2022 Summer Seminar Series

Presented by The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and other contributors 

NAU’s popular free Summer Seminar Series presented by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) returns in person with an exploration of the cultural, social and geopolitical dimensions of today’s complex world from June 2 through July 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Room 110 of the SBS Castro building.

During the sessions, parking is complimentary in nearby lots (P61 and 47A). Access via Zoom will also be available. Links to video recordings may be provided for some of the sessions for viewing later. The series is free to the public through support from donors.

Events held Thursdays, June 2–July 7, 5:30–7 p.m. in Room 110 of the Raul H. Castro Social and Behavioral Sciences building.

Join us via Zoom

Password: SSS2022

Upcoming events

The Implications of the Russo-Ukrainian War

JUNE 2

Presenters: Gretchen Knudson Gee, Ph.D., Politics and International Affairs, Paul E. Lenze Jr., Ph.D., Politics and International Affairs, and Halit Tagma, Ph.D., Politics and International Affairs

Examine the causes of the Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022, including its geopolitical, economic, and security implications for Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The talk will also touch upon the conflict’s impact on US, Russian, and Chinese foreign policy.

Debt, Disaster, and the Dismantling of Public Education in Puerto Rico

JUNE 9

Presenter: Rima Brusi, Ph.D., Anthropology

Since 2016, more than a third of public schools in Puerto Rico have been shuttered while the region’s public university budget has been slashed in half. During the same period, the island was battered by two hurricanes, an earthquake swarm, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation argues that this ongoing, extraordinary, and counter-intuitive attack on public education is part of a broader set of profound systemic changes that can best be explained as the result of the powerful, synergistic combination of two forces: colonialism and finance capitalism.

Rima Brusi

Virtual and Augmented Reality in Health Campaigns and Interventions

JUNE 16

Presenter: Zhan (Jen) Xu, Ph.D., School of Communication

This presentation discusses the use of virtual and augmented reality in health campaigns and interventions. It focuses on several research projects that adopt virtual and augmented reality to improve health outcomes and promote healthy behavior changes. Finally, it examines the short- and long-term effects of these technologies and the underlying mechanisms driving intention and behavior change.

Zhan (Jen) Xu

The Pathway to Post-Conflict Justice in Afghanistan

JUNE 23

Presenter: Parwez Besmel, Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice

Explore a new perspective on peace and justice in Afghanistan grounded on the sociopolitical realities of Afghanistan, the literature of transitional justice, and the dilemma of post-conflict peace and justice in neighboring nations. Dr. Besmel argues for a holistic approach to transitional justice—highlighting the potential for a truth and reconciliation commission combined with amnesty—as a potential pathway to frameworks for successful transitional justice in Afghanistan.

Parwez Besmel

“It’s a Very Scary Time for Men in America”: Mobilizing Opposition to #MeToo

JUNE 30

Presenter: Lori Poloni-Staudinger, Ph.D., Politics and International Affairs

Conventional wisdom holds that the #MeToo movement increased awareness of sexual harassment and drove sympathizers, particularly women, to increased participation in the 2018 midterm elections. This talk examines the parties who are motivated to political action in the context of #MeToo and explores why some are not motivated to participate. Drawing insights from surveys and interviews, this presentation discusses the political actions of men who feel that the movement went “too far” in attempting to redistribute power in society, and women who might be less likely to participate if they feel sanctioned or threatened on account of backlash.

Lori Poloni-Staudinger

On the Tip of a Pencil: Biological Illustration of NearsightGraphite

JULY 7

Presenter: Robert J. Long, MFA, School of Communication

Enjoy a lively showcase of Bobby Long’s highly detailed nature illustration under the pen name NearsightGraphite. Following an overview of some memorable projects, you’ll explore Long’s process—ranging from visual research and background methodology, sketching and ideation, and graphite rendering, to digital integration and full-color completion. Wrapping up, you’ll dive into some of Long’s most recent illustration projects completed this winter.

Robert J. Long

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Support the series

This series is made possible thanks to the generosity of our community members. We hope you will continue your support with a donation to the series. Thank you!

• Donate Online
• By check:Designate “fund #5466” on a check to NAU Foundation, PO Box 4094, Flagstaff, AZ 86011.