OT: A question for M students and grads of the last 7 or so years

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April 25th, 2011 at 11:00 AM
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James Burrill Angell
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OT: A question for M students and grads of the last 7 or so years

Alright. for all you Michigan undergrads looking for a study break (i.e procrastination break) and also recent grads of the last seven or so years, I need some help. I do work with a few alumni groups and, as I mentioned in a post a few months ago, we've been looking to bring some UofM professors out into the world to speak. The program has already brought Ralph Williams out to a few stops out of state and he'll be in West Bloomfield in November. We've got a short list of two for our second speaker and I'm curious of everyone's thoughts on these two, particularly if you've had both (please indicate that in your comments if you did). Also, try to conceptualize what we're doing. This is for a one hour lecture (much like "The Last Lecture" series given by Professors who win the Golden Apple award). So while you may think one is a better professor than the other in a traditional semester long setting, the question posed is who can give the best one hour lecture.

The two being considered are:

1) Christopher Peterson - Psychology Department (and 2010 Golden Apple winner)

2) Bruce Conforth - American Studies Department (and former curator of the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame)

 

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April 25th, 2011 at 11:02 AM | Despite all appearances, I (Score:1)
Magnus
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Despite all appearances, I found not a single question in your post.

Twitter - Recruiting Update: May 13

April 25th, 2011 at 11:04 AM | I was (Score:1)
James Burrill Angell
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I was asking for former students thoughts on the two professors as we try to determine who to pick.

April 25th, 2011 at 11:16 AM | just giving you a hard time (Score:1)
Magnus
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I knew what you were getting at.  I just thought it was funny that there wasn't an actual question included.

Twitter - Recruiting Update: May 13

April 25th, 2011 at 11:07 AM | "We've got a short list of (Score:1)
QuarterbackU
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"We've got a short list of two for our second speaker and I'm curious of everyone's thoughts on these two, particularly if you've had both (please indicate that in your comments if you did)."

April 25th, 2011 at 8:08 PM | I agree with Magnus (Score:1)
DaytonBlue
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Grammatically speaking, where's the '?'?

April 26th, 2011 at 9:25 AM | just because there wasn't an interrogative (Score:1)
Jon06
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doesn't mean there wasn't a question.

RIP my avatar, June 14, 1998 - October 26, 2012.

April 25th, 2011 at 11:07 AM | I've heard excellent things (Score:1)
All Aboard
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I've heard excellent things about Conforth

ALL ABOARD THE A-TRAIN!!!!!

" ~ Herm "

April 25th, 2011 at 11:08 AM | ... (Score:1)
ypsituckyboy
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All that, and all you gave us was a 50/50 question? Boooooooooooooo!

I'm going to ignore your question and offer you suggestions for who to bring in as a speaker - Richard Mann who taught the self-graded course "Psychology and Spiritual Development." He spent most of the semester talking about what it's like, from a spiritual perspective, to use LSD.

If you're wondering what grade I gave myself - A. I was awesome.

April 25th, 2011 at 11:23 AM | Not sure how (Score:1)
James Burrill Angell
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Not sure how thats going to go over with the over-40 M alumni crowd that we typically attract with these things (generally LSD isn't big with the parent and grandparent crowd that drops some coin on functions like this) but I appreciate the enthusiasm towards the subject matter and loyalty to the professor and certainly curious to see what your future profession may be based on classes like this...perhaps a future Walter Bishop.

April 25th, 2011 at 11:46 AM | Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (Score:1)
Jasper
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Count Jasper among the older people that would be interested in that topic.

"500 channels and nothing but cats."

April 25th, 2011 at 12:04 PM | Thanks for bringing back memories of Mr. Mann (Score:1)
brose
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I loved that class...took it in the summer, we had class outside 50% of the time.  Homework included:  reading Sidartha (SP?), meditating for a few hours (not kidding), and writing a 5 page paper on anything you wanted (had to be original and not something you already did).  I Got to read a Pink Floyd song as a poem during class and yes, he knew Timothy Leary...

