Conversations at the Center

This year's theme is The Whole Student, Body and Soul.

Note: due to the hurricane, the Conversations series will be suspended for Fall 2012. Check back here in Spring 2013 for more Conversations.

Care, Consideration and Connection: The Students Speak

November 27

Returning from Combat: Veterans and the Things They Carry to the Classroom: Integrity, Commitment, Teamwork, and Leadership

Time and Location To Be Announced

Thinking Philosophically

Richard Brown, Humanities
Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm
Room E255

Associate Professor of Philosophy at LaGuardia Community College, Richard Brown is also currently a drummer for Space Clamps (first band, the Distractions; first recording “Eternal Vigilance,” now lost to time). Richard curates the blog, Philosophy Sucks!, contributes to the blog Brains, and frequently presents on YouTube, where he currently offers his well-reviewed “Online Philosophy” course.

At LaGuardia, Richard’s Introduction to Philosophy course in the mind-themed cluster Brain, Mind, and Consciousness complements his research in the philosophy of mind, consciousness studies, and the foundations of cognitive science. He also has interests in the philosophy of language, metaethics, logic, the philosophy of logic, and the history of philosophy.

At the moment, Richard is organizing the 2013 Consciousness Online Conference, and preparing for the Third Annual Qualia Fest, an East Village event that celebrates the music of philosophers and neuroscientists.

Richard will discuss with interested colleagues all of the above, with a special emphasis on his LaGuardia course, Introduction to Philosophy, in which he guides students to pursue the meanings and skills of philosophical inquiry, argumentation and reflection.

Emerging Identities: Integrative Learning and ePortfolio
Bret Eynon, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs

Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 1:00 -2:00 pm
Room E500

Associate Dean Eynon will lead a discussion on new developments in social pedagogies and uses of ePortfolio to foster integrative learning.

Creating Student Life
Michael Baston, Vice President, Student Affairs

Tuesday, October 2, 2012, 1:00 -2:00 pm
Room E500

"Predicated on new and innovative approaches to providing a learner-centered experience, the concept of student achievement at LaGuardia encompasses mind, body and soul. To enhance student life, we must create experiences that inspire students’ self-actualization through intellectual development, local and global service, healthy lifestyle choices, and an appreciation of leadership opportunities and intracultural diversity."

We invite all members of our community for a conversation with Vice President Michael Baston about how the whole College can participate in forming these experiences, and how together we can identify and improve outcomes that embrace the whole student.

Healing through Storytelling
Presenters:  Vanessa Bing (Social Science), Joanna DeLeon (Women's Center), Priscilla Stadler (CTL)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 2:15 - 3:15 pm
Room E255

Using images, video, and music in conjunction with personal narrative, students and staff are developing short but powerful digital stories about their experiences with domestic violence.  Organized by the Women's Center and the Center for Teaching and Learning  this workshop series has created a "safe space" where participants can express themselves in a supportive, creative environment and learn to become advocates/activists in the effort to end domestic violence.  Come and hear about the project, the challenges, and the power of digital storytelling. 

Making It Work: Faculty/Student Research Collaborations
Presenters: Natural Sciences Faculty - Maria Entezari, Holly Porter-Morgan, Preethi Radhakrishnan , and Karim Sharif

Monday, May 7, 2012, 2:15 - 3:15 pm
Room E255

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work closely with students on a collaborative research project that may lead to publications?  How are students affected by working so closely with faculty ?   What makes such collaborations most effective?

To learn more, come and hear about the research projects that Natural Sciences faculty are working on together with their students.   Faculty and students will briefly describe their projects, and discuss both the challenges and successes of their collaborative efforts.

 
 

About the Brown Bags

The Brown Bag Conversations: Tuesdays at the Center series offers an opportunity for LaGuardia faculty throughout the college to present on the topics that most interest them. Initiated in 2000, this popular series has provided a broad spectrum of activities with topics ranging from "How Can We Help Fix Our Water:  Environmental Science Adventures at the Newtown Creek"  to "Educating for a Global Citizenry". The Brown Bag series provides a valuable informal forum for faculty wishing to get input on their presentations, or to connect with colleagues from across the college who are interested in similar themes or research. Each year the Center hosts between 12 - 15 Brown Bag Conversations.