Category: Student Life

The Honors Exchange is On-Foot in Chicago

By: Onteya Zachary

On Friday, February 24th, Honors Exchange participants reunited for the second time since the start of the Spring semester at the Chicago Architecture Center. After our first time reconvening on Friday January 27th for a tour of the Auditorium building and theater led by university historian Dr. Lynn Weiner, we hadn’t had much time as a class to discuss what we experienced in our walkabouts over Winter break. The walkabout project was an asynchronous activity over the months of November and December (and into January) where we were enabled to continue our conversation about the design of neighborhoods by focusing on neighborhoods we’d be touring later in the semester known as Chicago’s “first five” (Bronzeville, Chinatown, Greektown/West Loop, Little Italy, and Pilsen).

Students were randomly assigned to a neighborhood and each group roughly consisted of three members. Madeline LaFrambois (freshman), Emily Sanchez (junior), and Denise Merodio Gomez (sophomore) were assigned to the Bronzeville community. As a group, they ventured for well over two hours exploring the area and taking note of not only building design, but how narrative and community identity were communicated through statues of notorious musical figures relevant to the history of Bronzeville such as performers who visited the area. From Etta Moton to Nat King Cole, African American musicians and music such as jazz, blues, or gospel music were greatly informed by the migration of Southern black musicians. Most notable from their presentation was their coverage of the Defender building. Located on King Drive, the Chicago Defender was one of the most successful African-American newspapers of great influence during the Great Migration.

Bronzeville group members get crafty at the Chicago Public Library in the neighborhood!
Bronzeville group read plaques pertinent to the history of the neighborhood on the Forum.

The Chicago Defender was founded in 1905 by Robert S. Abbot. Even though it was only a kitchen table publication, it grew to be the most powerful African-American newspaper in America. What is so important about this newspaper is that Abbot wrote about the rights of African-Americans, to protest on discrimination, being able to have a voice about political and personal action, hopes of the blacks. Bronzeville was a black metropolis and one of the nation’s most significant landmarks in African American urban history. The Bronzeville group benefited from experiencing one of Chicago’s first neighborhoods as it stands today. More importantly, they collaborated in a project where they got to better understand how planned (and unplanned) environments shape experience, identity, access, assets, and resources, barriers and boundaries, possibility, impossibility, and more. The findings, synthesis, and reflection they presented the other exchange participants with while presenting their project on Bronzeville was stimulating.

The Bronzeville group encounters the historic Defender building along their route in the neighborhood.

Each group presented for roughly an hour of the exchange before we put on our coats and headed outside for an on-foot adventure. We began outside of the Chicago Architecture Center observing the land on which the Apple store (401 Michigan Ave.) sat on. Angela Esposito, the Director of Education and Experience at Chicago Architecture Center, contextualized this land as the space in which Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable’s first trading post sat. Moreover, Angela unsilenced DuSable’s wife, Kittihawa, in the legacy of his success by informing us that she played a crucial role in his success with developing a prosperous trading post on native land considering she aided in translation between the tribes and DuSable. Following that, we moseyed along as a group to a building wrapping its great size around the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive and overlooking the cities; the building was none other than the historic London House. 

Honors Exchange participants stop outside of the London House building as the first stop on their on-foot tour!
Honors Exchange participants stop outside of the London House building as the first stop on their on-foot tour!

Here, we examined some of the notable features present in the architecture of the building which was produced during a booming period of industrialization in the 1920s with the arrival of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. Designed by Alfred S. Alschuler, the London House is representative of Beaux-Arts aesthetics with its classical inclusion of Corinthian columns and engravings of Roman figures in the stone facade. Exchange participants gazed at the architecture and ornate design in awe. Next, we walked to the end of the block and stopped in front of the Christian Science Reading Room and our attention was directed to two beautifully outstanding “corn-cobs” or Marina City. Marina City, although we could not venture inside, was a fantastic sight for us all even at such a distance away from the actual building. Angela informed us that the building was designed with the intention of creating affordable housing and the idea of concentrating all the essentials one would need to live (i.e. a grocery store, a car, a gym- to name a few) for those that would live in the city. It was for a time, the tallest residential building in the world and the tallest building made out of reinforced concrete. 

