1. Art and Diseño

Sessions will be in the Multipurpose Room, 5B-16 (Except, Feb12:
8:30 – 1:00; in Theatre.)
Dawson College Social Science Week
February 9th to 13th, 2015
Monday, February 9th
8:30 am
Take Two! - Hollywood and Historical Movies
Isabelle Carrier and Lisa Steffen, Dawson - History
Movies are useful tools for the purpose of learning history. They serve to extend learning
beyond the textbook and help us get the “feel” for an era by connecting concepts with visual
representations. The two presenters on this panel will share various strategies for using movies
to learn about the past. Topics covered include: how movie scenes can provide an impression of
daily life in a particular era, the use of popular historical fiction to build on acquired knowledge,
and how movies produced during a certain era (1950s) are seen as echoing and in turn shaping
cultural trends. The validity of films can be also evaluated.
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10:00 am
Buddha Bikinis and Ganesha Tattoos:
The Western Appropriation of Eastern Religious Symbols
Lawrence Nixon and Johanne Rabbat, Dawson - Religion
We are presently living in an era with unprecedented access to a variety of religious beliefs and
practices from all over the planet. Eastern religious traditions have now truly circled the globe,
as Hindu and Buddhist imagery has become part of our very own Western frame of reference.
This appropriation of Eastern religious symbols by Western culture not only raises problematic
issues with regards to the use of Eastern sacred imagery, but also gives rise to a number of
questions regarding the appropriation or importation of symbols from foreign lands to cultures
that do not share the same beliefs and values. This talk will focus on a few such instances where
the East and the West collide.
11:30 am
Well-being, Forever, For All…
Chris Adam, and environmental leadership CRLT students - Dawson
What happens when students discover that their happiness and well-being are intertwined with
the happiness and well-being of other people and the natural environment? What happens
when students are asked to present what they are grateful for after a course or what connections
they have made between their lives and a course? This session will explore how an intensive
outdoor experience inspired a group of Dawson students to reflect on Sustainable
Happiness: happiness that contributes to individual, community and/global well-being without
exploiting other people, the environment or future generations (O’Brien, C.).
Monday, February 9th afternoon
1:00 pm
If It Looks Like a Duck, Swims Like a Duck, and Quacks Like a Duck, Is It a Duck?:
Bride Abduction and the Importance of Context in Anthropological Research
Kate Rice, Anthropologist, University of Toronto
Kate Rice spent a year and a half conducting fieldwork in rural South Africa studying a wide range of topics including (but not limited to): gender, generation, HIV/Aids, marriage practices/patterns and more. Using the example of bride abduction, a central topic in her PhD dissertation, Kate Rice will discuss research methods used in anthropology and the importance of avoiding ethnocentrism when conducting anthropological research. 2:30 pm
Understanding Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating
Jodie Richardson, Psychologist and Co-founder of CHANGE, Cognitive Behavioural
Psychology Clinic
We hear talk of eating disorders in the media and all around us, but there is still much
misconception about what it means to suffer from an eating disorder. This talk will help you
understand what causes some people to be at risk and how to recognize the signs and symptoms
of eating disorders. We will discuss what is involved in the treatment of an eating disorder, how
to best intervene with a friend or loved one suffering from such a disorder and how you can
contribute to the prevention of eating disorders.
4:00 pm
Challenges and Realities Facing Aboriginal Women
Widia Larivière, Youth Coordinator, Québec Native Women - Femmes Autochtones du Québec
Founded in 1974, Quebec Native Women defends the interests of First Nations women in
Quebec and Aboriginal women living in urban areas. We support Aboriginal women in their
efforts to better their living conditions through the promotion of non-violence, justice, health
and equality. We also empower women in their commitment to their communities. This session
will allow participants to get an overview of the challenges and realities facing Aboriginal
women, as well as the initiatives and campaigns led by the organization. This will be followed
by a discussion on the ways to support the organization and the mobilizations of Aboriginal
women.
Tuesday, February 10th
8:30 am
Behind Closed Doors - The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Abe Worenklein, Dawson - Psychology
When one considers what children need in order to develop their full potential, we know that
children require a home in which they feel safe and secure and in which they are protected by
their parents from violence directed at them or violence that is witnessed by them. One
recognizes that there are risk and protective factors that can hinder or that can promote a child's
development. One of the greatest risk factors for children to becoming "at risk" is the presence
of domestic violence within the home. The presentation will demonstrate how domestic
violence affects children/adolescents at the different stages of development.
