Within the Division of Liberal Arts at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) faculty experts are recognized for their scholarship, research, and service. IUPUC’s liberal arts courses and degree programs offer bachelor’s degrees and academic minors that continue in advancing students through educational experiences that not only teach, but develop a comprehensive understanding of the humanities and social sciences. Studies range from the earliest human cultures to the latest sociological developments, encompassing the literature, languages, history, arts, and politics of the world’s cultures from early through modern eras.
Aimee Zoeller has been a lecturer and program coordinator in sociology and women’s studies for many years. An example of advancing students through educational experiences came when Zoeller led a class titled Introduction to Women’s Studies. The project paired students with local women leaders for an interview. The leaders ranged from the former Mayor of Columbus, owner of Viewpoints Bookstore, owner of Folgers Florist, volunteer for the Muscatatuck Wildlife Society, to a current nominee for County Clerk.
“The interview project is part of our semester’s inquiry into women and activism. The purpose is to meet local women activists, explore feminist perspectives on activism, bridge generations through meaningful dialogue, and cultivate an ethics of care. In addition to interviewing local women leaders, the students hosted a screening of the film American Revolutionary, a documentary on the legendary activist Grace Lee Boggs,” shares Zoeller.
When asked what is the benefit of this project to students? Zoeller enthusiastically replied, “The big takeaway? Community participation is crucial!”
The local leader and student paired for interview include:
Local leader and student interviewer:
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Nancy Ann Brown | Ean Barnett
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Pamela A. Clark | Bryce Boyer
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Ann Folger Cox | Luke Bozell
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Rachel Foyst | Lilly Drake
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Judith Gillespie | Emily DuLong
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Sharon Krieg | Levi Johnson
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Kate Phillips | Andrew Rediker
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Susan Whittaker | Courtney Watkins
Zeoller shared two student reactions from their interview:
Student Emily DuLong says, “Judith (Gillespie) is absolutely amazing! I learned from her that every little thing you do in your community is service. One person can do so much to help their community; we must set excuses aside and do something worth doing. Judith said ‘Just making money was not satisfying my needs as a person. I needed to be doing something that had more meaning to it than that.’”
Student Courtney Watkins shares, “One thing I definitely learned from my conversation with Susan Whittaker is that activism is a part of life and that we should all be working to make our community better.”
For more information about academic programs at IUPUC, please visit www.iupuc.edu or call the Office of Admissions at 812.348.7390.