Angela Esposito informs the Roosevelt University Honors Exchange participants about the history and architecture of Marina City.
Angela Esposito informs the Roosevelt University Honors Exchange participants about the history and architecture of Marina City.

One of our last stops on the walking tour was to and inside of the Carbide and Carbon building. It was built by the sons of prominent Chicago architect Daniel Burnham’s, Hubert Burnham and Daniel Burnham Jr.. The exterior of the building is covered in polished black granite, and the tower is dark green terra cotta with gold leaf accents. The use of stylized representations of leaves on the building’s exterior was an intentional reference by the architects to the prehistoric origins of subterranean carbon deposits in the decay of ancient plants. When we walked in, the lobby featured a black Belgian Marble and Art Deco bronze work trim. In addition, many of the designs were informed– as we learned from Angela– by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in Egypt. Thus, several references to Egyptian pictorials found in the tomb of King Tut such as lotuses were present in the architectural design. 

Honors Exchange participants gaze in awe at the Carbide and Carbon building!
Honors Exchange participants gaze in awe at the Carbide and Carbon building!

Angela also informed us of a popular myth that the Burnham Brothers supposedly designed the building to resemble a dark green champagne bottle with gold foil at the top. After spending a few more moments admiring the building and reflecting on our time together we all departed. For a more visual understanding of our journey and on-foot adventure, feel free to poke around this Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Ew4jdhRMih7i4te5sFQYW-1D8FaIwnA&usp=sharing

We look forward to our time together on March 31st, 2023 where we will board a double decker bus and tour the “first five” neighborhoods of Chicago as a collective!

Honors at Model Illinois Government (MIG) Simulation at Prairie State College

On Friday, February 17th, a handful of selected Honors students with interests in Political Science attended a simulation of Model Illinois Government (MIG) at Prairie State College. A nervous excitement sat heavy in the air as students slowly rolled into the room where the event would occur. As we chatted over coffee, bagels, and fruit we shared our varying anticipation about what was to come. Soon enough, the simulation was ready to begin and Andy Schott, a Professor of Political Science at Prairie State College, took to the front of the room to explain the event, what we would be doing, and most importantly- the fun we would have if we were truly committed to the experience.

From Professor Schott, we learned that MIG is a simulation of parliamentary procedure, bill analysis, and parliamentary debate. Throughout the first hour of our time together, we were prepared to play various legislative positions such as legislators, executive officers, lobbyists, journalists, budget analysts, and other party leadership positions. These are similar legislative roles as those in the annual Model Illinois Government (MIG) competition. Then, as students role-playing legislators, we were assigned a political party and entered into a debate!

The first bill we debated was a Republican-crafted bill, HB5902, which was an amendment to previous legislation on firework regulation in Illinois. As Republicans, we crafted an argument grounded in economic reasoning whereas students who were role-playing Democrats emphasized the role of government in public health and safety initiatives. Despite a loss on the Republican side, it was our first attempt at putting our initial learning to the test. Over the rest of the day, students had the opportunity to play various legislative positions and political parties in order to debate bills HB4848 (A bill amending the Liquor Control Act of 1934) and HB0024 (A bill amending the School Code).

By the end of the simulation, students reflected on the experiential learning opportunity, grounded in state and local government, that they got to partake in. Not only did we as students become familiarized with the practical complexities of state government, but we were intimately introduced to formal debate and expression. Through teamwork and problem-solving exercises, we got to engage in critical thought as part of a collective of peers from other institutions in an academic context. 

Honors student Onteya Zachary (Senior), smiles for the camera as Honors students Alexander Kelly (Junior) delivers closing statements for the Democratic party.
Honors students Mia Moore (Junior) and Aileen Saucedo (Junior) pose for the camera
Aileen Saucedo (Junior), Alexander Kelly (Junior), and Onteya Zachary (Senior) listen to the points of another student participant from Purdue Northwest in their political party.
Arturo Torres (Junior) and Cecilia Quirarte (Sophomore), both Honors students, are attentive during informational sessions.
Honors students wait for the Metra train at the historic Van Buren train station, commuting to Prairie State College together.

