KIAS Undergraduate Conference Program

Tomorrow’s Ideas, NowInternational Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Conference

for the Social Sciences, Humanities & Fine Arts

August 17 - 19, 2011University of Alberta | Edmonton, Canada

Founded July 1, 2010, the Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS) supports and facilitates transformational interdisciplinary and comparative research at the highest level nationally and internationally. KIAS fosters an intellectual environment for the study of major modern and historical, political, social, economic, and cultural issues and, therein, advances society and global polity.

Over the course of its first three-year research cycle, KIAS will focus on three research themes of importance to Albertans, Canadians and indeed people around the world that will advance the mission of the organization, and effect change in the world.

Drs Peter and Doris Kule, the founding benefactors of KIAS, are two outstanding Canadian philanthropists, visionaries, and community leaders who have focused their time and generosity in support of post-secondary education, their Ukrainian heritage, and their humanitarian convictions. Their work with the University of Alberta has changed the lives of students, professors, and community members alike and will continue to do so through their generous donation to establish KIAS.

The University of AlbertaFounded a century ago, the University of Alberta is one of the top 100 teaching and research universities in the world serving more than 36,000 students with 11,000 faculty and staff. The U of A has an annual budget in excess of $1 billion and attracts more than $480 million in external research funding. It offers close to 400 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in 18 faculties.

Created – in the words of its first president, Henry Marshall Tory – "for the uplifting of the whole people," the university is committed to inspiring the human spirit through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery and citizenship and building one of the world's great universities for the public good.

Welcome from KIAS Founding Director

The Kule Institute for Advanced Study

As Founding Director of the Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS), it is my profound pleasure to welcome all participants to “Tomorrow’s Ideas, Now,” the Institute’s inaugural undergraduate interdisciplinary research conference. “Tomorrow’s Ideas, Now” affords you, the visionaries of tomorrow, a special opportunity to come together as a group to discuss your ideas and insights and convictions on the verdant campus of the University of Alberta, one of the preeminent research universities in the world.

I am delighted that the conference draws participants not only from Canada and the United States but also from Europe, Asia, and Australia, providing a diverse and dynamic forum for you to contribute to a global conversation on environmental issues, on the human condition, and on the place of the arts and technology in the twenty-first century.

Through your participation in “Tomorrow’s Ideas, Now,” you join a growing group of KIAS-supported researchers who are dedicated to socially-engaged, socially-responsive research and

for whom advancing humanity, lifting the human spirit is the singular task of committed citizenship today. I wish you the very best with your conversations, and hope that lasting formative ties take shape among you through your participation in the conference. I further wish that, amid your serious deliberations, you also find time to enjoy the friendly ambience that the City of Edmonton offers to locals and visitors alike.

I would like to register my sincere gratitude to the many people who worked so diligently to make “Tomorrow’s Ideas, Now” a success: Professors Len Ratzlaff and Henry Van Egteren, who joined me on the Conference Program Committee; Conference Coordinator and KIAS Executive Manager, Gillian Edwards; members of the Collective Body of Arts Students (CBAS); the Conference Panel Chairs; and many others. (Please see the back of the Conference Program for a full listing.) I also wish to thank KIAS’s many partner universities around the world that have provided assistance to students to attend “Tomorrow’s Ideas, Now” and therein supported undergraduate research at the highest international level: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Mexico City), U of Bristol, U of Leeds, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (Munich), U of Southampton, U of Sydney, and U of York.

In closing, I would also like to thank Dr. Carl Amrhein, Provost, University of Alberta, who has long been an ardent supporter of KIAS and undergraduate research, and who has contributed generously to “Tomorrow’s Ideas, Now.” And, most importantly, special words of gratitude are due to two very extraordinary people, Drs. Peter and Doris Kule, whose inspired philanthropy has made this conference, among many other important KIAS initiatives, possible. I know all conference participants joining me in conveying a great collective thanks to our generous benefactors.

