This study explores the determining factors of corruption in post-communist states, including those in the former USSR, Warsaw Pact and Yugoslavia. I examined the ways in which government structure, income inequality, and income levels correlate with levels of corruption in 21 post-communist states. Combined with the expertise of my two interviewees, these results suggest that countries should focus on increasing average income levels in order to reduce public corruption, and transition to more parliamentary forms of governance to prevent a return to corruption. These findings could help provide direction to post-communist states behind the former Iron Curtain which are struggling with corruption, such as Ukraine.

Read the complete abstract here.

Mentor: Laura Hussey, Political Science

Voice Thread presentation.

My Global 409 class focused on technology’s impact on society. Through reflecting, I discovered my struggle to remain true to my identity, in this age of rampant technology. For my final project I desired to have it change me. I challenged myself to document days without my phone, to De-Cyborg. This four minute video invites the audience to explore my internal conversation with my phone, as I refer to it as “you”.

Read entire abstract here.

Mentor: Tania Lizarazo, Global Studies

Voice Thread presentation.

In Spanish-language classrooms in the U.S.,English speakers often have difficulty in properly conjugating Spanish verbs. Therefore, in order to foster a generation of confidently bilingual students in our increasingly globalized world, the most meaningful pieces of the language must be stressed. In this study, sixty-six ninth and tenth-gradestudents were asked to practice their conjugation using an app over time in order to improve their ability to properly conjugate verbs. 

Read complete abstract here.

Mentor: Dr. Linda Oliva, Education

"It's with great honor I share with you today that I have been accepted into the JET program!"

If you've been following De'Jia, a Global Studies major with a Political Science minor, you know she spent her Fall semester in Japan at Nanzan University. She took full advantage of her time there participating in a host of activities. From volunteering for the Black Women's Conference to offering her Japanese cohort a taste of Thanksgiving (out of a toaster oven!). This Fall, she'll join the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program as an Assistant Language Teacher teaching English. She finds out in June where her post will be.

The JET Program seeks participants who are adaptable, outgoing, and who have a deep interest in Japan. Only the best candidates are chosen to represent America. The JET Program typically receives 4,000-5,000 applications each year from U.S. applicants. Of these, 1,000-1,100 will be selected for participation in the JET Program. The Program allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan.

The Humanities Scholars Program congratulates De'Jia on being selected!

See Tess's latest post from February 4th, 2020