The colloquium is a free lecture series featuring
faculty research in the College of Liberal Arts.

Spring 2013 Schedule

Michael Strezewski Associate Professor of Anthropology Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Studies

"A Walk through New Harmony in 1820"

Friday, February 1, 2013, 3:30 pm in Kleymeyer Hall (LA 0101)

Although much has been written on the history of the Harmonists in New Harmony (1814-1824), very little is known about the people themselves. This talk focuses on my work to better understand the Harmonists as individuals and gain some insight into their everyday lives. Information on these topics is generally lacking, but insight can be gained from sources such as the 1820 census data, Harmonist household accounts, and nineteenth century maps of the town.

Susan Dale Spencer Contract Assistant Professor of Anthropology Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Studies

"Violence in Pre-Columbian North America: Stories from the Bones";

Friday, March 1, 2013, 3:30 pm in Kleymeyer Hall (LA 0101)

Visions of life in the New World prior to colonization are often idyllic. However, the examination of skeletal remains has provided a view of the past that includes physical hardships and violent acts. Spencer will be presenting her research from the Schild cemeteries in west-central Illinois dating from AD 700-1300. These cemeteries encompass the regional development of a large mound center, Cahokia, and its associated Mississippian culture. The presentation will show the skeletal evidence of both healed and lethal injuries, as well as disease processes. Difficulties encountered regarding the recognition of injuries and the interpretation of the injuries as "violent" will be highlighted through case studies.

*This presentation will include pictures of Native Americans bones.

Jason Hardgrave Associate Professor of History Department of History

"Listen to the Bees"

Friday, April 12, 2013, 3:30 pm in Kleymeyer Hall (LA 0101)

While some people are “as sweet as honey” and others “busy as a bee” most of us are unfamiliar with the history and science of bees and bee keeping.  I propose to not only give some insight into the lives of these fascinating creatures, but develop ecological awareness too.  Colony collapse disorder continues to appear as a perennial topic in mainstream media.  As the name implies, a previously healthy and productive hive of bees becomes a pile of black and yellow corpses in short order, with no apparent cause.  This catastrophe was predicted as early as 1923 by apiarists, but was largely ignored until the current decade.  Why the noise now?  Honey bees are one of the most numerous pollinators, accounting for an estimated 70% of human food crops.  While there are other insects and even artificial techniques for pollinating crops, the death of honey bee colonies signifies other, greater threats to our environment and food supplies.  I will present an historical retrospective on bees and beekeeping, a brief explanation of bee biology, and an overview of current technology and data about colony collapse disorder.

For additional information, contact:

Melissa J. Stacer
Email: mjstacer@usi.edu
Phone: 812/465-7089