Jerry Varsava Founding Director, Kule Institute for Advanced Study

Welcome from KIAS Founding Director

KIAS Research Themes

stewardship of the planetEthically informed stewardship of the planet can be pursued from a number of points of view and in a variety of contexts, but there is an urgency to examine the issue now, and to propose tenable responses to this challenge. As we have witnessed, recent months have brought devastation to human and natural ecologies in Japan, food riots in Africa and India, renewed focus on global population growth, and a heightened concern for the mitigation of environmental risk.

place, belonging & othernessThere is a foundational human concern to understand one’s place in, not only the physical world, but also in

the social spaces in which we move, and to which we may feel affinity or distance. The theme of Place, Belonging,

and Otherness encourages an examination of a broad range of relationships in order to better understand the

human social condition, whether in the early twenty-first century or at antecedent historical points.

culture, media, technologyIn an age saturated with new technologies and a proliferation of representational media, there is a need to reconsider both traditional forms of cultural expression and new ones enabled by technological advancement. Culture, Media, Technology encourages an engagement of the imaginative, material, and social conditions of arts’ production and reception.

Conference Agenda

wednesday 17 august

thursday 19 august8:00 - 8:45 am REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST, HUMANITIES CENTRE FISHBOWL

8:45 - 8:50 Welcome Remarks, KIAS Founding Director Jerry Varsava

9:00 - 10:00 Keynote Address 1, Professor Sean Gouglas: L-1

10:00 - 10:15 COFFEE BREAK

10:25- 11:45 Panel A: L-2 Panel B: L-3 Panel C: L-4

12:00 - 1:00 LUNCH BREAK

1:00 - 2:00 pm Campus Walking Tour, meeting point: Humanities Pond


2:15 - 3:45 Panel D: L-4 Panel E: L-2 Panel F: L-3

3:45 - 5:15 Panel G: L-2 Panel H: L-3

Evening Free night – International Fringe Festival, Whyte Avenue

friday 19 august

8:00 - 9:00 am CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, HUMANITIES CENTRE FISHBOWL

9:00 - 10:30 Panel I: L-2 Panel J: L-3


10:45 - 12:15 pm

Panel K: L-3 Panel L: L-2

12:30 - 1:30 LUNCH BREAK & GRADUATE STUDY DISCUSSION

Humanities Fishbowl or Humanities Pond (weather permitting)

1:30- 2:30 Keynote Address 2, Kei Narita: L-1


2:45 - 4:15 Panel M: L-4 Panel N: L-2

5:30 - 7:00 CLOSING BBQ AT ALUMNI HOUSE, WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

saturday 20 august

7:30 - 9:00 am BREAKFAST FOR LISTER HALL GUESTS

11:00 am Checkout time – Lister Hall

2:00 - 4:00 pm Registration at Lister Hall, University of Alberta for non-Edmonton attendees

5:00 pm Muster point @ Lister Hall lobby for travel to Faculty Club

5:30 - 8:00 pm WELCOME RECEPTION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA FACULTY CLUB FOR ALL ATTENDEES

Detailed ScheduleTheme Legend for Panel Sessions

SOP: Stewardship of the PlanetPBO: Place, Belonging, and Otherness

CMT: Culture, Media, Technology

wednesday 17 august

5:30 pm Opening Reception at the Faculty Club, University of Alberta

thursday 18 august

Keynote Address 1: Humanities Centre, L-1The Power of Play

Abstract to be provided at conference

2:00 - 4:00 pm Register at Lister Hall for non-U of A students

5:00 pm Muster Point at Lobby in Lister Hall

Conference participants are welcomed at this reception, giving attendees an opportunity to meet their peers, as well as the Panel Chairs, student volunteers,

members of the KIAS community, and KIAS staff.

Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served on the patio of the Saskatchewan Room.

all sessions take place in the Humanities Centre

9:00 - 10:00 am Dr. Sean Gouglas, University of Alberta, History & Classics

8:00 - 8:45 am Registration & Continental Breakfast, Humanities Fishbowl

8:45 - 8:55 am Welcome Remarks, KIAS Founding Director Jerry Varsava, L-1

Theme Legend for Panel Sessions

SOP: Stewardship of the PlanetPBO: Place, Belonging, and Otherness

CMT: Culture, Media, Technology

Detailed Schedule10:15 - 11:45 am Panel A: Humanities Centre, L-2 SOP

Chair: Dr. Gordon Gow

Michael Dubnewick, University of Alberta, Recreation, Sport & TourismUrban growing: Do community gardens nurture social and environmental connections?

Holli-Anne Passmore, Grant MacEwan University, PsychologyA natural high: Why environmental protection is vital to our well-being.

Ellis Sims, University of Southampton, Sociology“Why the future depends on the people” A critical appraisal of current Green policies and a brighter alternative for the future of the planet on which we live.

12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch Break

Panel B: Humanities Centre, L-3 CMT

Chair: Dr. Diane Conrad

Stephen Archibald, University of Alberta, EconomicsActivists Armed with Cell Phones: An Analysis of the Influence Mobile Phones Have Had on Political Activism in the Last Ten Years

Chalaundrai Grant, University of Alberta, Secondary EducationDigital Diaspora: Place-Making and Social Media

Caterina Van Herpt, University of Waterloo, Sociology & Legal StudiesSocial Networking Technologies: A Place for Inclusion for Youth with Disabilities?

Panel C: Humanities Centre, L-4 PBO

Chair: Dr. Jerry Varsava

Mitch Murray, St. Francis Xavier University, EnglishCrossing the Borders of Americanness in Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian and The Border Trilogy

Jessie Marie Snodgrass, University of Sydney, LanguagesThe Power of Literature over Sub-Alternity: The House on Mango Street and My Place

Rosalee Averin, University of Alberta, English & Film StudiesThe Queer Life of African American Literature

Detailed Schedule1:00 - 2:00 pm University of Alberta Walking Tour

Led by University of Alberta Campus Ambassadors, Meeting Point: Humanities PondThis tour will focus on the U of A’s great social sciences, humanities, and fine arts scene!

2:15 to 3:45 pm Panel D: Humanities Centre, L-4 SOP | PBO

Chair: To Be Confirmed

Petros Kusmu, University of Alberta, Economics & Political ScienceAfrica’s “Silver-Bullet” Lying in Integration: The Case for It and the Challenges Against It

Katre Leino, University of York, Environment Economics & ManagementThe global supply chain and ecosystem services: a new methodological framework

Danielle Maggio, Columbia College Chicago, Cultural StudiesThe Radical Contradiction: CrimethInc., Revolutionary Theory and the Commodification of Critical and Artistic Resistance

Panel E: Humanities Centre, L-2 PBO

Chair: Dr. Sandra Rein

Clio Unger, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Dramaturgy“Get stoic!” Indian stereotypes and sense of cultural identity in the movie Smoke Signals

Sam Lindsay, University of Leeds, Theology & Religious StudiesThe Religious Mapping of Beeston: the role and provision of religion in a Leeds suburb.

Anna-Therese McGivern, University of York, Social & Political SciencesI Am... Out of Place.

Panel F: Humanities Centre, L-3 CMT

Chair: Dr. Joan Greer

Nell Beecham, University of York, Sociology‘In the age of the “Twitter Revolution” can online communities ever form a suitable substitute for physical community?’