AWESOME MEMORIES..thanks

Oh and I also gave myself an "A"

April 25th, 2011 at 9:00 PM | I took that class in '97 and (Score:1)
maineandblue
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I took that class in '97 and it was a wonderful experience. I didn't put much work into it at all, and graded myself an A-. I'm quite sure that if I asked for an A Dick Mann (he actually preferred to be called "Dick Mann") would have obliged. I would have graduated with honors had I received an A instead of A- in that class. Oh well.

I also had Chris Peterson, and have spent time at conferences with him. Great guy, and great speaker.

April 25th, 2011 at 2:57 PM | Correction (Score:1)
profitgoblue
Joined: 09/01/2009
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Its "Winner, Winner SHEEN Dinner" not chicken dinner.

Also, FYI, your previous avatar was somehow more disturbing than your current, notwithstanding the fact that someone growing a horn out of their forehead is inherently disturbing.

 

Disgruntled former moderator.  I got a lot of problems with you people!

April 25th, 2011 at 9:44 PM | Your comment makes no sense (Score:1)
08mms
Joined: 07/02/2009
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Your comment makes no sense and everything from your avatar to you tag line quote is wierd. 

April 25th, 2011 at 11:13 AM | Conforth (Score:1)
douggoblue
Joined: 07/13/2009
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Is the man! And his class was super easy. Don't know the other guy, but Bruce would definitely be entertaining.

Numbers and Boats!

April 25th, 2011 at 11:17 AM | Conforth (Score:1)
JeepinBen
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He was absolutely amazing. I took his "History of American Popular Music" class my senior year, he was great. 

No experience with the other guy, but you will NOT go wrong with Bruce

"Over? Did you say, over? Nothing is over until we decide it is!"

April 25th, 2011 at 11:37 AM | BRUCE (Score:1)
JeremyB
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Definitely Bruce. Took his History of the Blues class and it was captivating from start to finish. I'm not sure what goes on in that man's head but it sure seems awesome.

April 25th, 2011 at 11:42 AM | Chris Peterson is incredible (Score:1)
expatriate
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I served on the LSA Curriculum Committee with him for a couple years back in 2007/2008, and he was engaging and truly seemed to care about the issues relating to the college.  At various events he has been engaging, honest, and straightforward, almost to the point of being blunt.  But he is a brilliant speaker and is capable of communicating in a way everyone can understand.

 

I have never heard your other potential speaker, but you can't go wrong with Chris Peterson.

BA 2009 LSA

April 25th, 2011 at 2:34 PM | (No subject) (Score:1)
YakAttack
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http://semichigansports.com

April 25th, 2011 at 7:50 PM | Yao Ming (Score:1)
Michigan4Life
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definitely has the best troll face.  It's going to be used forever!  Too bad about his injuries that happened to him in the last few years but it's normal for a guy in his size.  Great, great guy who plays the game the right way.

April 25th, 2011 at 12:02 PM | Haven't taken classes with either but (Score:1)
Beezy
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I have heard Bruce Conforth is a great professor, and if I had any space left in my schedule for non-required classes that make sure I graduate next year, I probably would take one of his classes.  His topic seems more entertaining and interesting for a general crowd.

Knock Knock

Who's there?

ZACK NOOOOOOVAK

April 25th, 2011 at 12:14 PM | Conforth (Score:1)
Hachgoblue
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Took two classes with him. History of Pop Music and a class about counter cultures that I can't remember the name of. He's great. 

Also, his hungry ghost story that he tells on the last day of class is pretty inspirational. One of my favorite U of M profs.

www.hellomediocrity.wordpress.com

April 25th, 2011 at 1:32 PM | Totally (Score:1)
frekulz1400
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I think you are talking about American Subculture Groups: Beatniks, Hippies, and Punks. It was an awesome class. I still carry the ghost card in my wallet and have told that story myself multiple times.

April 25th, 2011 at 9:45 PM | I heard an enormous number of (Score:1)
08mms
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I heard an enormous number of people rave about Beatniks, Hippies and Punks but never got to take it.

