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Abstracts

Author Department Professor Title Year
Brent A. Miller English Language and Literature Veronica Grondona Gender Distinctions in English Manner-of-speaking Verbs
This paper explores gender distinctions in English manner-of-speaking verbs and describes the results of a study conducted to gauge the extent to which each verb connotes inherent gender, if such inherent gender exists. The results of the study show that the inherent stereotypical gender of a subject greatly influences respondents' choice of which verb best completes a sentence. Participants' responses also indicate that certain manner-of-speaking verbs are exclusively female and that stereotypically male verbs of this type may not exist.
2012
Melissa R. Pompili English Language and Literature Robin Lucy A Literary Cosmogram: The Influence of Western Narrative Tradition and African Oral Tradition in Michelle Cliff's Free Enterprise
Free Enterprise gives voice to historically marginalized African American and Afro-Caribbean characters. Two prominent features of the novel are allusions to icons and narrative structures from the Western literary canon and motifs associated with the cultures of the Kongo. I argue that Cliff's text uses narrative form to destabilize the idea that there can be any official record at all. This paper addresses the function of the Ki-Kongo cosmogram as a structural element of the novel that disrupts and resists the Western literary and historical narrative put in place by the culture of the colonizer. I argue that the cosmogram not only contributes to the narrative construction of time but also helps the characters to (re)construct identities that were deconstructed through colonialism.
2012
Edward G. Randolph III English Language and Literature Christine Hume Seen from Space
Seen from Space' is a lyrical essay about a walk through the University of Michigan campus whose landscape activates imagined, remembered, and virtual journeys through the receding flood waters of New Orleans and the rising tide of China's Three Gorges Dam, while skirting the slippery fulcrum of hereditary dementia that insinuates itself into the narrator's ever-revising sense of self. The experience creates a polymorphous narration that parallels the walk itself, informed and complicated by personal memories, readings, and the film 'Moon,' in which the protagonist finds himself unable to communicate directly with his wife and family and caught in a cycle of longing and alienation.
2012
Jana Rosinski English Language and Literature Derek Mueller Page Tectonics: Rhetoric in Fluxus
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the large scale movements of the Earth's lithosphere; activity occurs between plates as a kinetic phenomenon. Page tectonics is a borrowing of scientific theory as structural metaphor, conceptualizing the nonphysical (composition) in terms of the physical (plate tectonics). Defining composition metaphorically is useful practically, pedagogically, and inventively by illuminating possibilities, for metaphorical definition allows us to understand abstract concepts (ideas) in terms of clearer concepts (spatial orientations/objects). Page tectonics disturbs settled composition from static art to composition as a plastic everyday art, one that shifts from page to happening space. The Writing Process becomes explorations in interactivity of mediums/medias, shifting focus from replication to invention.
2012
Aquila Sams English Language and Literature Martin Shichtman The Tale of Two Taverns: Alcohol Consumption in The Pardoner's Prologue and Tale
Throughout The Canterbury Tales, there are multiple instances in which the characters engage in the consumption of alcohol. The Pardoner's Prologue and Tale both begin with the Canterbury pilgrims and the Pardoner's characters drinking alcohol, yet as he speaks, the Pardoner delivers a sermon on the dangers of drinking alcohol. Some critics have described the Pardoner as a mindless alcoholic, similar to the drunkards he preaches against. By exploring the history of alcohol consumption during the Middle Ages and the use of religious sermons to discourage peasants from drinking, readers are able to see that the Pardoner is not an alcoholic. The Pardoner is simply using his speech to make the pilgrims feel guilty about their sins, so he can make a profit pardoning them.
2012
Tabetha K. Violet English Language and Literature Elisabeth Daeumer Gendered Utopia and Desire
This study seeks to interrogate the intersection of feminist thought and Utopia by exploring two texts that differ radically in their era and presentation but share common iterations of a woman's powerful space. By drawing on feminist scholarship, the paper will deconstruct 'Sultana's Dream,' a protofeminist Indian short story written in 1905 along with the 'Take Back the Night' march (which started in the 1970s and continues today), using the guidebook for the march as well as editorial commentary surrounding individual marches. The purpose of bringing these two texts into conversation is to demonstrate a continued condition within the discourse of gendered Utopia, in which gaining exposure is privileged over effecting change.
