The Lode at Michigan Tech » Professor

Unraveling identity through gaming

Rachel Plafchan — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:02:43 +0000

Women’s Month, March 2010, included a foray into the gaming world on Tuesday, March 23. iDentity, a group brought together by their interest in new media technologies and identity, brought their wii’s, ps2’s, and rock guitars to Walker 134 in order to discuss identity formation and issues with gender, race, and ethnic representation in games. The event was included as part of women’s month but included topics important and interesting for all students with an invested interest in new media technologies and gaming. The event was sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
Members of the new iDentity group, a mix of undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors hosted the interactive event and posted questions at the different gaming stations, each manned by an educated iDentity member, that probed aspects of the game that dealt with identity formation. “I was interested to look at the issues concerning gaming—particularly the presentation at the beginning [that talked about the purpose of the event]. I’m mostly into role-playing-games and strategy games but it’s all really interesting.” Said Ryan, a fourth-year Materials major in attendance at the event, as he slipped his shoes back on after taking his turn on the DDR mat.
Assistant Professor in Emergent Media, Wendy Anderson spoke at the event and is the faculty advisor for the iDentity group. The group chose to primarily set-up games that promote multiple systems styles that use less traditional gaming consoles such as the Wii, Guitar Hero, and Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) though some traditional consoles such as the PS2 (Playstation 2) and the computer for World of Warcraft (WOW) were also available. “We chose games with a kinesthetic connection in the interface such as the physical movement involved with DDR and the Wii as well as “casual” games like Lunes Tower Defense that are shorter games but still very engaging and interesting and offer more inclusive representations.” Anderson says about the games. “You know, it’s easy to get into the games, there’s monkeys throwing darts and stuff.”
Brought together through planning this event, the immediate future of the iDentity group is unclear. There is interest in potentially becoming a club and fulfilling some of the roles that groups such as the Techno Babe Times had previously capitalized on such as monthly newsletters concerning new technologies and questions of identity and gender, racial, and ethnic representation in new media such as games. Considering the sizeable turnout of their first event, upwards of 50 people just in the first fifteen minutes lining up to take a turn at the games and address the questions, iDentity seems to have made an overwhelmingly positive start. “We are looking to see if people are interested in this group right now,” says Anderson. The groups’ goal is to be inclusive and open to anyone interested in gaming and technology. “The group is focused on concerns of identity representation, multiple identity construction, how women are represented, and how race and ethnicity are represented, the group is going to deal with experiences that users have to deal with at Tech and further locations in life.” One of their potential plans includes setting up a Druppel site that will publish student papers that address issues and advances in new media technologies, either adapted from course writings or from personal research.
An important part of the group is engaging its members and letting the students choose the content. The student members of iDentity wrote all the questions for the Gaming event and communicated, critiqued, and advised each other through the list-serve. “That’s important to the group I think, that students are creating the content and is an important part of the future of this group.” Anderson says.
Elsa Roberts, a graduate in the Communication and Culture studies program, was instrumental in organizing the event. As the original contact and connection to the Women’s Month organizers, she worked on administrative details for the event. Though the event was meant to be inclusive, and the gender ratio at the event was tipped slightly in favor of typical Tech standards, the representation of women and games was a key element in the slideshow and female members of the iDentity group were on hand with their expert knowledge of not only the issues but also the games and consoles.
If you are interested in participating in iDentity or would like to see more events concerning new media technologies, gaming, and identity formation contact the list serve at games-l@mtu.edu.

