College of Arts & Sciences Explores Varied Topics at Conference
Fifth Annual CASCon Explores History, Issues
Sacred Heart University’s fifth annual College of Arts & Sciences Conference (CASCon) resumed in person this year, taking place at the Frank & Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts in three, 55-minute segments.
More than 40 faculty members participated in this year’s conference, representing multiple disciplines: languages and literature, psychology, biology, mathematics, government, Catholic studies, art and design, communications, chemistry and physics, history, theatre arts, theology/religious studies, media and sociology. There were 30 talks that covered various topics, such as the civil war, theatre, body image and Foodstagrams (Instagram posts about food).
Professors David Thomson, Kelly Marino and Jennifer McLaughlin from the history department discussed, “New England and The Civil War.” They spoke about the region’s significant involvement in supporting the North through bonds and volunteer activities, such as the Hartford Soldiers’ Aid Society (HSAS). Thomson’s presentation mirrored the topic of his new book about how the civil war received funding through bonds―essentially a high volume of “IOUs.” He explained that the use of bonds brought heavy traffic to the area, due to the high volume of banks in the Northeast.
McLaughlin discussed her ancestor’s heritage as Fairfield residents who strived to preserve the Union. McLaughlin’s analysis of her family role in the conflict is part of what she hopes to be a larger project exploring the war and how it was received in the town of Fairfield compared to its neighbor (and perhaps stronger supporter of the war) Bridgeport.
Marino highlighted the HSAS and its work with the United States Sanitary and Christian Commissions. She described women’s volunteer work in Connecticut, which she said is overlooked. Her research thesis states: “HSAS provided patriotic women with a well-organized and respected avenue for contributing to the war effort in CT. It provided assistance to military that was necessary for sustaining local soldiers and pushing the Union cause closer to victory, but their story is too often forgotten.”
The second session included a presentation on “Re-Representing Representations in Theatre and Performance Studies,” hosted by Charles Gillespie from Catholic studies, Emily Bryan from languages and literature and Rachel Bauer from media arts and performing arts.
Gillespie started by defining the term “scenography”―everything one sees as part of a story. It is what enables theatre-makers to create a world on stage. He explained how the use of set design elements such as framing and stage structure is a strategy. His example was a play with a crooked floor, which emphasizes new ways to perceive and think about climate change.
Next, Bryan dove into Shakespeare and how he selected actors for his plays. Her analysis revealed how boys were sold and kidnapped into theatre companies, which relates to the labor history and practices of Shakespeare’s time.
Bauer wrapped up the discussion by drawing attention to the science of infertility and how it is represented in theatre. She explained there is a level of discomfort and hesitation in the theatre industries when it comes to displaying pregnant women or addressing infertility
“The Effects of Foodstagrams on Male and Female Athletes’ and Non-Athletes’ Body Image and Body Esteem” was presented in the third panel, conducted by Mary Ignagni from the psychology department. The talk highlighted research regarding college athletes and their reactions to Foodstagrams. She spoke about impact of Instagram food pictures on body image and body esteem. “The goal of the present study is to determine the effects of viewing Foodstagrams on body image and body esteem for both athletes and non-athletes. As there is little empirical evidence on this topic, the current study will be able to provide pioneering research on this topic,” the presentation description explained. “The importance of this research is to bring a better awareness to how Foodstagrams, whether healthy or unhealthy, impact the individuals who are viewing them.”
Ignagni was inspired to research this topic after Olivia Mittleman ’19 submitted her senior capstone project on a similar concept. Ignagni had two other psychology students besides Mittleman join her on the research initiative.