CROSS CURRENTS -- Spring 2017 Evening Seminar Schedule

Cross Currents 1900-2000 (or 1900-1945 on LPP nights)

Orientation
A1
B1

06 Jan
07 Jan
08 Jan

A2
B2
A3

09 Jan
10 Jan
11 Jan
LPP

Honolulu
B3

12 Jan
13 Jan

A4

14 Jan

B4

15 Jan

A5

17 Jan

B5

18 Jan

Study Day
A6

19 Jan
20 Jan

Unassigned
American democracy disconnected -- The Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders phenomena reveal a widening disconnect between
the elites and the grassroots within each US political party. Moreover, Trumps election triumph illustrates the Democratic Party's
growing disconnect with downwardly mobile groups. Economic hardships and anxieties about an increasingly less-White America
have led these groups to defect in large numbers. Prof. Tao Xie will offer an outsiders perspective, arguing that American
democracy is in sore need of a new progressive movement, and Trump's victory could be the beginning of that movement.
Activity Fair
Trip Liaison Training
Hawaii: Its Ecology, History and Culture Join Prof. Greg Mason as he surveys the volcanic origins of the islands and their initial
peopling by Polynesians sailing canoes, then foreign explorers' and missionaries impacts on traditional Hawaiian society. From
whaling, to sugar, to militarization to tourism: a struggle for political and economic control, culminating in US annexation and
eventual statehood, all as background to today's indigenous calls for sovereignty.
"A-ha and faux pas: A lifelong journey in intercultural competence" -- Join Prof. Scott Marshall as he reflects: In my nearly 50
years I've been fortunate to travel to over 70 countries. You would think I'm an intercultural competence expert. Instead, I suggest
that such expertise doesn't exist. I'll share five examples of my most memorable 'a-ha' and faux pas moments along my lifelong
journey in intercultural (in)competence.
Garbage Patches in the Pacific - Ocean gyres are formed by global wind patterns, the Earths rotation, and Earths landmasses,
and the centers of gyres are generally calm and stationary. Prof. Ursula Quillman will explain how it is in these gyres that floating
plastic debris has been accumulating at alarming rates since the 1950s, forming the so-called garbage patches.
"Traveling and Sustainability: The United Nations Green Passport Program - The UNEP Green Passport program attempts to
reduce the negative impact of tourism, which is one of the major revenue sources in 62 countries of the world. Prof. Claudia
Green will take a look at how we can be more green in our travels (economically, socially, culturally and environmentally) and
develop some action plans for our voyage.
The Impractical Scheme of a Visionary: Thomas Stevens Quest to Travel Around the World on a Bicycle -- In 1886, Thomas
Stevens biked around the world on a big-wheeled penny-farthing with minimal gear. Prof. Tom Taylor will tell us about this
amazing adventure and how Stevens understood his journey as a reflection on East-West relations, the bicycle as an instrument of
modernity, and his dual British- American identity in the era of colonialism.
Poetry Gathering 1 Prof. Linda Ehrlich will facilitate the first of our 3 poetry readings. This session will focus on minimalist
poetry and poetry about nature, though other themes are welcome. A group exercise will involve renga (linked verse) and writing
to Japanese traditional music. Details about submitting your work for the session, due by A4, can be found in an earlier
announcement.
No programming
10 Steps Toward Improving Your Digital Photographs and Videos Memories of your voyage will be recorded in photos and
video, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take better images. Digital photography Professor Pete Seel will offer some