A major embarrassment

Elijah Haines — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:10:10 +0000

When people ask me what my major is, two options for a response pop into my mind. I can tell them I am a Social Sciences major with a concentration in Law and Society or I can mumble something indistinct and make an excuse to leave before I suffer any embarrassment. When I glanced at the latest enrollment statistics for Spring 2010, I felt very alone. Only 38 students share my major; just a handful share my concentration. Not having mathematics or science in my curriculum is a challenge at Michigan Tech, one I expect to keep confronting until graduation.
The most common accusation I face from engineers is having a “fake major”. Unless my tuition bill and countless hours spent writing papers are a figment of my math-deprived imagination, I am fairly certain my major is indeed real. Some say that my major is easy and is only in place for those who find engineering too difficult. Judging by the spelling and grammar on friends’ Facebook stati and the scrawling on whiteboards, I have serious doubts as to whether some would fulfill the expectations of my major without some difficulty.
Without going into the depths of the various types of learning and ways of measuring academic success, I believe many students at Michigan Tech have a very fixed idea of what constitutes a difficult or easy major. Usually if a bubble sheet can accurately measure it, a subject is worth studying. If, however, the measurement is a bit more abstract or subjective, the subject becomes simple and obsolete.
I assure you, I do not believe this prejudice is directed only one way. I have seen many humanities majors turn up their nose at calculus or engineering and bury themselves in Milton, pausing only to sip their latté or green tea, believing that they are in pursuit of “what really matters”.
Surprisingly, the constant testing of my major’s worth has actually been beneficial. Being barraged with negative criticism has caused me to question the validity of my subject many times and constantly have I reaffirmed my belief in the importance and legitimacy of my major. Had I gone to a small, liberal arts college, I would be bombarded with positive feedback and collegial propaganda, which would never tempt me to explore studies outside my own. It is important to be tested; the more faith is shaken, the stronger its foundations become.
I will say that as frustrating and difficult as Algebra and Calculus have been for me, my most challenging class has been without a doubt Creative Writing.
I am sure many people choose the class looking for an easy A. If one fills their journal with nonsense and completes the assignments on time, an A wouldn’t be too difficult to achieve. But to do well in the subject is an entirely different matter.
Academia is ill-equipped to judge success of students who pursue less measurable forms of study, such as Creative Writing. Throughout the semester I have been continually frustrated, not with the grade that appears on the computer, but with the merit of my work.
To be one of only 38 students in my major, which is large for non-technical students, can make one rethink choice of schools. But I have always had full confidence in the curriculum and faculty in my department. Michigan Tech provides a quality education, whther you’re an engineer or an artist.
Additionally, my program is small enough that class sizes are kept to a minimum. Professors and advisors are also extrememly accessible. Although my computer lab is the smallest on campus, I’ve found comfort in old-house smell and piles of unwanted books mounded around the computers. The maze of offices (known affectionately as the “rat warren”) in the Academic Office Building has become as familiar to me as the faces within the cramped rooms.
There is certainly no supremacy of one subject over another. Engineers and authors alike change the world, who is to say which is superior? I would like, however, to be able to tell people my major without them having to suppress a smirk or a giggle.

Ask Sassy

Jeremiah Baumann — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:00:44 +0000

Dear Sassy,
I have always wanted to be a writer. However, when I showed a short story that I was very proud of to a writing professor, they basically told me I should start over. This discouraged me quite a bit. What if I just don’t have the talent to be a writer? Should I start considering other options?
Sincerely,
Wannabe Writer

Dear Wannabe ,
Your professor is undoubtedly all-knowing and to not give his advice serious consideration would simply be irresponsible. If your short story is as terrible as your professor believes, you should just throw it away and don’t look back. If you aren’t a good writer by now, you probably will never be. Pay no attention to writers such as Kenneth Grahame and Anthony Burgess who didn’t publish until their middle ages, they got lucky. William S. Burroughs and Anthony Burgess got lucky too.
It’s best you learn now that writing is an in-born skill that no amount of practice can improve or perfect. If you insist on being faithful to your dream of being a writer, you may end up a pessimistic, bitter advice columnist for some unknown newspaper.

Dear Sassy
I’ve recently become attracted to my lab partner. We get along great and I think I would like to ask them out. But I haven’t asked anybody out in a while and I need some pointers. How should I ask them and what should I suggest we do? Thanks Sassy!
Sincerely,
Rusty Romantic

Dear Rusty,
Your plea for advice encourages me by reminding me that there are still a few hopeless romantics out there. The next time I see an old codger complaining about how kids these days have no sense of romance, I will tell them your story. It’s great that you want to ask this person out and the fact that you are putting so much thought into your proposal is a very promising start to your potential relationship.
The best way to ask someone out may be familiar to you. Despite its origin in elementary schools, it’s a classic, time-tested method that will ensure a clear, direct response.
Rip out a piece of notebook paper and write the following message: “Dear so-and-so, will you go out with me?” Follow this query with two check boxes (yes or no). Feel free to add a “maybe” check box for some extra charm.
Good luck and I hope I have helped you with such a juvenile problem.