Caitlyn Triebel, University of Alberta, MusicElectronic Interaction and Edgard Varèse: Music beyond the Limits

John Wallis, University of Cambridge, Social AnthropologyVandal in the works: how leniency towards destructive processes helps Wikipedia’s construction

Detailed Schedule

Chair: To Be Confirmed

Petros Kusmu, University of Alberta, Economics & Political ScienceAfrica’s “Silver-Bullet” Lying in Integration: The Case for It and the Challenges Against It

Katre Leino, University of York, Environment Economics & ManagementThe global supply chain and ecosystem services: a new methodological framework

Danielle Maggio, Columbia College Chicago, Cultural StudiesThe Radical Contradiction: CrimethInc., Revolutionary Theory and the Commodification of Critical and Artistic Resistance


Clio Unger, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Dramaturgy“Get stoic!” Indian stereotypes and sense of cultural identity in the movie Smoke Signals

Sam Lindsay, University of Leeds, Theology & Religious StudiesThe Religious Mapping of Beeston: the role and provision of religion in a Leeds suburb.

Anna-Therese McGivern, University of York, Social & Political SciencesI Am... Out of Place.


Nell Beecham, University of York, Sociology‘In the age of the “Twitter Revolution” can online communities ever form a suitable substitute for physical community?’

Caitlyn Triebel, University of Alberta, MusicElectronic Interaction and Edgard Varèse: Music beyond the Limits

John Wallis, University of Cambridge, Social AnthropologyVandal in the works: how leniency towards destructive processes helps Wikipedia’s construction

3:45 - 5:15 pm Panel G: Humanities Centre, L-2 PBO | CMT


Erika Luckert, University of Alberta, English & Film StudiesUrban Assemblages: A Deleuzian Edmonton

Qihui Shao, Nanjing University, PhilosophyIn the shadow of later Heidegger: Technology and Objects in Baudrillard’s Early Works

Dyne Suh, University of California, Santa Barbara, Sociology & HistoryMarx, Race, & Slavery: Not Until We Are All Abolitionists

7:30 pm Muster for Optional Fringe Festival Night

Panel H: Humanities Centre, L-3 CMT

The Collective Body for Arts Students (CBAS) and KIAS volunteers will be leading the way to the International Fringe Festival on Whyte Avenue, in the historic Old Strathcona district. In 2010, there were 457, 409 people at Fringe Festival...nothing to sneeze at!

Check out the sights and sounds of a great North American festival with local guides!

friday 19 august

8:00 - 9:00 am Continental Breakfast, Humanities Centre Fishbowl

all sessions take place in Humanities Centre


Shelley Burian, McGill University, Art History “Cracking the Glass Case: the debate of classification in Québec museums of art and culture”

Tori McNish, University of Alberta, Art, Design & Visual CultureThe Sustainable Museum: A Study of the Today Art Museum, Beijing

Detailed Schedule

9:00 - 10:30 am Panel I: Humanities Centre, L-2 PBO

Chair: Dr. Lois Harder

Cale Hubble, University of Sydney, Studies in ReligionAnti-Indian Violence in Australia in Local Perspective: The Case of Sri Mandir

Brendon Legault, University of Alberta, Political ScienceThe Nature of Discrimination under the Charter

Ashley Valberg, University of Alberta Augustana, Political StudiesAboriginal Representation in Canada: Reforming Parliament or Creating a Third Order of Government

Panel J: Humanities Centre, L-3 PBO

Chair: Jillian Paragg

Emily R. Douglas, University of Alberta, PhilosophyLinguistic Relativity: Evidence and Consequences

Barbara L. Hilden, University of Alberta, Anthropology & GermanMinority position(ing): The construction of identity in Austria and South Tyrol

Leila McMann, University of Alberta, French Language & LiteratureTranslation in Canada: Building a Bridge Between “Two Solitudes” or Speeding up Assimilation?