April 25th, 2011 at 12:26 PM | Chris Peterson (Score:1)
o0sleepyeyez
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I've taken classes from them both, but I've enjoyed Dr. Peterson's speaking more. His work may also be more relevant to more people. You should invite both speakers if you continue this nice series.

April 25th, 2011 at 1:12 PM | Bruce Conforth (Score:1)
sMarvin
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Conforth was an excellent lecturer. His class made my senior spring. Very passionate, very knowledgeable, and had a myriad of anecdotes and stories.

April 25th, 2011 at 1:19 PM | Jim Adams (Score:1)
Indefensible
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Best Professor Ever
 

“True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise - the other, loyalty.” Fielding Yost

April 25th, 2011 at 1:51 PM | I second, third, and fourth (Score:1)
ksnio
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I second, third, and fourth this.  Jim Adams ftw.

Well him and Conforth. 

April 25th, 2011 at 2:26 PM | Another vote for Bruce. I (Score:1)
MMBhorn
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Another vote for Bruce. I know him personally (never was able to take his class, unfortunately) and he is a killer storyteller and a super interesting guy to talk to. I can virtually guarantee he'll give a great lecture.

April 25th, 2011 at 3:07 PM | John U. Bacon. Golden apple (Score:1)
03 Blue 07
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John U. Bacon. Golden apple winner.

April 25th, 2011 at 4:47 PM | You need to consider Elliot (Score:1)
MGoBender
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You need to consider Elliot Solloway.  The guy is amazing - professor in Computer Science and the School of Education.  Owns his own business that makes educational software programs.

Routinely teaches the computer science senior design project course.  He.  Is. Amazing.

CoE Class of 2007

April 25th, 2011 at 9:32 PM | This* (Score:1)
1329 S. University
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*

Those Who Stay Will Be Champions

April 25th, 2011 at 5:05 PM | Conforth (Score:1)
Scotthany
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I had Conforth for two classes (Hippies, Beatniks, and Punks and American Folklore) at U of M and he was amazing.  As for the single lecture angle, Conforth's last lecture of the class is always great.  I still remember every bit and still have the two cards he handed me at the end of each course.

 

/Don't let the hungry ghosts get you.

April 25th, 2011 at 6:10 PM | This (Score:1)
Hyphen
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Your point about his last lecture is spot on. I still remember it very clearly as well, and my card is sitting next to me on my bookshelf. I had just read the Bardo Thodol for the first time before hearing this lecture, and I found it very moving.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bardo_Thodol

I miss the Arb.
April 25th, 2011 at 5:38 PM | (Score:1)
Lets_Go_Blue
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I saw Bacon's Last Lecture and he was incredible. I know he's not on the list, but should definitely be considered.

Football is both an identity and a terminal illness. A rhythm and a chaos and an opiate for the mind all at once.

     -Johnny Danbury (umichedme.blogspot.com)

April 25th, 2011 at 6:08 PM | Conforth was one of the best (Score:1)
Hyphen
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Conforth was one of the best professors I've ever had. I took Survey of American Folklore with him. Just a damn fine human being and fun to be in a classroom with. Played delta blues slide guitar for us in class and showed us a wide range of pop culture videos. His lectures were interactive, funny and engaging. David Moosman was in my class and Bruce gave him a bunch of shit every week (this is when he started playing at center). Bruce was very likeable and he seems like a great person to have doing this kind of community outreach.

I miss the Arb.
April 25th, 2011 at 7:52 PM | Had Conforth (Score:1)
Michigan4Life
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for History of American Popular Music.  Not a difficult class but his lectures are entertaining.  He truly made it fun and interesting for us to learn about the history of music.

April 26th, 2011 at 3:44 AM | BRUCE! (Score:1)
ameed
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Conforth for sure. I took his "American Subcultural Movements: Beatniks, Hippies, and Punks"

 

 Unreal that was even a class, but it was amazing.

Excellence is Good

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