141 MTSU SITE OF 16TH ANNUAL SOCIAL SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM FOR STUDENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 12, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919, or lrollins@mtsu.edu

MTSU SITE OF 16TH ANNUAL SOCIAL SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM FOR STUDENTS
Nov. 15-16 Event Promotes Scientific Study of Human Interaction, Exchange of Ideas

(MURFREESBORO)—"Migrations" is the theme of the 16th annual Tennessee Undergraduate Social Science Symposium at MTSU on Nov. 15-16 that is expected to attract 800-1,000 undergraduates and educators from the local campus as well as from across the state.
Free and open to the public, the annual event was designed to encourage student interest in the scientific study of human interaction and foster professional growth, while providing opportunities for the intellectual and social exchange of ideas, said Dr. Vicky MacLean, associate professor of sociology at MTSU and the event’s co-director.
Founded by Dr. Rodger Bates at Lambuth College in Jackson, Tenn., some 30 years ago, the symposium has called MTSU its home since 1993.
Moreover, MacLean added, "This year's symposium promises to be as exciting as those that have preceded it; it is clear to us that the developmental experiences of our students lay at the heart of its success.”
The event will open Thursday, Nov. 15, with student research paper presentations that will continue throughout the two-day symposium. Although "Migrations" is the central symposium theme, papers will be accepted through Nov. 1 on any social topic, organizers reported.
“Papers presented by students will include a variety of topics (such as) immigration, social problems, social and cultural theory, hate crimes, race and ethnicity, Appalachian studies, health, family and work, sociology of emotions, and experiential learning in archaeological studies and study abroad,” MacLean said. Additionally, Dr. Shannon Hodge, assistant professor of anthropology, said, “We are excited about this year's paper competition, because it honors student achievement in independent research and puts us in league with many of the professional conferences in the social sciences, which often feature student paper prizes … to encourage student research and participation in the professions."
This year, the paper competition will include a first-, second- and third-place award for outstanding papers. Student paper titles for presentation may be submitted via e-mail to Dr. Ida Fadzillah, event co-director, at ifadzill@mtsu.edu, or MacLean at vmaclean@mtsu.edu. To enter the competition, students must submit complete papers to Hodge at shodge@mtsu.edu no later than Nov. 8.
MTSU student Lynn Funkhouser, president of the university’s Anthropology Society, said the undergraduate conference is a valuable opportunity for students.
"The symposium experience is important for undergraduate students, because it provides us with a forum to present our own research,” she explained. “Because the
symposium is for undergraduates, the experience is less intimidating than a professional conference, where many of the presenters are the same people writing one’s textbooks.
“The symposium also provides undergraduates with a public-speaking opportunity outside of a classroom setting,” Funkhouser added. “(And) presenting at this venue can be a way for many who are completely unused to such activities to work past any associated fears or misgivings."
At 1 p.m. Nov. 15 in the James Union Building’s (JUB) Tennessee Room, Dr. Will Leggett, assistant professor of anthropology and one of the event’s organizers, will lead a panel discussion titled "Immigration in the American South."
"The goal of the forum is to bring together local representatives of immigrant groups living in the area to explore the impact of various forms of migration on the traveling populations and local communities in both the host country and the countries of origin," he said.
Following the panel discussion, a to-be-announced documentary film screening will be sponsored by the Middle Tennessee Anthropological Society and the Sociology Club in the Keathley University Center Theater from 4:15 to 6 p.m. No tickets are required and those interested in attending are welcomed.
Dr. Katharine Donato, professor of sociology at Vanderbilt University, will deliver the keynote address, “Changing Faces, Changing Places: The Emergence of New Immigration Gateways in the United States,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the JUB’s Tennessee Room.
A research fellow at Vanderbilt's Center for Nashville Studies and the Center for the Americas, Donato’s research interest focus on topics related to social stratification and demography; namely, international migration between Mexico and the U.S. and questions related to the impact of U.S. immigration policy on the labor market’s incorporation of migrants.
“Given recent debates on immigration policy and the growing diversity of ethnic communities in the middle Tennessee region, the lecture is expected to be of interest to a large audience of participants,” MacLean said.
The symposium will conclude Friday, Nov. 16, with additional paper presentations that culminate with a brown-bag luncheon discussion on "Careers in the Social Sciences" at 12:30 in the JUB’s Hazelwood Dining Room.
Organized by Dr. Craig Carter, assistant professor of sociology, the career panel will feature various alumni, faculty and practicing social scientists and will explore potential career paths for students.
"We hope that the career panel discussions inspire students to explore the various occupations in the social sciences and perhaps (and) to think more creatively about acquiring the types of jobs available to students with degrees in the social sciences," he said.
Sponsorship for the symposium was provided by the dean of the College of Liberal Arts at MTSU, Dr. John McDaniel; the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr. Ronald Aday; the Distinguished Lecture Committee; and student activity fees.
For information on the annual forum, please contact Connie Huddleston, coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts, at chudd@mtsu.edu or 615-494-7628.



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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: For editorial needs, including interview requests with symposium organizers or panelists, or to secure a jpeg of keynote speaker Dr. Katharine Donato, please send your request to Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at lrollins@mtsu.edu or by calling 615-898-2919.