Dear Sassy
I have been having trouble lately keeping my commitments. I missed two meetings last week and today, I completely forgot about a huge homework assignment. How can I keep to my schedule?
Sincerely,
Late Lucy

Dear Late ,
First of all, don’t feel too bad. We all miss appointments and deadlines every once in a while. From due dates, to lunch dates, to blind dates, anything scheduled is made to be forgotten.
The most important thing to remember when you’re feeling crunched for time is to cut the dates you don’t absolutely have to make. When facing a time conflict with a work meeting and your great aunt’s funeral, it’s obvious which commitment you need to cut. Family events, such as funerals, can be missed with few repercussions (unless you have strong spiritual beliefs). Missing a meeting for your job, however, could result in lower wage or even termination.
Another secret to keeping on schedule is the almighty sticky note. CEO’s and other important business people have their offices wallpapered with these handy little reminders. When you run out of space on your wall, stick them to your computer, filing cabinet, or even on your person. This technique will help you to organize any unmanageable mess of appointments.

Undergraduate dilemma

Danny Messinger — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:26:52 +0000

Recently, Dr. Madhukar Vable, associate professor in the Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics department, decided he had had enough with both the way the State of Michigan funds public universities and how Michigan Tech values research more than the education of its undergraduate students. Vable, in a bold effort to spark change and discussion among Michigan’s lawmakers and Michigan Tech administrators, returned both his Michigan Association Governing Board of State University award and his Michigan Technological University Distinguished Teaching Award. He also resigned from the Michigan Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence.
Following the return of his two awards, Vable wrote letters to Michigan Tech President Dr. Glenn D. Mroz, members of the Board of Control, Governor Jennifer Granholm and members of the Michigan Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence. These letters have been made available to the Michigan Tech student body online.
In his letters, Vable explains the system that is used within his department to assign the number of courses each professor must teach. According to Vable, each professor is expected to teach six courses per year. This number was reduced by one course for each graduate research assistant advised. The system which is used to calculate salary increases – a merit points system – rewards a professor with 19 points for each graduate student advised but only three points for teaching an undergraduate three-credit course with up to 500 students. “…in other words, 600% more merit points for teaching each graduate student over teaching a class of undergraduate students,” Vable says in his letter to President Mroz. “These changes…have made mockery of undergraduate education, unfunded scholarship and represents a massive transfer of resources from undergraduate education to finance funded research.”
Vable, in his letter to Michigan legislators, asks that the State reevaluate the way in which it funds university research. “Universities have an established accounting system in which each research project of a faculty member is tracked and budgeted. Demand that the same accounting model be used to cost each course the faculty member teaches and use this information to obtain the average cost of each degree awarded by the University.” Vable goes on to suggest that this information be made available to the consumers of education: the students. By publishing the difference between the cost the University incurs per course taught versus the tuition received for taking the course, students will be able to evaluate the actual cost of obtaining their degree.
In the more than 25 years Vable has been teaching, he says that there have been countless reports published about the deteriorating environment for undergraduate students in our nation. The cause, according to Vable, is “the way we fund research and education, however no individual or an institution can use this as an excuse for what happens in their university.”
“The…proposal will accomplish several things,” Vable states. “First, it will put public pressure on universities to reduce the difference between the list price and the actual cost of a degree and thus moderate the increases in tuition.”
The proposed requirement for universities to publish this information would help keep tuition increases in-check. By making this type of information available, students would be able to more effectively evaluate the brand value of each public university in the state and would force universities to think twice before further increasing the financial burden placed upon undergraduate students.
Vable hopes that his proposal will also help place the emphasis back on the education of the undergraduate student within the educational system instead of on the amount of money that can be brought in for research. He argues that “[t]he worst part of the evolving culture at [Michigan Tech] is the inversion of our fundamental values. The primary mission of teaching is less respected and rewarded than the secondary mission of research.”
Under Michigan Tech’s current policies, the impact a professor makes upon his colleagues is valued more highly than the impact they make upon students. Students surely can benefit from having a professor who actively engages in research. The added knowledge a professor can bring to the classroom as a result of research is invaluable. The funding brought into the University by research, however, should not trump the importance of a quality education. By reevaluating the funding process and increasing the transparency of each school’s expenditures, undergraduate students would, once again, become the focus of an educational institution.
“Transparency and information are very powerful mechanisms for change,” Vable added.
In an effort to make more students aware of the proposed changes, a Facebook group was recently created. The group, titled “Plight of the Michigan Tech Undergrad,” had over 600 members earlier this week. On the group, students are urged to express their concerns about Michigan Tech’s current funding systems to members of the Undergraduate Student Government who can, in turn, convey the message to the Board of Control at their meetings.
“…I love teaching and cannot remain silent and do nothing about the damage to the undergraduate teaching that is taking place at [Michigan Tech] and in our nation,” Vable said. “I hope you, too, will speak.”

