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Author Archive | Robbie Bolton

Ines Jindra

By on September 16, 2002 in Faculty Publications

Ines, Wenger Jindra. “Crossing the Gods: World Religions and Worldly Politics.” Social Forces 81, no. 1 (2002): 378-380.

Abstract: Are there “culture wars” occurring in countries other than the U.S.? The main theme of this fascinating book is the relationship between religion and politics around the world. In the first part, the author combines an anthropological approach with travelography and takes his readers on a worldwide journey, using the image of religion as a moth circling the flame (politics). Religion, like the moth, increases both its possible gains (e.g., it can energize politics, provide legitimacy and moral leverage) and possible losses (e.g., assassinations of openly religious figures, religious violence or religious lethargy due to influence of the government) by approaching the political flame too closely. In order to understand these issues, he stresses the cultural context of religion over its doctrine.

Michael Jindra

By on April 3, 2002 in Faculty Publications

Jindra, Michael. “Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress.” American Anthropologist 104, no. 3 (09, 2002): 978-979.

Abstract: Why has such an enormous gap developed between rich and poor countries of the world? Some have argued alternatively for differences in geography or environment, political or economic systems, or histories of exploitation. Cultural differences have also been a major explanation, and, given the central role of the culture concept in our discipline, anthropologists should be talking the lead in this discussion, but too often other scholars pick up where we fear to tread, as this book does.

Robert Woods

By on October 29, 2001 in Faculty Publications

Brauch, Jeffrey, and Robert Woods. “Faith, Learning and Justice in Alan Dershowitz’s The Genesis of Justice: Toward a Proper Understanding of the Relationship between the Bible and Modern Justice.” Valparaiso University Law Review 36, no. 1 (October 15, 2001): 1-71.

Abstract: We first want to commend you for undertaking the challenge to interweave your legal education with a biblical perspective. The Seminar correctly recognizes what generations of scholars have clearly demonstrated: the Bible is foundational to our modern American conceptions of law and justice.(FN1)
We were delighted to hear Professor Dershowitz’s report on the amount of interest in the Seminar when it was first offered at Harvard in the Fall of 1997: 150 students for twenty places!(FN2) The interest displayed for this class, not to mention the very existence of the Seminar itself, is consistent with what has been called the “religious revival” at American law schools that is changing the face of legal education as we know it.(FN3) And since we were unable to attend the Seminar, we have accepted Professor Dershowitz’s gracious invitation to “continue the dialogue” in this format and trust that our comments will be submitted to you so as to add to the “dialogue among generations.”(FN4)

Robert Woods

By on October 29, 2001 in Faculty Publications

Woods, Robert, and Jack Keeler. “The Effect of Instructor’s Use of Audio E-mail Messages on Student Participation in and Perceptions of Online Learning: a preliminary case study.” Open Learning 16, no. 3 (October 2001): 263-278. doi: 10.1080/02680510120084977

Abstract: The researchers, in the context of LEAD 713, a graduate-level online course at Regent University, consider whether the systematic use of instructor-initiated audio e-mails (as a supplement to regular textual forms of communication) will increase students’ participation in group discussion and result in more favorable student perceptions of student/faculty relationships and quality of group discussion, a greater sense or feeling of online community, and a higher degree of satisfaction with the overall learning experience. The results as a whole appear to challenge the researchers’ initial assumptions. Benefits of audio e-mails are discussed and future research designs are suggested.

Charles White

By on May 7, 2001 in Faculty Publications

White, Charles Edward. “Spare the Rod and Spoil the Church.” Christian History  20 no. 1 (2001): 28.

Abstract: Though Methodism thrived on big crowds, its survival depended on the discipline of small groups. When the Methodist movement began to grow, John Wesley faced the problem of dealing with converts who returned to their old ways. Many Methodists came from the lowest social classes, so nothing in their background or environment helped them live the “sober, quiet, godly lives” Wesley prescribed. Their backsliding discouraged those who were trying to follow Christ and gave Methodism’s detractors ammunition.

Garnet Hauger

By on May 7, 2000 in Faculty Publications

Hauger, Garnet S. “Instantaneous rate of change: a numerical approach.” International Journal Of Mathematical Education In Science & Technology 31, no. 6 (November 2000): 891-897.

Abstract: The calculus reform movement has encouraged numerical and graphical approaches to functions in addition to the more traditional analytical approach. While valiant efforts have been made to use these other approaches in newer calculus curricula, more numerical approaches should be introduced. Research on student learning in calculus indicates that particular numerical approaches hold promise for students’ learning of instantaneous rate of change. Numerical approaches involving the average rate of change over successively smaller intervals can be used to obtain the instantaneous rate of change for a given function at a given value of x. These approaches can help students appreciate the fundamental relationship between average and instantaneous rates of change. They can also be used to obtain general expressions for the derivative of most elementary functions. Standard computer spreadsheet programs facilitate this process and make numerical approaches a more viable option for calculus instruction. These are underutilized resources for instruction in calculus, even in reform or other new calculus curricula.

Wally Metts

By on May 7, 1996 in Faculty Publications

Metts, Wallis C. Jr. “Home sweet hassle.” Educational Leadership 54, (October 1996): 72-73.

Abstract: Part of a special section on school choice and charter schools. The writer discusses his own and his partner’s experiences as home schoolers. They have no delusions that home schooling was easy. It became a political decision, as they had to lobby for the right to do it. They have also had to defend their decision to school officials, in-laws, close friends, and even total strangers, all of whom believed that their children would become social misfits. However, their children are socialized, civilized, and sensitive. The writer states that home schooling is a labor of love and contends that no child will be the worse for having experienced the focused attention of a caring adult, particularly the child’s own parent.

Richard Wallace

By on May 7, 1993 in Faculty Publications

Wallace, Richard Cheever. “Exploring Norms and Moral Authority through Content Analysis of Classic Texts.” Teaching Sociology 21, no. 1 (January 1993): 90-94.

Abstract: This article presents an assignment which can help solve some problems related to teaching. These problems include :how one can teach students to grasp clearly the concepts of norms and sanctions in relation to the more nebulous notions of values and morality; how one can give students practice in the often challenging area of content analysis; how one can bring classical writings from various cultures into sociological curriculum; how one can deal with the realm of ethics in classes without straying toward a parochial ethnocentrism or an “anything goes” cultural relativism.

Wally Metts

By on May 7, 1991 in Faculty Publications

Metts, Wally. “Carving out a niche: small presses are developing innovative – and often local – strategies for reaching young readers.” Publishers Weekly 238, no. 50 (Nov 15, 1991): 36.

Abstract: Many small presses are expanding into the children’s literature market and are emphasizing niche publishing. The niche is often regional, but can also include specific areas of interest. A look at the market is presented.