10:00 am
Monetary Policy in Canada and the Impact of Lower Oil Prices on the Canadian Economy
Lise Pichette, Senior Regional Representative (Economics), Bank of Canada
Lise Pichette will present the objectives of Canadian monetary policy and explain how the
policy works in practice. She will review the Bank’s most recent monetary policy decision and
present how the Bank sees the economy evolving over the next few quarters, considering the
risks that surround this outlook. She will focus on the impact of the recent oil price shock on the
Canadian economy and identify the main channels through which movements in commodity
prices affect our economy. What are the sectors or regions that will be adversely affected? Who
will benefit?
11:30 am
Clearing the Air: Environmentalism for the Non-Environmentalist
Geoffrey Pearce, Dawson - Geography
The term ‘environmentalism’ has been associated with so many issues, opinions, and ideologies
that it has, understandably, become confusing for many. Quite often, it is assumed that
environmentalism is synonymous with pessimism, self-righteousness, and negativity. I hope to
clear the air by outlining the sensible ‘bottom-line’ concerns that are the basis of
environmentalism. Once I have argued for the legitimacy of these concerns I will show that
making environmentally conscious decisions does not require severe personal sacrifice,
alienating oneself from friends and family, or adopting a certain political ideology. Although
environmental consciousness requires a critical perspective, I will show that it can also be
consistent with sound personal finance, healthy lifestyle choices, and respect for friends, family,
and community.
Tuesday, February 10th afternoon
1:00 pm
Developing Democracy in Ukraine and Moldova : Elections and the Role of International
Observers
Helen Fotopulos, International Election Observer and former Municipal politician
Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, elections in the former Soviet republics have either
embraced the liberal democratic process or have simply adopted the veneer of the liberal
democratic process. The veneer of the liberal democratic process has as its characteristic an
election involving competing autonomous political parties. But the outcomes of such elections
are undermined by corruption and nepotism, and the curtailment of liberal principles of free
expression and the right to fair elections. Canada has played an important role in the democratic
development of the post-soviet space since 1991, and numerous Canadian election observation
missions have contributed significantly to this tradition. In the past year, Canada deployed two
large missions to observe the early presidential elections and the early parliamentary elections in
Ukraine and sent a delegation for the recent parliamentary elections in Moldova. The speaker
will focus on her role as an international observer of elections in the Ukraine and Moldova.
2.30 pm
Jerusalem 3D -IMAX, The Film
Daniel Ferguson, Director, Writer, Producer
As part of S.P.A.C.E. Trans- theme, Daniel Ferguson will discuss his award winning film,
Jerusalem 3D (filmed for IMAX and distributed by National Geographic), that sought to show
the diversity of Jerusalem and to promote understanding of the different cultures through the
eyes of three teenagers: a Jew, Christian and Muslim. Ferguson will address some of the issues
discussed by his advisory board of academics, theological experts and an archaeologist as well
as talk about some interesting filming of aerial shots of areas normally treated as no-fly zones
that permit us to better understand one the world’s most famous cities.
4:00 pm
Income Inequality: What is all the Fuss About?
Worku Aberra, Dawson - Economics
Income inequality in Canada, the US, and other countries has been rising over the last three
decades. The lecture, inspired by Thomas Picketty’s book, Capital in the Twenty-First
Century, discusses the causes and consequences of the rise in income inequality in Canada. The
metrics used to assess income inequality will be reviewed. Using some of these indicators, it
will be shown that the major source of income inequality in Canada, as elsewhere, has been the
differences in employment income, especially the difference between the high and rising
salaries of managers and chief executive officers of companies and the low and stagnant income
of ordinary Canadians. To illustrate the gap in income inequality in Canada today, the salaries
of the 10 highest paid Canadian executives will be compared with the average income of
Canadians. The main economic theory of income determination that is often used to explain
income inequality—marginal productivity and its variant modifications— will be presented, and
its weaknesses pointed out. In conclusion, the possible measures available to policy makers to
mitigate income inequality will be examined.
Wednesday, February 11th
8:30 am
Why Does Violence Persist In New Democracies?
Daniel Douek, Political Science, Concordia University
Several countries in Central America and Southern Africa fought bitter civil wars at the end of
the Cold War era, and then resolved their conflicts and held democratic elections after the Cold
War ended. Yet high levels of violent crime persist in some of these countries, while others
have become more peaceful. What explains these different outcomes? This talk will examine
the democratic changes in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and South Africa, and explain why violence
remains widespread in South Africa and Guatemala, while Nicaragua has become much safer.
