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Reynolds College Blog

Dr. Christopher Lynch publishes new book on Machiavelli

November 29, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Outside of building during snowy day
Man smiling for camera while holding book
Dr. Christopher Lynch proudly shows off his new book, “Machiavelli on War.”

Missouri State University’s Dr. Christopher Lynch, professor and head of the Department of Political Science and Philosophy, recently published his second book on the Italian military strategist and philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli.

“Machiavelli on War” has been published by the Cornell University Press.

The book is divided into four parts, beginning with an examination of Machiavelli’s role as a military official and his assessments of political problems.

Using Machiavelli’s diplomatic and government correspondence, his musings on military commanders, and writings such as “The Prince,” Lynch argues that Machiavelli was among the greatest of modern philosophers because he was the first modern philosopher of war. [Read more…] about Dr. Christopher Lynch publishes new book on Machiavelli

Filed Under: Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, RCASH Highlights, Research Tagged With: Christopher Lynch, Department of Political Science and Philosophy, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. William Meadows’ research dedicated to Native American code talkers

November 9, 2023 by Damilola R. Oyedeji

Professor Meadows poses with statue of Native American code talkers

Missouri State University’s Dr. William Meadows has devoted thirty years of his life to studying Native American code talkers who served in both world wars.

Meadows, professor of anthropology and Native American studies in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology, began researching the Comanche Code Talkers in 1992, then branched out to study other Plains Indian military societies for his doctoral studies at the University of Oklahoma in 1995.

Coming from a military family, Meadows became interested in finding out more about the military experience of Indigenous peoples early in his career.

As he explored their cultures, traditions and ceremonies, he discovered many Native Americans from several tribes had served as code talkers in both world wars. In particular, the Navajo were already well-known, but more than 30 other tribes were not.

At least 34 different tribes participated in the code formulation for World War I and World War II, according to Meadows.

“When I was interviewing Native American veterans, one of the Comanche veterans brought up his background in the war,” Meadows said. “He explained that he and some others were recruited to create an undecipherable code in their native language.”

“They were put in military prep schools with the aim of assimilating them into mainstream America,” Meadows explained. “They were banned from speaking their language or practicing any form of culture. It’s an irony that the same culture has brought them recognition.”

“Their stories are good examples of holding on to culture,” he added. [Read more…] about Dr. William Meadows’ research dedicated to Native American code talkers

Filed Under: Community Engagement, Cultural Competence, Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, Public Affairs, RCASH Highlights, Research Tagged With: Department of Sociology Anthropology and Gerontology, museum studies, Native American studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, William C. Meadows

“Talking History” brings scholarship to public radio

November 8, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Light wood grain background graphic with "Talking History" text

If you like radio talk shows and podcasts, and if you find yourself drawn to history topics despite yourself, Missouri State University has just the thing for you.

It’s called “Talking History,” and it broadcasts on KSMU on the first Thursday of every month.

Created and co-hosted by associate professor of history Dr. Djene Bajalan and MSU student Patrick Needham and produced by Jessica Balisle of KSMU, the show features conversations “with historians and scholars about the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.”

Radio show and podcast formats

“Talking History” broadcast its first episode in April 2023. The show has evolved into two formats – a brief radio show and a longer podcast that can be accessed online at any time.

“The podcast is basically an extended version of the radio show,” Bajalan explained. “We are limited with our time on the radio (24 minutes). Therefore, we release an extended cut (‘Talking History Extra’) via KSMU where we continue our conversation.”

Bajalan and Needham just completed their October episode, featuring Ozarks history expert Dr. Brooks Blevins.

Balisle said the response to the Blevins episode has already been quite positive, describing it as “the most popular episode so far.”

Previous topics have included the Ottoman Empire, communications in ancient Rome, and China’s one-child policy.

[Read more…] about “Talking History” brings scholarship to public radio

Filed Under: Community Engagement, Cultural Competence, Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, Feature, Public Affairs, RCASH Highlights, Student Accomplishments Tagged With: Department of History, Djene Bajalan, KSMU, Patrick Needham, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

RCASH Research Symposium 2023-2024 series debuts Oct. 27

October 19, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Instructor at podium presents slides

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. [Read more…] about RCASH Research Symposium 2023-2024 series debuts Oct. 27

Filed Under: Announcements, Event News, Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, Public Affairs, RCASH Highlights, Research Tagged With: Ann Marie Daehn, Department of Art and Design, Department of English, Department of Music, Department of Political Science and Philosophy, Department of Theatre and Dance, Ethan Amidon, Gabriel Ondetti, Jennifer Murvin, Kyle A. Thomas, Mitzi Kirkland-Ives, RCASH Research Symposium, School of Communication, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of the Arts

Dr. Marnie Watson featured in Mind’s Eye

October 3, 2023 by Damilola R. Oyedeji

Dr. Marnie Watson speaks to a group of people.

Congratulations to Dr. Marnie Watson, assistant professor of anthropology, on her feature story in the 2023 issue of Mind’s Eye magazine.

Her research focuses on learning how people in extreme circumstances deal with life in difficult situations. [Read more…] about Dr. Marnie Watson featured in Mind’s Eye

Filed Under: Announcements, Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, RCASH Highlights, Research Tagged With: Department of Sociology Anthropology and Gerontology, Marnie Watson, Mind's Eye, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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