10:45 - 12:15 pm Panel K: Humanities Centre, L-3 CMT

Chair: Jillian Paragg

Anne Pasek, University of Alberta, History of Art, Design & Visual CulturePorfirian Visuality: Modernity and Disorder in the Popular Prints of José Guadalupe Posada

Adam Serwa, Columbia College Chicago, Cultural StudiesTonight’s Audience Suggestion is Revolution: DIY Ethics, Improv Comedy, and the New Culture Industry

Detailed Schedule

9:00 - 10:30 am Panel I: Humanities Centre, L-2 PBO

Panel L: Humanities Centre, L-2 PBO

Chair: Dr. Lois Harder

Janine L. Shoots, Columbia College Chicago, Cultural Studies‘One Nation Under God’: U.S. Military Bases Overseas and the Militarized Privatization of Public Space

Charly Wreggitt, University of Manitoba, Women & Gender StudiesBecause ‘Titles’ Should Not Matter: A Structural Analysis of Sex Worker’s Agency in Canada

Flora Yu, University of Waterloo, Arts & BusinessRadical Right Exclusionary Politics in Australia and Canada

12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Graduate Study Discussion

Humanities Fishbowl, or weather permitting, Humanities Pond

Dr. Jerry Varsava will lead an informal discussion about opportunities for graduate study and will be on call for all of your questions, comments, and feedback about the graduate student experience. Take your lunch!

1:30 - 2:30 pm

Keynote Address 2: Humanities Centre, L-1On the impacts of East Japan Earthquake: What did the earthquake and the tsunamis bring us?

Mr. Kei Narita, Tohoku University, Educational Science

From the moment the North-east Japan Earthquake occurred, our civilized daily lives have changed, either entirely or partially. Directly or indirectly, the earthquake and tsunami had impacts on our circumferences and on us individually. Regarding the former, Japanese society was severely damaged, especially the function of the cities and thus the lives of people. The damage to society has differed depending on the area of Japan, for example, Tohoku (northeastern) area or Kanto (central). It seems that Tohoku was more directly influenced than Kanto. In addition to these, there are also differences depending on the time that has passed. That is, the kind and the quality of the impact differ according to the timeline after the disaster. From the facts above, we may say that there are at least four types of impacts on society: both acute and chronic impacts on Tohoku, and Kanto alike. Regarding the latter, the disaster brought to individuals significant change or influence. It is difficult to say that this phenomenon occurred in every individual. However knowing what kind of change has happened in one particular individual, presenter, it may be a hint to consider how people

Detailed Schedulechange through undergoing the disaster.

To consider the four types of impacts, I am going to introduce my personal experiences as a resident in Sendai, and as a volunteer, and also the experiences of people around me, especially my family’s in Kanto. Regarding the latter, I am going to look back on the change in my way of thinking and in my behavior, by concretely introducing what I have thought and what I have done. Through these analyses, I am going to consider to what extent the great power of nature affects humankind.

2:45 - 4:15 pm Panel M: Humanities Centre, L-4 PBO | CMT

Chair: Minhao Zeng

César Othón Hernández Romero, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Hispanic LiteratureRock Is My Religion: Countercultural Underworlds and a Psychotropical Paradise in Se está haciendo tarde (final en laguna)

David Holmes, University of Alberta, HistoryPlaying History: The Methods and Implementation of Historically Accurate Video Games

Antony Kalashnikov, University of Alberta, History & Political ScienceThe Second World War, Textbooks, and Political Socialization in Belarus

Panel N: Humanities Centre, L-2 PBO

Chair: Dr. Jerry Varsava

Luke Burns, University of Bristol, Politics & SociologyBowling Online: How the Internet is Driving the Reinvigoration of American Social Capital

Simon Factor, University of Sydney, SociologyAffective Human Capital: Faith in the Reconstruction of Home, Community and the Subjects of Neoliberalism

Kazuaki Tsujii, University of Bristol, PoliticsGender relations in rural Bangladesh: How to tackle domestic violence

5:30 - 8:00 pm Closing Barbecue at Alumni House, University of Alberta

The conference will close with an intimate barbecue for all participants. There will be an opportunity to meet the founding benefactors of the Kule Institute for Advanced Study, as well a number of people who were integral in the development of the conference.

We are happy to welcome the Stringbeans Quartet to Alumni House; entertainment brought to you by Edmonton Festival City!