The Nature of Science (Honors Course Reflection)

By: Onteya Zachary

This semester, I took an Honors course called The Nature of Science (BIOL 113) instructed by Dr. Kelsey Poulson-Ellestad (also known as “Dr. P”). We explored a variety of readings that address the interplay between science and society and the scientific process. In addition, we addressed other topics of interest to the class such as sentient beings, knowledge, and climate change. The class in the tradition of Honors encouraged us to individually utilize our arsenal of skills, experiences, and perspectives from our own studies or major and apply them here. Not only did I get to enhance my skills and familiarity with scientific methodology, scientific research, and communication, but I became better equipped to understand advances in science in a technology-rich society.

One of my favorite experiential projects within the course was performing our own scientific research. It included developing a question and testable hypothesis, collecting data, as well as analyzing and interpreting that data. Much of our project was completed in collaboration with our classmates and instructor, Dr. P. For example, we were able to write out journal reflections in private to the teacher as well as discuss the status of our projects throughout each phase of the scientific method/research. In doing this, we were able to really commit and participate in this endeavor in the truest capacity as science is a collaborative endeavor. Throughout our research process, we were also required to carry journals and log our learning and curiosities throughout the individual project.

Another experiential learning project we got to complete and engage in active reflection on was the Unessay Project. Essentially, in lieu of a final exam, my peers and I worked on a final project that demonstrated how we connected with the course content and learning objectives. The details of the project were largely entrusted to us and we were ultimately provided with a creative academic outlet.  These projects could have included a variety of activities and the creation of items. For my project, I designed two sets of earrings that were representations of concepts such as understanding as a common experience and the importance of observation. I felt strongly attached to these concepts and felt myself thoroughly engaging with them in relation to my major. 

Moving forward from the course, I am enthusiastically wondering about how I will bring scientific thinking to bear on issues that affect myself and my communities. Albeit, I had not fully understood the course content when I registered for it, I was thoroughly engaged with the learning experience I embarked on since the first day of class. Not only was the course material exciting and untraditional in the sense of science classes I have taken in the past, but Dr. P was always an energetic and enthusiastic teacher with an avid love for science and teaching everpresent in her interactions with students.

Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol Review

By: Onteya Zachary

As a member of the Honors Program, I have always found pride in the shared community value of taking learning outside. Especially, considering this value parallels the Roosevelt University motto of Chicago as our campus. There are unlimited opportunities to stimulate and engage in each of your individual curiosities in every corner of the city. This semester, I began my journey engaging with the Honors theme of the “Best Laid Plans” through my academic involvement such as the Honors Exchange, No Small Plans, my Honors courses such as The Nature of Science, and experiential opportunities to learn through programming and lectures– such as Race and the City— that are open to students free of charge through the American Dream Reconsidered conference.

I wondered, however, how the theme could be applicable to life outside of campus. Thus, last weekend, I attended Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol. A magically inventive puppet play adapted from the renowned Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol. Prior to the play, I did not have drastic expectations. I was thrilled I could attend a puppet play, which has become a newfound love of mine, and excited to see a puppet play that revolved around the Christmas holiday which seemingly crept up stealthily throughout the Fall semester. Lo and behold, my expectations did not go as planned as I soon realized this was not a usual retelling of Dicken’s iconic holiday ghost story.

Upon walking into the theater, the scene was unique and one whose sensation upon viewing is indescribable. Stacked on a large, red woven rug were several cardboard boxes with bold, black writing on the side– ‘JOE’S SHIRTS’, ‘JOE’S SHOES’, ‘JOE’S MUSIC’. Upon a circular, wooden table sat a large tripod set up with a laptop. The camera on the tripod was strictly focused on a small, makeshift stage roughly the size of a doll house. As I found my way to my seat, I pondered upon who Joe could be, why his stuff was in boxes, and most importantly how that scene could somehow capture the story of A Christmas Carol. Nothing within the scene seemed conducive to the story I knew. Even live musicians chattered visibly behind the entire scene and adjacent to them were unmanned large, vintage film cameras. Shortly thereafter, the lights dimmed and the show began.