Tech Theater displays new style

Jeremiah Baumann — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:26:56 +0000

For the past two weeks, the Tech Theater Company has performed a rather different style of play. Theater of the Absurd was the theme as the Company put on two of the Romanian-French playwright Eugène Ionesco’s one-act plays: The Bald Soprano and The Lesson. The Company had been rehearsing the plays since the first week of school, according to actress Lauren Dedow, who played the part of the maid in The Lesson. The plays attracted a fair amount of interest: as of the third performance over one hundred people had attended, and even more attended the remaining performances.
The Bald Soprano was the first play to be performed. One of the most-performed plays in France, and holding a record for the greatest number of interpretations, The Bald Soprano showcases an evening of a stylized British couple and their guests for the night. The play is notable for its non-sequiturs and nonsensical dialogue, including a line how the characters “ate our British salad” and “drank our British water,” and an infamous scene in which the characters discuss multiple individuals named Bobby Watson, without ever seeming to notice the absurdity of having so many people all named Bobby Watson. The play also took the interesting step of displaying certain stage directions on a screen above the stage, which allowed the audience to see how the stage directions further tied into the theme (“The clock strikes seventeen British strokes”).
Following a ten-minute intermission, the performance resumed with The Lesson. In contrast to The Bald Soprano, which primarily focuses on the humor in absurdity, The Lesson explores the dark side of the absurd. The story of a professor taking on an eager new pupil, the play initially seems to be another absurd-humor play as the gaps in the student’s education become apparent. Yet, as the play goes on, the professor’s reactions become increasingly disturbed, and the play becomes increasingly dark, until the very end, which results in a twist ending that exemplifies the concept of the Theater of the Absurd.
Overall, the performances went fairly well. There were certainly a few minor issues, such as the fake English accents of the actors’ in The Bald Soprano occasionally slipping, but they did not generally detract too much from the quality of the performance.
The Tech Theater Company’s next performance will be Vaster than Empires, a collection of stories by science-fiction writer Ursula K LeGuin. It will be shown Nov. 12-14.

Dear SASSY

Jeremiah Baumann — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:52:40 +0000

Dear Sassy,

My roommate started sleeping with my ex-boyfriend. This makes me feel uncomfortable, especially since he is around the room several times a week. I would prefer that they hang out somewhere other than our dorm room. Should I approach her about the issue? Help!
Sincerely,
Uncomfortable Roommate

Dear Uncomfortable,

Because you dated this guy first, it obviously gives you the right to manage his current relationship. Not only do you have the right to approach your roommate about the issue, but you have the right to tell them where they should hang out and when. Suggest an abandoned corner of the library or a back-alley, somewhere where they will be sure to not disturb you. If you feel like this approach is too harsh, there is another option; let your roommate and her boyfriend enjoy their relationship and make their lives easier by being an accommodating and pleasant person to be around.

