The Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities celebrates faculty research through its ongoing research symposium. The program aims to establish a forum for interdisciplinary connections among the community.

Throughout the academic year, presentations will explore a variety of topics through a blend of lecture, media and discussion.

Fall 2023

Murvin to present on the graphic essay Oct. 27

Assistant professor of English Jennifer Murvin will present “An Invitation to the Graphic Essay: Cartooning as a Medium in Creative Nonfiction and Beyond” from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Oct. 27 in Siceluff Hall, Room 126.

Murvin’s presentation explores how graphic nonfiction has been used to examine topics ranging from climate change and political conflicts to the epidemic of loneliness. Murvin will also discuss pedagogical approaches to teaching the graphic essay.

[Download abstract.]

Daehn to present on history through art song Nov. 30

Professor of music Dr. Ann Marie Daehn will present “East Wing Songs: History through Art Song” from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Nov. 30 in Ellis Hall’s C. Minor Recital Hall.

Daehn’s project seeks to humanize the first ladies of the United States through song, using music to share their stories and memorialize their achievements and challenges as women. The inspiration for Daehn’s work was taken from Jake Heggie’s set, “Iconic Legacies: First Ladies at the Smithsonian.”

With the support of a Missouri State University Faculty Research Grant, Daehn commissioned composer Leanna Kirchoff to write songs for Martha Washington, Margaret Taylor, Ida McKinley, Frances Cleveland, and Rosalynn Carter based on letters, speeches, published writings, interviews and diaries.

The program includes a “historical fiction” segment, based on first-hand accounts, to represent other first ladies who were more reclusive or destroyed their correspondence and personal effects.

[Download abstract.]

Spring 2024

Ondetti to present on Latin American tax systems Jan. 25

Professor of political science and philosophy Dr. Gabriel Ondetti will present “Threats to Private Property and the Development of Tax Systems in Latin America” from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Jan. 25 in Siceluff Hall, Room 126.

Ondetti examines how tax revenues across Latin America have varied over recent decades. His talk is based on his book “Property Threats and the Politics of Anti-Statism: The Historical Roots of Contemporary Tax Systems in Latin America.”

Ondetti illustrates his research using the examples of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico.

[Download abstract.]

Thomas to present on European theatre in the Middle Ages Feb. 22

Assistant professor of theatre and dance Dr. Kyle A. Thomas will present “Ludic Communities: Toward a New History of Theatre in the Early Middle Ages,” from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Feb. 22 in Siceluff Hall, Room 126.

Thomas’s presentation explains how the historical narrative of theatre in the western world neglects the Middle Ages, presupposing that theatre was virtually non-existent during that era.

Instead, Thomas presents new research that identifies monastic communities as centers of dramatic experimentation in the early medieval period, demonstrating how theatre and drama during the Middle Ages underwent significant cultural and dramaturgical shifts.

[Download abstract.]

Kirkland-Ives to present on art history in fifteenth-century Flanders March 28

Professor of art Dr. Mitzi Kirkland-Ives will present “The Art of the Deal: Painting, Patronage and International Business in Fifteenth-Century Flanders” from 12:15-1:15 p.m. March 28 in Siceluff Hall, Room 126.

Kirkland-Ives examines how the business world of fifteenth-century Flanders created an emerging social class of urban entrepreneurs who became the clients of artist Hans Memling. Kirkland-Ives weaves an intriguing tale of merchants, bankers, diplomats, piracy and murder to highlight Memling’s place in fifteenth-century art history.

[Download abstract.]

Amidon to present on county-level political perspectives on the death penalty April 25

Associate professor of criminology Dr. Ethan Amidon will present “An Examination of the County-level Political Considerations Associated with Declining Reliance on the Death Penalty from 1900 to 2010” from 12:15-1:15 p.m. April 25 in Siceluff Hall, Room 126.

Amidon will discuss his findings on whether the variables derived from three political perspectives are associated with the use of death sentences. His research looks at over 2,500 counties across the United States from 1990 to 2010.

[Download abstract.]

Learn more about RCASH Symposium speakers and topics

Students, faculty, staff and community members alike are invited to expand their knowledge in an academic setting.

These events are free and open to the public.

Past presentations set a high bar

The new RCASH Research Symposium builds on insightful and popular presentations from the Spring 2023 series that included:

• Dr. Heidi Backus presenting on “‘Spectral Spain:’ Haunting Traces of the Fascist Past in Contemporary Spanish Gothic Fiction.”
• Dr. Billie Follensbee presenting on “Finding the Right Niche: Overlap, Ambiguity, and Meaning in Olmec Large Stone Sculpture.”
• Dr. Jeremy Chesman presenting on “‘A Book of Hebrew Songs:’ Process as Meaning in a Harp Solo by Sergiu Natra.”
• Dr. Holly Holladay presenting “Treat Yo’ Self: ‘Parks and Recreation’ and Fan Practices in the Social Media Age.”