2012
Brent Woo English Language and Literature Veronica Grondona Cyrillic Graphization of Dungan
The Dungans have been investigated thoroughly from geographical, sociological, anthropological, and even biological perspectives. But there has not yet been a detailed analysis with a sociolinguistic focus. This study aims to fill that gap. The Dungan people speak a Sino-Tibetan language that resembles northwestern Mandarin dialects of the Chinese macrolanguage, but in sociolinguistic terms the language, and consequently the people, are not regarded as, nor do they self-identify as, Chinese. This study discusses why language is so important to the Dungans, with particular emphasis on the Cyrillic writing system. Presented here is an analysis based on Haarman's (2008) idea of Graphization, the process of adoption of a writing system for a given language. Despite heavy influence from language contact on all sides, the surrounding Central Asian languages and the Russian language, the Dungans maintain the independent identity of their language.
2012
Barbara A. Barber Geography and Geology Dan Bonenberger Historic American Building Survey of the Paint Creek Cider Mill Building
The Paint Creek Cider Mill Building is located in the heart of Goodison, central to the Charter Township of Oakland. The original building began its history on this site in 1835. The mill building contained a water wheel and flume, which harnessed early water-powered electricity. A gristmill was established, which provided early settlers with food and grain to aid in the development of Goodison. The Historic American Building Survey documents archival photographs and current condition assessment portraying changes in patterns and history.
2012
Lauren E. Carpenter Geography and Geology Ted Ligibel The Restoration of Ornamental Elements on Plaster Ceilings, Two Case Studies
Case Study #1: Meadowbrook Hall, Rochester Hills, Michigan: the Corrado Parducci ceiling in the Christopher Wren dining room (c. 1926). Case Study #2: Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane, Dearborn, Michigan: a ceiling medallion in the living room (c. 1915). Plaster elements had degraded due to age, water damage, indoor air pollution, and earlier repairs. This presentation will explain the causes and processes of the degradation of the ornamental plaster elements and will provide an overview of the principles of the methodology of ornamental plaster conservation and restoration. The process by which architectural conservators and conservation technicians clean and repair this type of damage will be explained, with descriptions of the materials and methods used.
2012
Sam Constantine Geography and Geology Ted Ligibel Investigating Ann Arbor Through Dow's Mid-Century Modern Design
The Mid-Century Modern design of Alden B. Dow known as the Hoobler-Lindenauer House offers a glimpse into the Ann Arbor of yesteryear. Through extensive research using outlets such as the Washtenaw County Records of Deeds, architectural drawings, plat maps and archival material, the property that this home sits upon can be accurately dated to the Potawatomi Indians. The presentation will describe the property, including its location, legal description, and owners. A historic context of the region will be discussed in detail and provide a basis for the property history, which will delineate ownership since the original patent deed of 1826. Various periods of significant occupancy of property will be exemplified. Finally, the architectural features of this modern home will be incorporated into overall history that encompasses the property.
2012
Judith Davis Geography and Geology Ted Ligibel Documenting Ann Arbor Modern: 2638 Bedford Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
American mid-century modern architecture is one of simplicity. It contains geometric shapes, wide-open floor plans, and large windows that expand the indoor living space. Decorative embellishments are less ornate and include elements that are more textural and contrasting. Residential styles include such designs as minimal traditional, ranch, split-level, and shed modern. These styles popularized elements such as the attached or sunken garage, half-story wings, wide eave overhangs, and flat or low-pitched roofs. This is the study of one mid-century modern contemporary house in the Ann Arbor area. The house was designed by noted architect James Livingston and built by Eugene Kurtz in 1961. This study also shows how the land was used and developed from the beginning of its recorded history.
2012
Amara J. Frontczak Geography and Geology Dan Bonenberger Preserving Context through Good Metadata
Metadata affects the ability to access archival materials, no matter what generation, digital or analog. Good metadata can be used to create easily searchable finding aids but can also link data to other materials that are relevant or contemporary. These links create 'Linked Data,' or networks of interrelation among objects. 'Linked Data' is an outgrowth of best practices from the web and is currently being applied in new ways to integrate scientific, medical, and civic databases. Within the field of Historic Preservation, high quality linked metadata can create greater access among archived materials, historic sites, and original historical research. In the future, linked metadata may be able to preserve objects during migrations to future states, especially cloud storage. Metadata is a largely underestimated opportunity to exercise best practices and preserve cultural heritage in the long-term digital future.