10:00 am
Reconciling the Two Solitudes: Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians
Marie Wilson, Commissioner, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Dawson’s Inspire Solutions and First Peoples Initiative are honoured to host Dr Marie Wilson,
Commissioner for Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Dr. Wilson will discuss the
enormity of the task faced by the commission in its effort to record the suffering of those
affected by Canada’s residential school system and guide a process of reconciliation among and
within Aboriginal families, communities, churches, governments, and Canadians. She will
explain the damaging legacy of residential schools on Aboriginal Canadians and express how
imperative the deeper engagement of non-Aboriginal Canadians remains if meaningful
reconciliation is to be achieved. "We must be honest about the real two solitudes in this country,
that between Indigenous and non-Indigenous citizens, and commit to doing tangible things to
close the divide in awareness, understanding and relationships.”
Wednesday, February 11th afternoon
12:00pm
Dawson Oral History Project
Isabella Byrne, Jasmine Jalali-Kamaie, Matthew Wightman, Dawson - Students
Since 2012, Research Methods students at Dawson College have conducted oral history
interviews with over 700 Montreal residents. Each student who records an interview with a
member of their community is engaged in doing original research, complicating and expanding
existing bodies of knowledge regarding the meaning and experience of historical events. Last
fall, the Dawson Oral History Project was incorporated into a section of the Integrative Seminar
and a section of Advanced History. The students of these courses used previously recorded oral
histories, and recorded some new ones, in order to learn from and value the extraordinary life
experiences of ordinary Montrealers. Some of the students who participated in these sections
will present their research and talk about some of the challenges and benefits of using oral
history narratives as primary sources for research in the social sciences.
Wednesday, February 11th afternoon
2:30 to 5:30
Special Event
This special event will include numerous student posters on themes such as religious diversity,
social psychology, development and underdevelopment, and more. There will be displays
prepared by different profiles in the social science program, and various certificates open to
students across programs. As well there will be information and displays by groups involved in
college-wide activities.
2:30 pm to 3:45 Workshop
University 101– Room TBA
Antonina Nobile and Ivana Bonaduce, Dawson, Academic Advisors
Do you have questions about applying to university? Do you know the meaning of a minor,
major, specialization or honours in a university program? Are you wondering about the benefits
of attending a certain university in Montreal? This session will answer these questions and
more.
Thursday, February 12th
8:30 am ROOM : Theatre
Data to Make a Difference
Amelie Gagnon, UNESCO Institute for Statistics
We live in a world of data. Every time you update your status, tweet or Google something, you
are generating data that companies use to learn about you and target advertising. The data is
finding new audiences thanks to the open data movement, and new tools available for
visualizing statistics, and a new breed of data practitioner is entering the mainstream (data
scientist, data journalist, data visualization designer) -- using tools to unlock data from
spreadsheets and make it visual and explorable. Data can also be used to make the world a
better place. There are several examples of organizations doing this in the humanitarian field.
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics collects data on education, which is considered a basic
human right. Did you know that nearly 60 million children are not in school? Most of them are
girls. Whether you are interested in the common good, in coding or simply geek-curious, this
session will literally show you how data can be used for advocacy, policymaking, and research.
10:00 am ROOM : Theatre
Ecological Citizenship: from One Dollar, One Vote, to One Tree, One Vote
Kartik Sameer Madiraju, New York University, J.D. Candidate, Conflict Resolution Coach,
Environmental Justice Advocate
It is not the debilitating consequences of climate change, but the paralysis of its immensity that
is the true enemy of environmentalism. Starting from the irrefutable premise that it is our
generation that must bridge the painful rift between society and ecology, this presentation aims
to achieve three goals. First, to explain what environmentalism’s highest ambition should be.
Second, to examine where the individual, and communities, fit within the solution. And finally,
to challenge students and faculty alike to walk the difficult and rewarding path to ecological
balance, and environmental justice.
11:30 am ROOM : Theatre
Some Things Cannot Be Said: Wittgenstien, WWI & "All Quiet on the Western Front" Derrick Farnham, Dawson - Philosophy
Ludwig Wittgenstein’s philosophy is notoriously difficult to understand, and even more difficult
to explain. This is especially the case with his doctrine that some things cannot be said. This
difficulty can be eased by attending to the circumstances in which his book, "Tractatus LogicoPhilosophicus", was written, the First World War. Wittgenstein conceived the topic as a student
at Cambridge, wrote the book on the battlefield and polished it in a prison camp. His war time
experience reared his philosophy. One of the best accounts of a soldier’s experience in World
War One is Erich Maria Remarque’s book "All Quiet on the Western Front". By looking at
Remarque’s account we can understand Wittgenstein’s experience which shaped his philosophy.