B6

A7
B7

Kobe
A8

B8

Shanghai
A9

B9

A10

B10

advice. One key goal is to move from taking snapshots to shooting more carefully composed photos that capture key moments of
interactions with your shipmates, sights well see on the voyage, and photos of the citizens of the nine nations well visit. Pete will
also provide advice on cultural issues we need to consider when taking photographs during our port visits.
21 Jan
Hiroshima: The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb Prof. Greg Mason will discuss the World War Two context of total warfare
in which the Hiroshima nuclear bomb was developed, as well as the decision to use the bomb: a choice of evils between a
protracted land invasion and a speedy, decisive inferno. Also: The bomb's effects; why Nagasaki after Hiroshima? and Hiroshima's
legacy today: "everything has changed, but our thinking."
22 Jan
Unassigned
23 Jan
Japan in the Global Current of Visual Culture - Throughout much its history, Japan has been enriched by, and in turn has
LPP
enhanced, other cultures with which it has come in contact. Some prominent examples are Japanese adoption and adaptation of
ink painting from China and Korea and, more recently, Japanese animation inspiring people worldwide. Prof. Julia Sapin will lead
us in exploring these visual permutations and their contribution to global understanding.
24 28 Jan
29 Jan
Life in China: Confessions of a Fulbright Family - What is life and work like in China? Prof. Karen Meenan and her family spent
6 months there, using Hangzhou as their home base, where she was a Fulbright Scholar. Exploring urban megacities and remote
rural villages, they discovered a fascinating country with a rich culture and history, and sometimes curious social norms. Come
hear Karen, Natalie, Olivia, and Rich share their travels, and awaken your adventurous spirit.
30 Jan
60 Years of Studying China: Personal Reflections Having lived a Sinitic zodiac cycle, Prof. John Israel says, he looks back with
LPP
a sense of awe on sixty years in which his entire being experiential, intellectual, and emotional has been shaped by China.
Availing himself of the privilege of reminiscing granted to those who survive to tell the tale, he will share the story of how a young
mans random choice shaped his life. His saga will be instructive to young people embarking on their own paths, and edifying to
contemporaries reflecting on lifes unpredictable contours.
31 Jan 05 Feb
06 Feb
China's role in global governance -- China has been accused of being a "free-rider" of the current international order, but in
recently years Beijing has taken the lead in financing a number of regional initiatives. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(AIIB), in particular, showcases China's resolve to play a bigger role in global governance. After presenting a statistical analysis of
why countries joined AIIB, Prof. Tao Xie will discuss foreign and domestic constraints on China's global ambitions, as well as
opportunities for China to play a leadership role.
07 Feb
Lots of Options . . . Now Pick One: Being a Policymaker Prof. Mara Karlin will discuss her experience as a U.S. Government
policymaker. Mara served as a senior Pentagon official under both Republican and Democratic Administrations, and made policy
decisions on national security issues spanning South Asia, Middle East, budgets, wars, and strategy. She will describe the
complicated, complex, and challenging experience of being a decision maker and offer advice to students considering a career in
foreign policy.
08 Feb
Perspectives on Vietnam: Panel Discussion This panel will include a USAF veteran of the US-VN War, a US war protester from
the same period, a Vietnamese faculty member born after the war, and an American academic whose experience in Vietnam is
entirely contemporary. Come hear Professors Pete Seel, John Israel, Khanh Pham, and Bob Kling discuss their perspectives on
the Vietnam experience.
09 Feb
Reserved for IPL Khanh Pham
LPP