2012
Kelly A. Johnston Geography and Geology Ted Ligibel Preservation at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
A discussion of the curatorial history and conservation of 16th century English furnishings at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in St. Clair Shores, MI.
2012
Belinda G. McGuire Geography and Geology Ted Ligibel The "Power House" Documentary
On November 15, 1931, the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary powered up their new Power House. The Power House was the first building built for the new St. Mary's College and Academy complex. It reflects in both architectural style and efficiency the power and might of the 20th century for Monroe County, Michigan. A concrete and steel building, the Power House is multi-functional and is still used today in a limited capacity. An excellent adaptive use study and an exquisite example of Art Deco architecture, the Power House is in need of further study and detailed documentation of its structure, style, and systems.
2012
Marcus P. Schwimmer Geography and Geology Dan Bonenberger A Case for Intangible Heritage Documentation in the United States
Currently the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates more than 230 documented Intangible Heritage Elements across the world. None of these is from the United States. Examining the diverse cultural landscapes, current political climate, and economic elements involved in documenting intangible heritage, I will make a case for the U.S. becoming more invested in the UNESCO documentation system. Moreover, examples will be given of current cultural elements eligible for documentation, to prove that 1) the U.S. is home to wide-ranging cultural diversity; 2) elements of our complex immigrant heritage have developed into unique cultural identifiers; and 3) documenting these unique cultural elements not only fulfills a social obligation but will prove to be a means of financial gain for local communities.
2012
Nichole G. Van Blaricum Geography and Geology Dan Bonenberger and Ted Ligibel Midwest Notched Log Architecture
In America, the log cabin has become entrenched in our national identity. It symbolizes the 'pioneer spirit,' and the romanticized sketches of log cabins provoke nostalgia for the time of expansion in American history. My presentation will deal with the types of notched log architecture found in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan and will discuss how these buildings were constructed, from the felling of trees to the whitewashing of the walls.
2012
Lindsay Zaremski Geography and Geology Ted Ligibel and Nancy Bryk Darning Stitches as Connecting Threads: A Norwegian American Girl's Mending Stitches as Art
An 1826 Norwegian American girl's needlework sampler serves as the backdrop for two areas of research: the sampler itself and assimilation vs. cultural pluralism of a non-Anglo American in the 19th century.
2012
William Boardman History and Philosophy Ronald Delph The Art of War: Reward, Duty, and Power in Renaissance Florence
In Renaissance Florence between the 1430s and 1560s, Uccello, del Castagno, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Vasari, and Bronzino created artworks with historical and martial themes for the city's most important public spaces. The works were commissioned by the government to serve the needs of the state, but the role and content of these works changed depending on the political climate in which they were commissioned. My research will show that in the period of Medici rule, art was tied closely to patronage and rewarded individual service; in the Republican era of 1494-1512, it called on citizens to perform their civic duty; and in the era of ducal rule from 1531, it signaled the consolidation of authoritarian and dynastic power.
2012
Jacob Casteel History and Philosophy Kathleen Chamberlain Red Power: Native American Activism and the End of the Termination Policy
In researching the origins of Native American activism I found significant connections between the United States termination and vanishing policies and the uprising of organized opposition among the Native population. When Red Power demonstrations peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, the United States government was at a crossroads with its population. Taking cues from other activist movements, the American Indian Movement and the National Indian Youth Council forged a path towards realizing self-determination for the Native people and brought an end to the Termination Era policies that threatened their sovereignty. Their efforts made it impossible for the government to make them 'vanish' and brought Native American struggles out from behind the shadows of a dark past.
2012
Andrea S. Christmas History and Philosophy Joseph Engwenyu Je vous ai compris'?: The Algerian War, Intellectual Antagonism, and the Dissolution of the French Essentialist Colonial Narrative
The Algerian War caused deep rifts within the intellectual and social climate of both metropolitan France and Algeria itself. Among these conflicts, an intellectual dispute between existentialist thinkers Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus emerged. Their debate reflected the national struggle for France to conceive of itself as something other than an imperial power, and for French-Algerians to understand Algeria as a separate entity. In the post-colonial period, with new paradigms of thought emerging, essentialist colonial narratives were necessarily replaced by schools of thought emphasizing the understanding of the nation state as a constructed entity. This work hopes to explore how Sartre and Camus' debate helped to change traditional narratives of colonialism.
2012

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