Fall 2021 Archive
In this series of past lectures, distinguished members of the University of Idaho community presented and described their approach to teaching and research. These lectures explored the specific subjects and methodologies that define the disciplines within which the speakers work.
How the Colloquium Began (August 31, 2021)
Featuring Michael O'Rourke, Rick Fehrenbacher and Dan Bukvich, who founded the interdisciplinary colloquium in September 2001. They reflect on their year as Humanities Fellows at the University of Idaho and how it led to a weekly series of faculty talks.
Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires (Sept. 7, 2021)
Richard Spence, professor emeritus of history, describes Afghanistan's turbulent history. He shows how foreign powers — Britain, Russia, the Soviet Union and the U.S. — have been unable to overcome internal resistance to their attempts to influence the country's politics.
Humanities Fellows in the New Millennium, part 1 (Sept. 14, 2021)
Katherine Aiken, David Lee-Painter and Gary Williams, the first cohort of University of Idaho Humanities Fellows describe their 1998-1999 project to raise awareness of diversity issues on campus and in the community. Their efforts brought about a talk by playwright Tony Kushner and the performance of Kushner’s play, “Angels in America.”
Humanities Fellows in the New Millennium, part 2 (Sept. 14, 2021)
Katherine Aiken, David Lee-Painter and Gary Williams, the first cohort of University of Idaho Humanities Fellows describe their 1998-1999 project to raise awareness of diversity issues on campus and in the community. Their efforts brought about a talk by playwright Tony Kushner and the performance of Kushner’s play, “Angels in America.”
Climate Change and Pacific Northwest Agriculture (Sept. 14, 2021)
The Regional Approaches to Climate Change (REACCH) project began in 2011 to ensure sustainable cereal production in the inland Pacific Northwest. The project was led by an interdisciplinary team of scientists. Three REACCH participants, John Abatzoglou, Jodi Johnson-Maynard and Sanford Eigenbrode, describe the project's continuing legacy.
Making ‘Green’ Energy ‘Clean’ Energy (Sept. 28, 2021)
Many minerals needed to power climate-friendly initiatives are linked to conflict, social injustice, and environmental and public health crises. The first step towards developing responsible mining is an assessment of what renewable energy means. Casey Bartrem is executive director and environmental scientist at TerraGraphics International Foundation, a nonprofit that supports mining and recycling communities in addressing environmental health challenges.
Social Change and the 14th Century Plague Pandemic (Oct. 12, 2021)
In this program sponsored by the Borah Symposium and the Renfrew Colloquium, University of Idaho Prof. Scott Minnich describes the cause of the ‘Black Death’ or Bubonic Plague pandemic that devastated Europe between 1347 and 1352 and the societal response to it.
The Idaho Bach Festival: Celebrating 10 Years (Oct. 26, 2021)
The Idaho Bach Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Over the years the festival has hosted internationally recognized guest artists alongside faculty and student ensembles. Co-Artistic Directors Miranda Wilson and Chris Pfund will introduce the compositions to be performed this year.
Supportive Communication in a Mediated World (Nov. 2, 2021)
This talk by Lucas Youngvorst, assistant professor of communication at the University of Idaho, outlines the foundation of social support from a communicative perspective. He offers practical insight into how to effectively seek and provide support online and offline.
The U of I’s Quest for Carnegie R1 Status: A Progress Report (Nov. 9, 2021)
A University of Idaho working group developed a series of actions to improve the research culture and incentivize greater research and doctoral degree productivity. VP for Research and Economic Development Christopher Nomura provides an update on some of the actions, opportunities and developments the university is pursuing to achieve R1 status.
Architectural Lessons from the World's 'Happiest" Countries (Nov. 16, 2021)
Professor Phillip Mead traveled to Finland and Denmark during the most miserable time of the year to explore how their architectural designs compensate. Mead shows examples of architecture that might contribute to healthy populations and describes how the five pillars of flourishing may influence architecture's contribution to environmental well-being.
All in the Family: Vandal Style (Dec. 7, 2021)
Kathy Barnard, assistant vice president for alumni relations and advancement communication, reflects on six years of traveling around Idaho to promote the U of I.