Full of humor and timeliness, Manual Cinemas Christmas Carol tells the story of both Scrooge and a new character, Aunt Trudy, a recent widow alone on Christmas for the first time following the passing of her husband, Joe, who died due to health complications with Covid-19. When the play began, the foundation for the unique retelling of this classic story was set through the shared experience of isolation, loss, and regret that Aunt Trudy is navigating as she attempts to continue Joe’s beloved family puppet show tradition over Zoom. Throughout the play, audience members and I watched in bewilderment and surprise as Aunt Trudy endured a transformative “dark night of the soul” similar to that of Scrooge’s. In its essence and at its core, the play was about an individual spending Christmas alone, haunted by the specters of their past, and anticipating their own mortality. Originally, the play was even performed as an online streaming production in December 2020 when most of us were quarantined at home. 

In my reflection following the show, I realized this play had shattered my expectations and provided me with a unique retelling of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol I’ll never forget. Partially, because the puppets and puppeteers in and of themselves created no small plan. By strategically incorporating elements of timeliness and humor into the story were they able to create a product that could so intimately address the themes of isolation and loss. Not only did I appreciate the play, but I appreciated the lens the Honors Program theme provided me to view the play through. From the micro to the macro level in the creation to the viewing of the production, planning was a tool so essential to the process and this atypical retelling blossomed from that effort to become a beautiful story in and of its own right.

 

 

“On the honor of Honors”

Hello Honors Community,

Happy Monday!

An amazing episode of the University’s “…And Justice for All” podcast entitled “On the honor of Honors,” features a conversation among two brilliant Honors students, Mia Moore and Onteya Zachary!

Mia and Onteya are heavily involved in many Honors initiatives and their conversation offers a fascinating snapshot into their lives—personal, intellectual, academic—as Honors students. On this episode, there is no host. Just Mia and Onteya, talking about everything from their names to finding themselves at Roosevelt.

Listen here: “On the honor of Honors”

The Death and Life of Martha P. Johnson

Hello Honors community!

This Thursday, February 24, at 4:45 p.m. the Humanities Student Advisory Council will be hosting a movie screening of “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson” in WB 911!

Following the viewing, there will be a discussion of the documentary about the iconic activist.

We hope to see you there!

 

 

 

 

 

Philosophic Poetry and Psychology – Montesquieu Forum Online Conference

Hello Honors community,

On Saturday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m., the first Montesquieu forum of the year, “Philosophic Poetry and Psychology”, will be held via Zoom!

Attend, engage, and support Roosevelt Professor Stuart Warner and Professor Svetozar Minko as they introduce and moderate the event.

There will be several accomplished speakers at the forum including Professor Derek Duplessie of Clemson University (“The Tragedy of Tragedy: On Euripides’ Bacchae”), Professor Marina Marren of United Arab Emirates University (“Comedic Wisdom: A Task for the Humanities in a Democratic State”), independent scholar Dr. Alex Limanowski (“Twisted Passageways: Lucretius on Wonder and the Senses”), and Dr. Ian Dagg of the University of Dallas (“Will to Power in Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil”).

We hope to see you there!

 

Virtual Discussion of “Catch Me if You Can”

Hello Honors Community,

Join us Tuesday, February 15th from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. for a discussion of the crime caper film, “Catch Me if You Can”. The discussion will be led by Criminal Justice professor Natasha Robinson and Political Science professor Andy Trees.

Thanks to our library, you can watch the film ahead of the discussion using your student credentials at this link.

We hope to see you there!

Honors Program Film Series: Catch Me If You Can

Honors community,

The Honors Program is hosting a discussion of the 2002 Steven Spielberg film, “Catch Me If You Can”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks! Our discussion will be led by Professor Natasha Robinson (Criminal Justice) and Professor Andy Trees (Political Science) on Tuesday, February 15th, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm via Zoom. Please view the film in advance using this link. We hope to see you there!