Sean Gouglas (PhD McMaster) is Director of the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies and an associate professor in the Department of History & Classics. He is also the Director of the CFI-funded VITA Research Studio. His primary research interest is the power of New Media narrative forms, particularly computer games, to inform and educate. In addition, he studies the application of statistical and Geographic Information Systems technologies to colonial settlement histories and archaeological sites. His rarely-updated website is www.ualberta.ca/~sgouglas.

Dr. Sean Gouglas

Mr. Kei Narita

Keynote Speakers

I was born in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan in 1988, which today is known as one of the stricken areas of North-East Japan Earthquake. I grew up in Saitama prefecture, located north of Tokyo. Just after turning 12, I moved with my family to Houston, Texas, U.S.A, which is famous for the Space Center, so my Japanese-English may sound “southern” sometimes. From the 6th to the 8th grade, I went to Clear Lake Intermediate School and joined Band as a clarinetist. After finishing CLIS, we moved back to Saitama, and I finished local middle school, again. I belonged to Foreign Language course (boys:girls=9:33) in Warabi High School. In the spring year after, I managed

to enter Tohoku University, where I am in my senior year today. I am majoring in Human Formation, and reading Max Scheler, the German philosopher, in Comparative Human Formation lab in the Department of Pedagogy in the Faculty of Education. On March 11, 2011, I was at my home in Saitama. Returning to Sendai, I visited stricken areas in Miyagi as a volunteer and a student. In addition to my essay, I would like to show pictures I took so that we can share what I felt beyond description at the stricken areas.

Conference Participants

Stephen Archibald, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Rosalee Averin, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Nell Beecham, University of York York, England

Shelley Burian, McGill University Montréal, Canada

Luke Burns, University of Bristol Bristol, England

Emily Douglas, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Michael Dubnewick, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Simon Factor, University of Sydney Sydney, Australia

Chalaundrai Grant, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

César Othón Hernández Romero, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mexico City, Mexico

Barbara L. Hilden, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

David Holmes, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Cale Hubble, University of Sydney Sydney, Australia


Antony Kalashnikov, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Petros Kusmu, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Brendon Legault, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Katre Leino, University of York York, England

Sam Lindsay, University of Leeds Leeds, England

Erika Luckert, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Danielle Maggio, Columbia College Chicago Chicago, USA

Anna-Therese McGivern, University of York York, England

Leila McMann, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Tori McNish, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Mitch Murray, St. Francis Xavier University Antigonish, Canada

Anne Pasek, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Holli-Anne Passmore, Grant MacEwan University Edmonton, Canada


Adam Serwa, Columbia College Chicago Chicago, USA

Qihui Shao, Nanjing University Nanjing, China

Janine L. Shoots, Columbia College Chicago Chicago, USA

Ellis Sims, University of Southampton Southampton, England

Jessie Marie Snodgrass, University of Sydney Sydney, Australia

Dyne Suh, University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, USA

Caitlyn Triebel, University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada

Kazuaki Tsujii, University of Bristol Bristol, England

Clio Unger, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany

Ashley Valberg, University of Alberta, Augustana Camrose, Canada

Caterina Van Herpt, University of Waterloo Waterloo, Canada

John Wallis, University of Cambridge Cambridge, England

Charly Wreggitt, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Canada

Flora Yu, University of Waterloo Waterloo, Canada

Panel Chairs

Dr. Diane ConradDiane Conrad is Associate Professor in the Department of Secondary Education with a focus on Drama/Theatre Education and Curriculum Studies. Her current funded research uses popular or applied theatre with incarcerated youth at a local youth offender facility.

Dr. Gordon GowGordon Gow is Associate Professor of Communication and Director of the Graduate Program in Communication and Technology (MACT) in the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta. His research interests include community and social media, mobile phone as a research tool, and science and technology studies.