HCM City
A11

B11

Study Day
A12

B12
Yangon
A13

B13

A14

B14

Cochin
A15
B15
Study Day

10 -14 Feb
15 Feb
Singapore: An Island Utopia? - In just a few decades, Singapore transformed itself from a tiny island off the coast of Malaysia
into a global superpower in banking, IT, education, biotech, transportation and many other fields. Today Singapore is a thriving
business and financial hub, and is widely polled as one of the most livable cities in the world. There is almost no poverty or crime,
and almost everyone is able to own a decent place to live. What is Singapores secret? Is everything as rosy as it seems from the
outside? Join Prof. Chris Smith in exploring these questions.
16 Feb
The largest mass migration in human history is how the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) describes the
1947 partitioning of the British Indian Empire into India and Pakistan, as 14 million Hindus, Sikhs and Pakistanis were displaced in
the process. Estimates of those killed in the turmoil and riots surrounding the partitioning range from 200,000 to over 2
million. Professor Jim Witte will use a 2015 documentary, Dagh Dagh Ujala: Voices of a Stained Dawn, to examine not only the
historical event, but also the contemporary processing of the partitioning and relates it to current India-Pakistan-India relations.
17 Feb
No programming
18 Feb
Mindfulness - Just a Fad or Something More? - Learn about the history and science of mindfulness and meditation. SAS
Trustee / LLL Greg Chapman will share a personal account of the impact that mindfulness has had on both his personal and
professional life. Greg also will discuss how meditation is making a difference in some of the toughest high schools in America as
well as in the practice of medicine.
19 Feb
Reserved for Interport Diplomat
LPP
20-24 Feb
25 Feb
"Bollywood 101 - The Indian film industry produces more films annually than any other country in the world. The Hindi film
sector, based in Mumbai, has become an international phenomenon because of innovative storylines, original music, and famous
megastars. Prof. Tanvi Patel will discuss the social and historical impact of Bollywood cinema, introduce some popular films and
actors, and share a few scenes from iconic films.
26 Feb
Seeing the Divine in India - India is a very visual culture and Hindu gods and goddesses take a colorful variety of forms. Prof.
David Haberman will offer a slide presentation that is designed to help viewers better understand the practices encountered in
Hindu temples, and that explores the philosophical ideas behind Hindu embodiment and the worshipful ritual interactions
connected with it.
27 Feb
Poverty in India - What does poverty in India look like? What percent of Indians are poor? What contributes to the high
incidence of poverty? On the international scene, where does India rank with regard to poverty? Has poverty increased or
decreased over the last few decades? What are some malnutrition, health facts about children living in poverty? What does a
slum area look like? How does a family of 6 to 8 live in a hut with a tin roof? Where does the drinking water come from and what
are the toilet facilities for slum dwellers? Prof. Nilufer Medora will address these questions and other issues.
28 Feb
Gender Issues in India Our voyage shows us a variety of cultures and the ways that gender structures peoples lives and
LPP
outcomes. Now as we approach India, Professors Tanvi Patel, Nilufer Medora, Will Jennings, and Carolyn Smith will offer a panel
discussion of gender issues in the worlds most incredibly diverse, and soon most populous, country.
01 06 Mar
07 Mar
Unassigned
08 Mar
Unassigned
09 Mar
Sea Olympics

A16

10 Mar

B16
Port Louis
A17

11 Mar
LPP
12 Mar
13 Mar

B17
No class
A18

14 Mar
15 Mar
16 Mar

B18

17 Mar

A19

18 Mar
LPP
19 24 Mar
25 Mar
Organizational Team Effectiveness: Lessons Learned from Studying Them in The Wild -- Much work has focused on attaining
higher levels of organizational team performance. Enhancing team performance is of even greater significance within many of the
life or death environments in which some teams function. Prof. Travis Maynard will highlight work that he is conducting
involving teams within NASA, saturation diving, and military contexts.
26 Mar
How Do Children Make It Out of Risk and Poverty? Illustrations of Resilience from our Voyage -This discussion will reference the literature on the risk and protective factors that underlie childrens development into healthy
adults. Prof. Carolyn Smith will offer stories of children from similar at risk backgrounds in countries we have visited will illustrate
paths to resilience. We will consider the stories in the light of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
27 Mar
Reserved for IPL Bryan Willson
28 Mar
"Leadership from Homer to Trump: the Leader as Hero in Society and Business" Come join LLL Martin Kabat for a discussion of
how leadership was first linked to heroism (or the person of the hero), and has evolved to modern times. Homer's telling of the
conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon sets the stage for similar conflicts throughout history. In politics and business, the
proposed leader enters a highly competitive environment and must lead others through a minefield of challenges in order to
succeed and maintain the acclaim of those who supported him. How do we choose leaders, and what do we expect of them?
29 Mar
Neptune Day
30 Mar
Thinking about Death in a Global Context: Some Lessons on Life -- The study of death usually evokes negative reactions. Why
LPP
study a phenomenon that robs us of lifes goods? Well, there are many reasons to study death, and Prof. Mary Ann Cutter will