————————–

Dear Sassy,

I recently got fired from a restaurant I worked at for several months. The reason I was fired was because I did something “unethical and disgusting” at work, as my ex-boss says. But I still love eating there. Is it okay if I go there and eat sometimes or should I steer clear?
Sincerely,
Unsure Ex-Employee

Dear Unsure,

I won’t ask what you did to get fired; the words “unethical and disgusting” already have me imagining revolting scenarios which are no doubt less horrific than the offense you committed. That said, I would continue to eat at the restaurant. Having previous experience in the restaurant business, I know that working at one can be dull at times. Your presence in the restaurant would without a doubt give your former co-workers and employer something to laugh at and make fun of. The jokes would have them giggling all night. Not only would they re-hash your unmentionable offense, but they would be flabbergasted at your willingness to show your face within a one hundred-mile radius of the restaurant. Not only should you eat at the restaurant again, you have a moral obligation to make all of those people laugh at your expense. Think of the happiness you’ll be spreading and the boredom you’ll be relieving.

————————–

Dear Sassy,
I have a very big exam coming up. The entire class grade is based off of only three exams so I want to do really well. But my professor doesn’t like me, seriously. I am constantly trying to share my thoughts with the class but the professor rarely calls on me when he/she asks a question, and when he/she does, my idea is always shot down. Sometimes he/she is just plain rude to me. I subsequently stopped going to his/her class. How do I mend the gap?
Sincerely,
Wanting to Pass

Dear Wanting,

I want to congratulate you on your sincere effort to mend the strained relations between you and your professor; it is very admirable. Skipping their class was a great step. This will certainly show your professor that you care greatly about their subject and the time they are putting in to teach you. I’m sorry to hear that they are rude to you. This will surely be fixed by skipping class and being rude back; you’re well on your way to a healthy student-professor relationship. As far as not calling on you in class, don’t worry. Perhaps your professor is so impressed with your constant stream of brilliant ideas that they want you to be in a more advanced course. You’ve probably wowed everyone with your fantastic insight to the extent of being on a higher intellectual level. Your professor’s seemingly stand-offish actions are just their way of telling you this.

Michigan Tech mourns loss of loved professor

Elijah Haines — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:30:51 +0000

Last Friday, Professor Richard E. Honrath, of the Geological and Mining Engineering Sciences department, passed away in a kayaking accident.

Honrath gained a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Alaska–Fairbanks in 1991 and has been teaching and researching at Michigan Tech for many years. Originally, he was a part of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and recently began teaching within the GMES department. His research focused primarily on the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on the atmosphere.

Honrath has been praised by colleagues and students alike for his dedication to his research and teaching. In 2006, he was given the prestigious Michigan Tech Research Award to recognize his efforts.

This Friday, there will be a memorial service held in Honrath’s honor. It will be in the Rozsa lobby, and the doors will be opening at 3 p.m. with the service beginning at 4 p.m. After the service there will be refreshments served, which attendees are welcome to contribute.

A Web site, www.geo.mtu.edu has been set up, which will allow people to leave memorials in Professor Honrath’s honor.

Helping graduates say thanks

Justin Jones — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:47:41 +0000

If you are a Tech student and happen to be graduating in 2009, you have the unique opportunity to go on the record and thank those who have helped you along way. As an added bonus, you can also help out your fellow scholars. For a donation of $20.09, you can participate in the Class Tribute Gift Program launched in 2008 by the Michigan Tech Student Foundation. All proceeds go to the MTSF Endowed Scholarship Fund. Prices increase by one cent every year, so graduate as soon as possible.

If you choose to take part in the production, you will be taped saying thanks to a parent, professor or friend; anyone who has helped over the course of your Michigan Tech education. The compiled video will then be shown on a number of television monitors at both the spring and winter commencement ceremonies. The video could also be resurrected at reunion events. The goals of the program are to foster a tradition of giving and gratitude, to enhance the overall commencement experience and to promote support for the university.

