnebago
Tribe.
Advisor: Dr. Joe Blankenau
Presentation: Tuesday, April 27, 2004, 9:30 a.m., Connell
Hall, Room 131
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to identify factors, which have
driven the recent economic growth on the Winnebago Reservation.
This study will also look at whether the recent economic development
is suggestive long-term growth or is ephemeral. Based on a
review of the literature, three hypotheses will be explored.
1) A historically representative tribal governing structure
that mimics the traditional governing structure of the tribe
will be more stable and therefore encourage more economic
development. 2) A tribally owned gaming operation generates
initial revenue for the tribe, which can be reinvested into
other economic development activities. 3) The “great
person thesis” where a single person comes into a situation
and through their own leadership and business savvy, directs
the tribe toward economic growth. These hypotheses will be
analyzed through the use of key informant interviews and an
examination of existing statistical data.
Trista Vogt
Coming to Golden Mountain: Chinese Immigration to the United
States, 1850-
1900.
Advisor: Dr. Linda Taber
Presentation: Thursday, April 29, 2004, 4:30 p.m., Connell
Hall, Room 131
Abstract:
Chinese immigration to Golden Mountain, California, began
in 1850 during the Gold Rush and continues to this day. This
paper focuses on the first 50 years of Chinese immigration
to the United States, concentrating on their movements into
San Francisco. It begins with conditions and events in China
and in the United States that lead to immigration. The paper
then looks at how the Chinese migrated to the U. S. and their
lives once they settled there. Finally, it discusses the reaction
of white Americans at the local, state, and national levels
to Chinese immigration and settlement.
.
JOSEPH WALL
THE PROBLEM THAT WON’T GO AWAY: A POLICY ANALYSIS OF
HEALTH INSURANCE
PROBLEMS & ALTERNATIVES
Advisor: Dr. Joe Blankenau
Presentation: Thursday, April 29, 2004, 12:30 p.m., Connell
Hall, Room 131
Abstract:
The purpose of this policy analysis was to determine which
proposed health care plan to curb the problem of uninsurance
is best for Americans. Three proposals were examined: The
Health Insurance Certificate Act of 2003, H.R 2698; President
Bush’s proposal; and presidential candidate Howard Dean’s
proposal. Each proposal was evaluated according to economic
factors, value acceptability, political feasibility, and technical
feasibility. Each of the proposals lacks essential facets.
However, it was determined that The Health Insurance Certificate
Act of 2003, H.R 2698 was the only proposal that encompassed
intangibles to become law.
Roy Zach
50/50 by 2050: Analyzing Trends Toward Pursuing Renewable
Energy in Nebraska.
Advisor: Dr. Randy Bertolas
Presentation: Thursday, April 29, 2004, 3:30 p.m., Connell
Hall, Room 131
Abstract:
The intensive use of energy drives the United States’
economy and lays the foundation for our complex array of technological
infrastructure. The use of various fuel sources helps us to
generate electricity, transport our possessions and ourselves,
construct important buildings, and make our lives more comfortable.
The sophistication of energy systems in the United States
is incredible, and it takes the hard work of dedicated people
to make it all come together and function efficiently. The
geographic distribution of Nebraska’s energy endowment
and infrastructure is of special interest in this research.
Events for Fall 2013 will be posted in late August!