Cape Town
B19

A20

B20
A21

No class
B21

"Mauritius the Exceptional: Melding Mumbai, Maui, and Mozambique in a Magnificent Melange" Prof. Will Jennings will
discuss how immigration, geopolitical environment, and a political system unique to the island have created one of Africa's top
success stories. He will discuss the role of the Best Loser System in creating a competitive and representative democracy, the role
of Export Processing Zones in diversifying the economy, and how Mauritius has leveraged their ethnic mix and location to serve as
a bridge between Africa and South Asia.
Unassigned

Poetry Gathering 2 -- Prof. Linda Ehrlich will facilitate the second of our 3 poetry readings. This session will focus on the poetry of
protest and poetry as storytelling. A group exercise will involve constructing a poetic story together, including writing to
traditional drumming patterns. Details about submitting your work for the session, due by A16, can be found in an earlier
announcement.
What is Race? Prof. Ann Magennis
No programming
Impact Investing - Is it possible to make healthy investment returns and save the world? SAS Trustee / LLL Greg Chapman will
discuss this new and innovative way of investing that can be good for both your pocket book and your heart.
Race in South Africa: History and Dynamics Few countries have a history of internal race relations as dramatic as South
Africa. IPL Rhoda Kadalie will join Professors Lori Barker, Will Jennings, and Dee Bird in a panel discussion offering historical and
contemporary insights into the experience of race in South Africa and the hopes and challenges of the present and future.
Reserved for IPL Rhoda Kadalie

Tema
A22

B22
A23

B23
A24

B24

Study Day
Casablanca
A25
B25
Convocation
Packing
Hamburg

explore such reasons within the context of writings drawn from countries we will visit, and will share thoughts on what we can
learn about life through death.
31 Mar 03 Apr
04 Apr
The Undesirable Side of Sustainability -- We view our world through combined lenses of scientifically based insights and
personal values. Sustainability appears to be a powerful blend of these two perspectives a light to guide our paths. ON the
other hand . . . Prof. Dan Binkley will suggest how a fuller view of all aspects of sustainability reveals some darker aspects that
constrain the ability of sustainability to guide us to a brighter future.
05 Apr
Unassigned
06 Apr
Poetry Gathering 3 -- Prof. Linda Ehrlich will facilitate the third and last of our 3 poetry readings. This session will focus on the
poetry of transcendence and poems about the ocean. A group exercise will involve experimenting with writing in the style of Sufi
poetry. Details about submitting your work for the session, due by A22, can be found in an earlier announcement.
07 Apr
Crew Talent Show
08 Apr
Afghan Womens Journey from Hidden Lives -- Afghan women wake each morning surrounded by boundarieswalled
compounds, voluminous burqas, and rules for seclusion in a deeply patriarchal society. Yet, in war-torn Kandahar, women bravely
travel each day to work at Kandahar Treasure, a woman-owned business. Prof. Mary Littrell will describe how, by reviving a
cherished textile tradition and earning income, they are opening their lives to new horizons as Afghan women.
09 Apr
Defending Globalization - Many criticisms have been leveled against globalization. Opponents blame trade liberalization and
economic globalization for an array of issues ranging from child labor to environmental degradation to poverty. Prof. Tisha
Emerson will lead us in considering the arguments against globalization and the reality of the impact of globalization on our world.
10 Apr
Reserved for IPL
LPP
11 14 Apr
15 Apr
What to See and Do in Hamburg and Beyond Our German-born faculty member Prof. Ursula Quillmann will offer suggestions
for visitors to northern Germany, which has so much to offer but is often skipped by tourists.
16 Apr
Alumni Ball
17 Apr
18 Apr
19 Apr