Dr. Joan GreerJoan Greer is Associate Professor in the History of Art, Design and Visual Culture and is a member of the Religious Studies and Science and the Technology in Society Interdisciplinary Programs. Her research includes late 19th-/early 20th-century European art and design with a special focus on Holland and Belgium.

Dr. Lois HarderLois Harder is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and the Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts. Her research focuses on gender and politics, Canadian political economy, and Canada-U.S. comparative social policy.

Jillian ParaggJillian Paragg is a PhD student in the Department of Sociology at the University of Alberta whose research interests include race, identity, mixed race identity, gender, multiculturalism, and qualitative research methods.

Dr. Sandra ReinSandra Rein is Associate Professor in Political Studies in the Augustana Faculty at the University of Alberta. Her current research focuses on the work and philosophy of Raya Dunayevskaya.

Dr. Jerry VarsavaJerry Varsava is a Professor in the Comparative Literature Program in the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Department of English and Film Studies. He is also the Founding Director of the Kule Institute for Advanced Study. His research interests include postmodern fiction and the contemporary political novel.

Minhao ZengMinhao Zeng is a PhD student in the Department of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta. Her research interests include Asian American literary and cultural studies, cosmopolitan studies, intercultural studies, and racial theory and politics.

City of Edmonton

Special ThanksKIAS is grateful to all those involved in the preparation, organization, and implementation of Tomorrow’s Ideas, Now. Without the help of the following people, the conference would not have happened.

KIAS Conference Committee Dr. Len Ratzlaff Dr. Henry Van EgterenTIN Panel Chairs Dr. Diane Conrad Dr. Gordon Gow Dr. Joan Greer Dr. Lois Harder Jillian Paragg Dr. Sandra Rein Minhao ZengLaura BoisvertWendy GammonSheri Penner

With over a million people, Greater Edmonton offers all the convenience and choice of a big city in an environment of open spaces and fresh air.

Edmontonians come from all over the world. Each summer, our Heritage Festival celebrates more than 60 cultures. In fact, we’re known as Canada’s festival city because Edmonton hosts more than 30 major colourful, entertaining festival events every year that celebrate arts, culture, sports, film, theatre and winter, including Canada’s largest folk music festival, Canada’s oldest street performers festival and North America’s largest and longest-running Fringe festival. Learn more about our festivals and more through the stories of people who have experienced them at www.edmontonstories.ca.

Edmonton is one of Canada’s sunniest cities with about 2,300 hours of sunshine per year. In June, the city enjoys up to 17 hours of daylight per day. Home to a massive river valley and park system (in fact, North America’s largest urban parkland), Edmonton is a great starting point for tourists who love to experience the outdoors. The gateway to Jasper National Park and the majestic Canadian Rockies, the city also offers access to stunning botanic gardens, Alberta’s northern lakes and a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Health care is provided for all Albertans, and Edmonton’s health region has been ranked repeatedly as Canada’s best. From primary school to post-graduate programs, Edmonton has an internationally recognized education system. Ten different post-secondary institutions offer diverse choices for young adults. The University of Alberta is one of the world’s top research universities. Grant MacEwan University offers degree, certificate, diploma and transfer programs in a more personal learning environment. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology trains more apprentices than any other institute in Canada.

Welcome to Edmonton!

CBAS Executive Past & Present Tiffany Seymour Dallas Hunt Rebecca Taylor Kathryn Orydzuk Mustafa GhaniCatherine ThiLoana ValdezNabeela RamjiEmma TunneyMary Bachynsky

University of Alberta Campus AmbassadorsEdmonton Festival City Jenifer Christenson Chris Foster

Kule Institute for Advanced Study3-22 Arts & Convocation Hall

University of AlbertaEdmonton, Alberta

Canada T6G 2E6

advancing humanity, lifting the human spirit

780.492.6436 | 780.492.0242 | [email protected] | www.kias.ualberta.ca

Documents

KIAS Undergraduate Conference Program