Texas A&M-Commerce Hall of Languages, Room 203English 102 December 17, 2009, 10:30-12:30

Commerce Writes Symposium, Fall 2009Panel #1: Students

Morgan Saxon, “More Than Scholarship” (video)Investigated perceptions of the current cohort of Honors College students at TexasA&M-Commerce, including concerns about stereotyping the “smart” student Vanesa Navarro, “Through The Eyes of Students: The

East Texan

During World War II”A study of East Texas State Teachers College through the pages of the

East Texan

(student paper) before, during, and immediately after World War IIRachel Bailey, “Fear. Failure. Stress. Literacy.” (video)An exploration of various outlets for stress among three Honors College Students, with particular attention paid to the one most common outlet: organization, and the incredible variety of textsgenerated by these students in pursuit of this goalJenAnne Shumway, “Does Their ‘tude and Mood Affect Your Food?”An exploration of how students view the visual literacy

through body language, and how thisimpacts the text via comment cards

Panel #2: Community

Hunter Joyce, “Past Panels: The Influence of Our Literacy History” (video)A study of the ways in which previous experiences with texts affect present reading and writing practices. Current project focuses on the reading of comic books as described by readers andcreators of comics.Caroline Carleson, “Heartfelt and Timeless”Exploration of Cowhill Songwriter’s Night (Commerce, Texas) as a sponsor of literacy (Brandt),focusing on how ambiance, opportunity, and audience reactions encourage growth in creativityBreanna Irvin, “The BSU: Reaching Out to Students Through a Variety of Methods”A study of the methods used by the Baptist Student Ministry at Texas A&M-Commerce to reachout to students across campusHaley Mull, “Catholic Discrimination”A study of Catholics in Commerce, Texas, especially with

respect to the Catholic StudentOrganization (CSO) and discrimination as experienced among its membership, withadded views of non-Catholics as well. Arielle McMahon, “Literacy as an Art”A study of visual literacy as communicated in the university art gallery and the potential for moreextensive community involvement via a proposed art gallery on the square in downtownCommerce

Panel #3: Extracurricular

Samantha Reece and Andrew Davis, “Basketball Literacy” (video)Investigation of the Commerce Men’s Basketball team and their uses of texts both on and off thecourt

Haley Richburg, “Who Runs 12 Miles?” (video)A study of the various texts engaged by cross country runners, as well as how these runners usethemLindsey Durham, “Title?”

Nathaniel Brinlee, “The Impact of Project STEEM”Study of impact of Project STEEM on the participants involved and their future approaches to thedisciplines represented therein (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)Jude, “Title?”Alyx Davidson, “New Members at Alpha Phi: Influence and Involvement”An insider's look at the influential factors within the sorority and how they affect new member's perceptions, behaviors, and actions. Also a study of the different levels of exposure to the Greek culture and resulting involvement within the society.

Panel #4: Life History

Jeremy Bordon, “Like Father, Unlike Son”Autoethnography on the different literacy

practices between father and son, and the resultinginfluences on the social relationship between the twoAshley Moses, “Are You Right Handed or Left Handed?”Investigation of patterns of life experiences leading to left-hand or right-hand dominance, with particular attention paid to experiences the researcher calls “force-handedness” in school or in thehome. Participants students and staff at A&M-Commerce.Eddie Arciga, “Do Personal Histories Affect Views of the ‘Model Student’?”A study of the common themes among two Mexican-American, high-achieving students and their views of the “model student.” Participants currently students at A&M-Commerce.

Panel #5: Potpourri

Jessica Martin, “Through the Eyes of a Photographer” (video)A study of two “hobbiest” photographers and one professional photographer, especially in terms of “sponsorship” (Brandt). All participants photographers in Commerce and Paris, Texas.Adam Martin, “The Latest Lingo”A study in the “ideals” of informal literacy and the communities in which it thrives (focus onFacebook) Allie Stauffer, “L173R4CY”A study in the perceived differences between high schoolers who identify as “math” people andthose who identify as English people. Differences described by students at Commerce HighSchool.