This lecture will use Remarque’s account to make sense of Wittgenstein’s claim regarding what
cannot be said. In the end it will be shown that, like the soldiers who came back from World
War One, “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.” (Tractatus, 7)
Thursday, February 12th afternoon
1:00 pm
On Values, Choices and Environmental Degradation
Jean Duclos Alegue Fuego, Dawson - Economics
Environmental degradation is a result of the choices made by each of us and the society as a
whole. Individuals and society have things they want and need, and try to obtain them using the
limited resources they possess. In this quest, natural resources are used and goods are produced,
entrepreneurs identify opportunities and profit is made, jobs are created and the economy grows,
etc. Unfortunately, the process hardly takes into account the degradation of the environment and
the loss of services provided by the ecosystem. This presentation will clearly show that the
choices we make on a daily basis directly and indirectly contribute to the environmental
challenges presently facing the world. These choices are the result of the values of our society.
The presentation will present the different ecosystem services lost, how to place an economic
value on them and take them into consideration in our decision making processes. Given that
students are the future decision makers and entrepreneurs of tomorrow, the presentation will
propose how to become green students and citizens in order to change the current trend of
environmental degradation.
2:30 pm
UN Refugee Agency: Mandate and its Challenges
Denise Otis, Legal Officer for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Denise Otis, legal officer for the UNHCR, will describe the work of the UNHCR both in
Canada and internationally. She will provide an overview of the asylum procedure in Canada
and key issues for persons facing forced migration in the world of today.
4:00 pm
How Can We Better Include First Nations, Inuit and Métis People in the Canadian
Family?
Guy Freedman, Executive Director, Canadians For a New Partnership Chloe Ferguson, Speechwriter & Executive Assistant for The Right Honourable Paul Martin
Canadians for a New Partnership is built on the principle that Indigenous peoples in Canada and
Canadians can together build a strong economy and values-based society that will benefit
present and future generations. It is a principle shared by a growing number of other Canadians
from all walks of life, including churches, businesses, academia and the public service. Join
CFNP’s Executive Director Guy Freedman and Chloe Ferguson, Executive Assistant to the Rt.
Hon. Paul Martin – a CFNP Board Member - to learn about the Partnership and more
importantly, present your thoughts on how we can better include First Nations, Inuit and Métis
people in the Canadian family. The overriding mission is to build a better and stronger Canada,
and many are signing their name to a declaration, pledging to do so. If it feels right to you,
please consider signing the Declaration online at cfnp.ca after this event.
Friday, February 13th
8:30 am
Human Trafficking in Québec: Implications of the new Federal Bill C-36
Lynn Dion, Batshaw Youth and Family Services,
Emanuel Joncas, the project Dialogue, a YMCA International Initiative,
Bill C-36 maintains that the best way to avoid prostitution’s harms is to bring an end to its
practice. How does it apply to cases of human trafficking in Québec? Since its implementation,
some have raised concerns that the Nordic Model would drive prostitution underground, make
human trafficking more difficult to detect and impact the safety and well-being of vulnerable
women. The session will provide a comprehensive overview, and discuss some important legal
and social implications.
10:00 am
Last week, did you have a job ? Gwénaël Cartier, Regional Advisor for Statistics Canada’s Eastern Region
Every month, Statistics Canada is required to conduct the Labour Force Survey (LFS). The LFS
provides estimates of employment and unemployment which are among the most timely and
important measures of performance of the Canadian economy. With the release of the survey results
only 13 days after the completion of data collection, the LFS estimates are the first of the major
monthly economic data series to be released. LFS data are used to produce unemployment rates, as
well as other standard labour market indicators such as employment rates and participation rates.
The LFS also provides employment estimates by industry, occupation, public and private sector,
hours worked and much more, all cross-classifiable by a variety of demographic characteristics.
Estimates are produced for Canada, the provinces, the territories and a large number of subprovincial regions.
11:30 am
Ten Months on a Bike - Cycling Across Asia
Émilie Richer & Yann Lamontagne – Dawson - Mathematics
Émilie and Yann spent ten months cycling over 10,000km from Istanbul to Singapore. With
many photos to share, they will discuss some of the more unique experiences of their journey,
and the challenges that they faced while on the road. The talk will touch on how travel can
change the way one sees their role in society.
Friday, February 13th afternoon
1:00 pm
Economic Challenges and Opportunities for Minorities and Immigrants in America
Andrew Zvirzdin , Political/Economic Officer, U.S. Consulate General Montreal The American dream—the concept that with hard work and good ideas you can succeed in life—has been at the bedrock of the national ethos of the United States since its founding. As a country, the United Stories has sought to establish political and economic conditions that reward innovation and ingenuity. But its legacy of slavery, the challenges of racism, and prejudice have at times clouded this dream for many. Today, the United States continues to wrestle with the challenges of keeping the American dream alive for all of its citizens. This presentation will provide a brief historical review of economic conditions for minorities and immigrants in the United States and discuss what steps the United States is pursuing to ensure greater economic opportunity for all. 2:30 pm Closure -­‐ Refreshments