News

Four Lee University students recently presented papers at the 22nd Annual Latin American Studies Symposium at Birmingham-Southern College (BSC).

In addition to BSC and Lee, the conference hosted students and faculty from colleges and universities all over the United States, such as Baylor (Texas), Samford (Ala.), Tulane (La.), Vanderbilt (Tenn.), Vassar (N.Y.) and Yale (Conn.), among others.

The students went through a long research and writing process throughout the semester in order to present at the conference, according to Dr. Alexander Steffanell, assistant professor of Spanish at Lee and faculty sponsor for the trip.

“The students not only presented in Spanish,” said Steffanell, “but they also discussed their topics intelligently with peers and faculty representatives from some very prestigious programs, showing their ability to think critically about current topics and world views. I’m proud of how well they represented Lee, not just as Spanish speakers, but as thinkers and learners.”

Lee presenters included Spanish majors Emily Bricker, Stephen Halstead, Michael McGrath and Hannah White.

Bricker’s presentation was titled “La ‘misión integral’ y la teología de la liberación en Latinoamérica.” (“The ‘Integral Mission’ and the Liberation Theology in Latin America.”)

Halstead presented on “La mitificación de Eva Perón: religiosa retórica epidíctica en el discurso mediático.” (“The myth of Eva Peron: Epidictica Religious Rhetoric in the Media Discourse.”)

McGrath spoke on “Antifeminismo: la opresión de la mujer hispana en los Estados Unidos.” (“Anti-feminism: The Oppression of Hispanic Women in the United States.”)

White’s topic was “Una mirada a la educación latinoamericana.” (“A Look at Latin American Education.”)

“This is a great opportunity for our students,” continued Steffanell. “It not only allows them the chance to show what they’ve learned, but it also motivates them to continue with graduate school in Spanish or Latin American Studies.”

This was Steffanell’s fifth trip taking students to the symposium.

For more information about Spanish or Latin American Studies at Lee, contact the Department of Language & Literature at 423-614-8210 or email Steffanell at [email protected].
 

 
Pictured here are student presenters (l to r) McGrath, Halstead, Bricker and White.