Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Newsletter: Spring 2023
Editor: Lydia Githinji, MALS GA
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The MALS Program has a strong faculty base, a culture of engaging in meaningful research and proper graduate student mentorship.
Below are some of the graduate students sharing their research work:
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My name is Tolulope Adeuse. Having spent all my life in Nigeria before moving to the U.S. in 2021, I was surprised to see such a vibrant Nigerian community in different parts of the U.S. that I visited. There are campus communities, Nigerian churches, and stores that cater specifically to African foods. I was amazed by how acclimated Nigerians are in the U.S. Nigerians tend to be religious so it is to be expected that Nigerian religions will be transplanted in new environments. I have long believed that religion does more to uphold the gender oppression of women than any other structure in human history, and does not help that religion is often indistinguishable from culture, politics, or tradition.
While Nigerian culture as determined by religion is a part of my experience, I was surprised by the American version. I will admit that I did not expect religion to still define to a large extent the gendered relationships among Americans. Granted, it is challenging to eradicate an oppressive system such as religion so deeply embedded into the fabric of society. I started to wonder if Nigerian women living in this part of the U.S. would experience any kinship with the Western feminist struggle being that they live here now despite their different if sometimes similar, experiences with gender oppression. One of the most intriguing things I learned during my undergraduate study was that feminism was not one-size-fits-all, especially in transcontinental discourse.
I embarked on this journey because I wanted to know how the women found their place and identity within this environment, one that came with the added burden of racial categories.I hope by the time I finish my research, I would have obtained the voices and original experiences of Nigerian women living in the Southern U.S. to contribute to the growing knowledge of diaspora formations.
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My name is Cythia Milhorn. I am researching evidence of female influence in the construction, crafting, and creation of folk and fairytales in northern Europe in the Middle age up until the time of the Grimms Brothers' collecting of tales.
I am fascinated by folk and fairytales and the fact that so many female characters populate the tales and are often the protagonists and antagonists of the stories. I am also intrigued because so many women's issues and female relationships are represented in these stories. Finally, women were instrumental in curating the tales available to be collected - often by women - for the Grimms, therefore I am exploring the evidence to find the female fingerprint.
I am motivated by a love for the art form and an interest in women's voices coded in stories. I plan to complete a young adult book reimaging deconstructed folk and fairytales and amplify women's voices from the past and explore what their thoughts and feelings might have been when we examine the original narratives through a historical, societal lens.
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My name is Mackenzie Bolling. I am currently performing a cross comparative analysis of abortion access and rights between the Ireland and the United States. In this research, I hope to achieve a better understanding of the laws regarding abortion, abortion access, and what led to them in both the U.S. and Ireland. What motivated me to research this topic was the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. I am really enjoying this process, and I am thankful to have Dr. LeRoy - Frazier, and my committee to guide me along the way!!
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Graduate Student Appreciation Week
This event took place from April 3rd to April 7th. It was a week full of in person activities and events designed to celebrate graduate students at ETSU. Here is a statement by one of the MALS graduate Student:
"When I got an invitation from my department about this event, I was taken a back. It was not just unusual, it was unique in that, this was the first time I was being appreciated for being a student. It was an honor to share a meal with the departmental Chair Dr. LeRoy-Frazier and a token of appreciation as well. When I thought it was over, Dr. McGee, the Dean of Students walked to my work station and presented me with another token of appreciation. I must admit that I almost pinched myself in disbelief. This gesture made me feel good and I knew it was not just about me, but the parties who thoughtfully came up with the idea. Thank you so much, Dr. McGee, Dr. LeRoy-Frazier, Lori, Jo Ann, Thomas, Jayla and, everyone who put a smile on my face!" - Lydia Githinji
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Unit Festival
and Unity
Both events took place at the University of commons and were sponsored by SGA, the East Tennessean in coordination with the Multicultural Center. The main purpose was to:
- showcare diverse culture in ETSU community
- provide a platform for students to learn and appreciate diversity
- enable students learn different cultures through food and entertainiment
This what one our students had to say:
"I am Jayla Sanders, as a Dental Hygiene major and a minor in Dance & ASL, I love both the unity fest/jam. It was a great experience and a good turnout seeing everybody come together and have a blast. This event is always something I look forward to going to each year and I hear other people say the same thing. You will never get disappointed going to this event, it's inclusive and creative with the different vendors so we can always remember what we got at the event and the plus is that it is all free!
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Courses of Interest for Summer & Fall 2023
Summer Courses:
○ Archieves Conserva - AVST 5312
○Digital Archiving - AVST 5330
○Culminating Project - MALS 5950
○Thesis - MALS 5960
○Reading & Research - MALS 5990
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Fall Courses:
○Archives Hist, Theory & Issues - AVST 5310
○Topics in Archival Studies - AVST 5315
○Supervised Admin - MALS 5039
○Sem Liberal Studies - MALS 5200
○ Reading & Research - MALS 5990
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ETSU celebrated “Black History Month” in honor of the rich cultural heritage, and triumphs that are a indelible part of United States of America’s history! The event was sponsored by the Multicultural Centre!
ETSU Day of Giving
This was in support of ETSU and the students community. The funds went into the following:
To support the costs of education, exceed where the amount charged for tuition enables the State, research, and philanthropy combine to cover the gap.
To support students who need help financially, students are encouraged to advocate for ETSU among their families and networks.
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The Division of Cross - Disciplinary studies has moved! We are now located on the second floor of Yoakley Hall
161 S. Dossett Hall Dr,
Johnson City, TN 37614
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Are you an alum of the MALS program?? Do you want to have your profile included in our next newsletter? |
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If so, please click below!!
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MALS Online Writing Center:
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Online Writing Center (MOWC) at East Tennessee State University is a supplemental resource designed to reinforce students’ understanding of writing as a tool for learning and communicating their contributions to scholarly knowledge.
In addition to the information about interdisciplinary, graduate-level writing provided on this site, the MWC offers interactive writing support services for currently enrolled ETSU MALS students through the MALS Writing Consultant, Thomas Hilton
Please click on the link titled MALS Writing Consultant to send an email
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Reminders
Registration by appointment only opens on
April 3rd, 2023
The last day of class is May 2nd, 2023
The first day of class in the Fall is
August 28th, 2023
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Contact Information:
Dr. Jill LeRoy - Frazier, MALS Graduate Coordinator; Professor and Chair, Cross - Disciplinary Studies.
Dr. Julie Fox - Horton, Archival Studies Graduate Certificate Coordinator; Assistant Professor, Cross -Disciplinary Studies.
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