The Michigan Tech Student Foundation was organized in 1977 and is geared to fulfill their motto of “Students Helping Students” by setting up programs and scholarships to immediately benefit the student body. Programs include Survival Kits, Take a Slice of Tech, Oozeball, ABC and the Class Tribute Video. MTSF provides more than $10,000 annually in scholarship support for students. These scholarships include the Student Working Award and the Students Helping Students Award this spring, as well as the Student Leadership Award every fall semester. For more information about MTSF, visit their Web Site at mtsf.students.mtu.edu />
The Class of 2009 Tribute Video will be put together by the Cin/Optic Media Enterprise and the program is a student promoted and produced effort. For more information, please visit www.mtf.mtu.edu. You can also contact Annual Giving Director Paula Nutini in Michigan Tech’s Office of Development at 487-3609, or by e-mail at pjnutini@mtu.edu.

Letter to the Editor

admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:55:38 +0000

Dear Editor,

Harvey Milk said, “I cannot prevent anyone from getting angry, or mad, or frustrated. I can only hope that they’ll turn that anger and frustration and madness into something positive, so that two, three, four, five hundred will step forward, so the gay doctors will come out, the gay lawyers, the gay judges, gay bankers, gay architects … I hope that every professional gay will say ‘enough,’ come forward and tell everybody, wear a sign, let the world know. Maybe that will help.”

I’ve written for the Lode a few times, speaking on various events happening in the country in relation to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally (GLBTA) activism, such as the passing of Prop 8. in California and how Michigan banned same-sex marriage a few years ago. Generally my audience is the straight population on campus, hopefully getting people to think about a subject that does not always affect their everyday life.

This time I wish to direct my opinion towards those of you who are closeted. Although it is not a very large audience among 7,000 students and a couple hundred more faculty, there are significantly more GLBTA students and adults on campus than you would expect.

In a few weeks, we’ll be trying to bring the movie “Milk” to campus, a film about the first openly gay male to be elected to public office in California. Harvey Milk helped change the face of the country in his short time in office as City Supervisor in San Francisco and brought down bills that may have prevented gay men from being teachers and passed stringent gay rights ordinances for the city.

Harvey Milk was just over 40 when he first started coming out and took his first steps into politics. In just a few short years, he went from a closeted nobody to a face that changed history.

To those who are closeted on campus: what are you waiting for? Do you think it will get easier after college to come out? Yes, you have other things to focus on: your grades, your student groups, your fraternities and religious orgs. While you wait, events are passing in the country. I wasn’t out to my family when Proposal 2 passed in Michigan, putting into Michigan’s constitution that marriage is only between a man and a woman. I wonder who in my family voted to remove one of my rights because they didn’t know I was gay. People think harder about “defense of marriage” Acts when they realize how close they are to someone it is affecting.

You don’t have to come to KP or even put almost any effort forth, but do something, though. Tell your fraternity brothers, tell your religious groups, tell your friends and coworkers, come out on Facebook even – just don’t sit there and let life pass you by. I’ve spoken to a number of alumni who were not out as students but who came out in their 30s or 40s and went through false marriages before they finally got things straight. Almost continuously I hear the message that they wish they had come out sooner and that they wish they hadn’t wasted so many years that they could have spent really finding themselves. Every day though, I walk across this campus and see people who I’ve either chatted to randomly on a gay personals site, who messaged me on Yahoo! and thought I wouldn’t be able to figure out who they were after they told me their major and last name or who for various reasons I know are closeted and gay, and I wonder, are they happy?

In the end, I’m an engineer, and while I enjoy writing, I am not always the most eloquent. If you’re a senior or a grad student, a professor or a freshman; just think about it: do you really want to be 40 and look back and wonder – why didn’t I come out sooner?

Sincerely,

Michael Senkow

Letter to the Editor

Kayla Herrera — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:54:16 +0000

Dear Editor,

Harvey Milk was just over 40 when he first started coming out and took his first steps into politics. In just a few short years, he went from a closeted nobody to a face that changed history.

Sincerely,

Michael Senkow